Fireside Talk with Our CEO: Moving the Headquarters for a Stronger, More Progressive Credit Union
On October 1st, 2017, Anheuser-Busch Employees’ Credit Union purchased 423 Lynch Street for its new headquarters location, about six blocks away from its 1001 Lynch Street location.
After months meeting with designers on what the final look and feel of the credit union offices and branch renovations would be, CEO, Bob McKay, shares his thoughts on the move and future goals for the credit union.
A look at the open air office environment.
K: It’s been a few days since we’ve moved in and everyone is getting settled, including yourself. What’s the most exciting part about this move for you?
BM: There’s an energy in this building right now. For me, this [new building] represents the future. It’s a chance to invest in our business, invest in our growth. This move shows the community we’re a stronger, more progressive organization. It’s a really special time for us.
K: How do you believe this move will help advance the culture at the credit union?
BM: The emphasis on providing a workspace where we can encourage collaboration between departments was a big one. It was a big part of our strategy when it came to making the final decision where to move our headquarters. We want departments to interact, and now we have a space where they can do that.
ABECU promotional items, giveaways, and photos from previous years displayed.
K: What do you think is a challenge facing us today as a financial institution, and how has moving our main branch positioned us for success?
BM: Our industry is going through a huge change. From technology to new competition to expectations of our members and what they expect in a financial institution are developing at a rapid pace. So there’s specific parts of our business we have to continue to invest in—be it technology or member experience.
And at the same time, recognize we’re in a risk management business. We’ve got to make sure we’re doing the right things and have the proper guardrails in place.
To me, this building—while it’s just a building—represents where we need to invest the most in our organization. Making sure we have the right people, the right tools, and the right technologies, to meet the challenges we’re going to face in the future.
Another challenge, is making advancements while respecting our heritage. Our organization is really proud of our heritage and traditions, which we rightfully should be. We’re faced with aligning heritage and modern technology to continue to do the right things for our members.
K: We’re balancing technology advancements, while improving our culture and respecting our heritage.
BM: Absolutely. Our heritage is what makes us different. Why we exist, our purpose, reason for being, that’s the DNA of this organization and the heart of what makes us special. But at the same time the world is changing and evolving, we have to stay up to date and have the right processes to make sure we stay relevant for the future.
K: Just a fun question—what’s your favorite new function of this building?
BM: I like taking our stairs and seeing the view of the Arch and downtown. I love that all of our employees have access to sunlight. I think buying your lunch with a thumbprint is really cool. And I’m really excited about our new branch opening. I think it’s going to provide a new experience for our members that’s going to be really exciting.
K: Let’s talk about the new branch. What are some features you think members will appreciate the most of this location?
BM: It’s designed around the idea of establishing better relationships with our members. There’s lots of spaces for personal conversations with our members combined with new technology to better assist them. You’ll see a lot of opportunity when you walk into the branch.
The ABECU new 423 Lynch Street branch location officially opened on Monday, August 20th and will have a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 29th.
