Behind the Scenes at ABECU: Meet Kory Kunze
Kory Kunze has been a part of the financial industry for twenty years, holding various positions, including: teller, credit analyst, and strategic advisor. This year, Kory is officially part of the credit union movement at Anheuser-Busch Employees’ Credit Union (ABECU) as the VP of Product Management.
He’s lived in the St. Louis area for twenty years—in my book that means you’re practically a St. Louis native—with his wife and two children, ages 12 and 8. While it’s clear Kory is an active family man and large supporter of making the St. Louis community a better place by working at the credit union, we wanted to learn more about him.
Tell us about your work experience.
Kory Kunze (KK): I’ve been in the financial industry for more than 20 years. I started as a teller in college, became a credit analyst after college (Mizzou) at a bank. While I was there, I did everything from consumer and commercial lending to operations, and eventually ran one of their metro-east markets. I followed this position working for some financial consulting firms as a strategic advisor, before returning to banking as a Product Manager. Now I’m at ABECU and here to stay.
Kory pictured with his wife and two daughters during an employee appreciation day at ABECU.
Tell us about your home life and what you like to do in your free time.
KK: Well, my two daughters are avid soccer players, violinists, super creative and my wife is a teacher, photographer, and bandmate—so we stay busy. I play guitar and have always been in one band or another since graduating from Mizzou.
Other than that, you’ll find us at Table Rock Lake, boating and wakeboarding, or hiking trails in St. Louis or beyond. We’ve been in the St. Louis area for more than 20 years.
One topping that has no business being on a pizza?
KK: Sacrilege! This is pizza we’re talking about… anything is good on pizza.
What obstacles would be included in the World’s most amazing obstacle course?
KK: Here we go:
A really long, twisty water slide (bonus points if it’s like Goonies)
A high-diving board
Car-sized rolling marshmallows
People trying to tackle you in panda suits
A section where you have to pass three levels of Donkey Kong or Galaga
A lightsaber duel on a narrow bridge
Rope swings
Zip lines
And lots of trees on a beautiful mountain.
Have you ever seen Most Extreme Challenge? I’d love to do one of those courses.
What movie always makes you laugh?
KK: Super Troopers
If you could have an all-expenses paid trip to see any famous world monument, which monument would you choose? Why?
KK: Most of them are in our own “backyard”... I love mountains, lakes, and hiking, so I’d rather visit national parks and get in the wilderness than see man-made monuments.
How comfortable are you speaking in front of a large group of people?
KK: Pretty comfortable now. Back in high school? Different story.
What did you last Google?
KK: Galaga. The spelling looked off.
And what exactly does a VP of Product Management do?
KK: As VP of Product Management, I’m responsible for our deposit strategy for our members to give them an experience that empowers them to achieve their goals, while providing growth for our credit union.
Members of the credit union are part of the ABECU and Divisions family. Check out our pages.
