Guest: Joe Mirachi

Joe and Mark talk about the state of the industry and what we see on the horizon. Joe also gives a profile of his strategy for investing in CUSOs and what he looks for in a CUSO investment.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [01:51] Joe shares his background and journey to where he is today. 
  • [04:01] Mark and Joe agree that it is a disservice to an employee to specialize in an area as opposed to learning the entire strategy of a Credit Union. 
  • [06:30] Joe says being flexible in mindset and where you live expands your opportunities. 
  • [09:20] Joe discusses CUSOs and why he sees it as a growth strategy. 
  • [14:25] Joe explains why the business units and other interdepartmental teams are so important.
  • [19:34] Joe shares the importance of constant learning and integrity and how he would advise someone who desires to be a CEO.
  • [24:29] Joe talks about his experience moving to Launch and discusses liquidity in the industry and how to rectify that problem. 
  • [31:33] Joe makes guesses on interest rates; he discusses the shrinking labor force and states that succession planning is critical for the organization. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • CUSOs allow you to compete with larger competitors and are a way to scale business.
  • A CEO must communicate to their team that when they propose an idea, it doesn’t automatically require execution; instead, it’s something they wish to deliberate with the team.
  • Understanding the culture of a new office you transition to is essential. Inquire about the reasons behind their established practices rather than making immediate changes because they differ from your previous approach. 

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter – Website

Joe Mirachi – LinkedIn

BIO:

Joe Mirachi is a credit union veteran who has served as the CEO of Launch CU in Florida for the last eleven years. Before Launch, Joe served as the CEO and held other executive roles at credit unions in New Mexico. Launch CU, and Joe is an industry leader in investing and assisting in CUSOs.

Mark Ritter is the CEO of MBFS and an expert in credit unions and business lending. His primary role at MBFS is overseeing the strategy of helping credit unions assist members with business needs and consulting with credit unions on planning the delivery of services to their membership.