We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Account Executive Jeff Terry. We thought you would enjoy getting to know his journey to his current role and learn a bit more about his passion for serving credit unions.

What was your career journey up to this position?

After college I worked for Farmers Insurance as a Physical Damage Estimator managing a territory of body shops in Northwest corner of IL. This position not only changed my driving habits, it led to my role with Liberty Mutual Group. Upon moving to Madison, WI, I joined the personal lines agency team for Liberty Mutual Group. During this tenure I was introduced to CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage). Liberty Mutual and CUNA Mutual had just inked the partnership which is now the Consumer Insurance auto/home program. As part of the launch, two of us agents conduced weeklong insurance education sessions for employees at CUNA Mutual Group, helping them take advantage of the affinity discounts. It was one of these policyholders that called me one day and asked if I’d like to help credit unions grow auto loans. At the time I didn’t know what that meant however I responded with a resounding, “you have a great company, I’d like to learn more”.  This led me to joining the first of two product teams here at TruStage. First position helped credit unions recapture auto loans. Second position provided credit unions a channel to insure auto loans against default. During my second product team I worked on a couple projects for the manager that hired me into this role, over 16 years ago.

I know you love waterskiing. How did that hobby start?

Ha ha….   that’s a really good question. Not exactly sure how it started however it has always been a passion of mine.  Can share this, have water skied in two other countries and eight states here in the U.S.  Yep, I travel with my ski, just like some travel with golf clubs. Here’s something not many know, not even my mom at the time. I used my college graduation surprise party money to buy my first boat. Yep, didn’t tell anyone, just bought a boat and towed it to my buddy’s dads house in WI. When I arrived he wasn’t home, this was well before cell phones. Looking back, that was a crazy move. Currently on my third boat. You know that saying, a person’s best day is when they buy and when they sell their boat? Well, I’ve been without a boat for three days since I graduated college = worst three days of my life. Ha ha….  All that said, waterskiing has introduced me to the most amazing people with this same passion. I am beyond blessed with strong fellowship across numerous states and amazing experiences as result of water skiing.

You had a big health situation a few years ago. How has that shaped your approach to working with your client credit unions?

As you may recall, that health issue stopped me in my tracks, for well over a year. That episode forced me to take stock of what is truly important in life. Value of work life balance and mental health. If I feel myself losing focus in what really matters, I still have a box of get-well cards (large percent from credit union friends in MT), I simply look at that box and my focus corrects. Credit union friends that knew me before this occurred tell me I’m now much calmer, happier, and even more passionate in my approach to serving them.

You have always been a supporter of our MCUCD Ugly Sweater fundraiser and make a generous donation each year. What causes are near and dear to you in your personal life?

First, thank you to the MCUCD for always accepting my usually lame ugly sweater photos. It is such a fun event for a great cause. Make-a-Wish is near and dear to me and our family. Being on the receiving end of their ‘relentless and creative giving’, they are truly an amazing organization. Much like your support for Shodair Children’s Hospital, our family also supports local children’s hospitals. Have had the opportunity to support both Make-a-Wish and a children’s hospital on air during radiothon events.

What is your favorite request or call to get from one of your credit unions?

My favorite call is when a CEO tells me their board has approved expanding their product partnership with TruStage. Half kidding of course. When credit unions call prior to making major decisions; whether it’s a new product launch, staff benefit or challenge, construction project, or something similar, this is when TruStage can do our best consultative work. We can provide expertise and support to ensure they are considering important risk mitigation and other elements relevant to their situation, potentially not their radar.