How A Credit Union Lifer Scales Impact With Fintech

What if the best way to serve members one-on-one is to scale their guidance to thousands? That’s the question we explore with Homebot’s Nicole Herrick, a credit union veteran who moved from the teller line and branch leadership to a fintech seat where impact multiplies. We dig into how “people helping people” becomes a practical strategy in mortgage lending, why credit unions scrutinize technology differently, and how vendors can genuinely support member outcomes without losing the human touch.

Nicole shares the journey from community-first banking to platforms that deliver personalized homeowner insights at scale. We talk about speaking the credit union language, aligning tools to culture, and measuring success by loyalty, retention, and clarity for members navigating equity, affordability, and timing. Expect straight talk on vendor fit, the patience required for two- to three-year relationship cycles, and the power of authentic partnerships that outlast budget shifts. Along the way, we trade stories about career pivots, purpose, and the small choices that build trust inside lending teams and across communities.

You’ll come away with a clear playbook: connect features to member value, prioritize education through the mortgage life cycle, and choose partners who match your cadence, not just your price point. You’ll also meet the human behind the role, family-fueled motivation, a home that doubles as a friendly “petting zoo,” and a sense of fun. Subscribe now, share this episode with a colleague who sells to or leads within a credit union, and leave a review to tell us your best long-game win.