The Eltropy Exchange

Eltropy

Welcome to The Eltropy Exchange Podcast, where leaders in community financial institutions connect, learn, and stay ahead. Each episode features candid conversations with industry executives and experts, exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping CFIs today—from AI and digital transformation to evolving customer expectations. We provide actionable insights and strategies to help your institution grow and compete. Join us for engaging discussions that inform, challenge, and inspire—one conversation at a time.

  1. Mike Bridges on the Power of Storytelling, Advocacy, and Empathy in Credit Union Marketing

    09/11/2025

    Mike Bridges on the Power of Storytelling, Advocacy, and Empathy in Credit Union Marketing

    In this episode of The Eltropy Exchange, Michael Pupil sits down with Mike Bridges, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Five Star Credit Union, for a conversation that spans from covering national sporting events to leading marketing at a credit union. Mike shares his unique journey from a 17-year career in television, where he covered everything from the Stanley Cup to the Country Music Awards, to his current role transforming member engagement at a credit union.  Mike explains how the principles of storytelling he learned in journalism—creating a beginning, a middle, and an end—are essential for effective marketing campaigns today. He shares how Five Star Credit Union is using a modern, multi-channel approach to social media, focusing on keywords and audience demographics rather than traditional peer-based marketing. The discussion also covers the critical role of advocacy, building relationships with legislators, and how credit unions can make a tangible impact beyond being just a logo. Finally, Mike shares powerful stories of empathy in action, highlighting Five Star’s foundation and its “Express Loan” program as a compassionate alternative to predatory payday loans.  This episode is a masterclass in connecting with people, demonstrating how thinking differently and leading with a “people helping people” mindset can drive both member engagement and community impact. Featured Links Five Star ads for a specialty debit card that accompanied radio ads for a local high school Five Star Credit UnionFive Star Credit Union on FacebookFive Star Credit Union on YouTube

    1h 1m

About

Welcome to The Eltropy Exchange Podcast, where leaders in community financial institutions connect, learn, and stay ahead. Each episode features candid conversations with industry executives and experts, exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping CFIs today—from AI and digital transformation to evolving customer expectations. We provide actionable insights and strategies to help your institution grow and compete. Join us for engaging discussions that inform, challenge, and inspire—one conversation at a time.