MAX Credit Union CEO Martin Head’s first steps on his career path were not particularly focused. Unsure what he wanted to do after college, he went to work for a bank, assuming his exposure to a variety of businesses would help him reach a decision. Instead, he realized he loved finding financial solutions for individuals and businesses and that the financial services industry was where he wanted to make his future. So, he did, working in banking for 20 years before joining the MAX Credit Union team just over a decade ago.
How many employees does MAX Credit Union have in the River Region? Currently, MAX Credit Union has 15 locations in the River Region where we employ just over 300 employees.
What are MAX Credit Union’s primary services? I think most are familiar with MAX Credit Union’s great rates on car loans as well as other consumer loans, along with our fantastic deposit products, which include checking accounts, savings, money markets, certificates and IRA’s. Over the last several years, MAX Credit Union has really ramped up our commercial area as well as our residential mortgage departments. On the commercial side, we can offer just about any business-related product or service any business in the River Region would need. On the residential mortgage side, we offer conventional, FHA, VA and USDA mortgages, and we service all of the mortgages we originate, so if there is ever a problem you call MAX Credit Union, not an out-of-town mortgage company.
In addition, we now offer a full-service wealth management service, MAX Credit Union Wealth Management, and MAX Credit Union Insurance Services, which offers home, auto, life and insurance products.
What are the duties and responsibilities of your position as President/CEO? My primary responsibility is developing the vision and strategy for continued growth, while maintaining the strong sustainable financial position that MAX Credit Union enjoys today. In addition to that, I always look for ways to invest in our people and our community to ensure our members are getting the best products and services possible.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? One of the most rewarding parts of my job is to see a project through from beginning to end that has a direct impact on our members. I also still really enjoy getting out in the community talking to customers and looking at projects we are financing.
What is the main challenge facing your industry right now? Well, obviously the pandemic is causing us to reevaluate our business model, which includes processes and service delivery. In addition, meeting the digital experience expectations of members is a big challenge.
What specific challenges has MAX Credit Union faced related to COVID-19? The pandemic has certainly created challenges for us this year, but our team at MAX Credit Union stepped up to make sure the member experience has stayed safe, secure and dependable. Remote work and operating with closed branch lobbies for several months was certainly an interesting twist. I think the most challenging and at the same time most rewarding, thing has been working with members who lost their job through no fault of their own get through the financial difficulties caused by COVID-19.
What is your impression of Montgomery’s current business climate? Montgomery has a tremendous opportunity for growth in the business community. Our workforce development initiatives coupled with Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and TechMGM providing IT training offers Montgomery businesses a well-rounded labor force. Obviously, our public education needs some work, and it has to remain a priority. I know Mayor Reed is working on his plans to help build and strengthen our community and economy for the 21st century. I am hopeful his vision will equip Montgomery for the road ahead, and MAX Credit Union is here to help anyway we can.
