Reaching New Markets Together
Over the past 25 years, HOPE has grown from a single location serving 55 counties and parishes to 31 locations covering five states. Growth has come from opening new locations, moving into areas other financial institutions have left behind, and merging with existing credit unions.
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Eric Nettles has built a successful career as a regional account manager for Xerox, managing a five-state area from his home base in Montgomery, Alabama.
A talented singer, Nettles occasionally performs at a music club in his hometown. One his favorite numbers is Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much,” but as Nettles discovered during a visit to the new HOPE location in Montgomery, that song title should not apply to interest rates.
“I was banking with another institution when a friend suggested I stop by HOPE,” Nettles says. “The representative there took one look at my car loan and said, ‘With your credit score, I cannot believe you’re being charged this high interest rate.’ I always just looked at it as apply for the loan, get approved, and move on. HOPE showed me the difference a lower interest rate based on my excellent credit would make. I realized I was basically being robbed.”
Nettles refinanced his car through HOPE at a much lower rate, and eventually moved all of his business, including a line of credit and pre-approval for a new mortgage loan, to HOPE. In addition to lower interest rates and better service, HOPE has given Nettles the knowledge and awareness he needs to more efficiently manage his money.
“HOPE has helped me more in a few weeks than anyone else has in all of my 47 years,” Nettles says. “I don’t look at my finances the same way now. HOPE helped me take control of my finances, and by doing that, they’ve changed my life and the lives of my wife and our children.”
Nettles still performs “Never Too Much,” but he’s also added another favorite to his repertoire. He’s reminded of his relationship with Hope Credit Union every time he croons Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.”