BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–The Millennial CEO of a credit union has been featured on Forbes.com.
Jared Freeman, who took over as president of Alabama State Employees Credit Union when he was 27, was featured as part of an interview on what Millennials can do to prepare themselves for leadership positions.
Freeman shared that he had been working at the credit union from the time he was 16 when he participated in a “work release program” through his high school, when he was able to leave early for his job at ASECU.
“I left at 12:30 every day to go to work,” Freeman told Forbes, “and I would work until 5:30 or 6. This program wasn’t the most popular thing on campus, but I did what I had to do.”
In response, the Forbes analysis stated, “Those who are looking to advance their career may focus too much on popular programs and trends, yet sometimes the best opportunity is the least popular one. Millennials looking to advance their career should look in unlikely places for ways to achieve their goals.”
Once at work, Freeman said he soon discovered the value of asking questions, staying late, and “showing you are interested,” which Forbes summed up as “initiative.”
Freeman also worked hard at continuing his education, including earning an MBA, which required some flexible scheduling.
Forbes reported that during Freeman’s first year at the $244-million CU it experienced a 250% increase in income.
“Our main issue was a culture of complacency,” Freeman told Forbes. “Every policy has been rewritten.”
One policy change involves the bonus program. The previous program focused on longevity. The new program focuses on a “pay for production” model that is paid monthly as employees achieve goals. Those not eligible this program are eligible for a bonus plan, Forbes reported.