40-Year Investment Services Veteran Believes 'Everyone Deserves' Financial Planning

Name: Paul Krus

Credit union: Tinker Federal Credit Union ($6 billion, Oklahoma City, Okla.)

Title: SVP, Supervisory Principal, TFS

Age: 63

Number of years at current credit union: Six months

Educational background: Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan.

CU Times: What are your key responsibilities in your current role?

Krus: In my current role as SVP Supervisory Principal at Tinker Federal Credit Union Financial Advisors, I manage the ongoing operational compliance, sales and strategy for our investment and insurance planning services. I champion our efforts to provide solid financial guidance to our members, ensuring they have access to comprehensive retirement planning. Looking ahead, with the right team in place, I aim to expand our footprint, helping our members with their generational legacy planning. Our goal is to not only support their financial needs today but also to secure their household’s financial future for generations to come.

CU Times: What drew you to the credit union industry?

Krus: I was drawn to the credit union industry by Tinker Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Oklahoma. As I researched further, I discovered the unique spirit in which credit unions operate, always prioritizing the well-being of their members. Our number one objective is to do the very best for the members we serve. What truly resonated with me was the credit union motto of “people helping people,” which embodies our commitment to support and uplift our members and the community.

CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?

Krus: I have over 40 years of experience in the investment field. Having been on the front lines through many changes in the world and the financial industry, I offer a deep understanding and adaptability that is crucial in this ever-evolving sector.

My passion lies in the belief that everyone deserves to have a financial planning conversation. I have never met anyone who doesn’t aspire to retire someday, and the earlier one starts, the better. A common misconception is that you need to have a set amount of money to begin retirement planning. Many people think they can’t afford to start because they live paycheck to paycheck. Our goal is to plant the seed for financial planning, even if they decide to start within the next five years. It’s about understanding the basics of managing your money and taking those first steps toward a secure financial future.

CU Times: Which person (or people) do you credit the most for helping and supporting you along your career journey?

Krus: I credit my immediate supervisor, Connie Wall, for her significant support and guidance. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with people who recognized my unique qualities and allowed me to be myself, rather than trying to shape me into someone I am not. Their belief in me and their willingness to let me pursue my passion for what I do have been instrumental in my growth. Whether the experiences were good or bad, I learned valuable lessons from the opportunities provided by these supportive individuals.

CU Times: What are some of the biggest differences between working in your current executive level role and your previous, non-executive roles?

Krus: In my previous non-executive roles, I was a commission salesperson responsible for my own paycheck. My focus was on earning a living to pay my bills, which required a personal hustle, drive and desire. I made extra calls, worked late evenings and weekends, and took full responsibility for my own success, all while maintaining the trust of the clients that I worked with.

When I transitioned to an executive role, the scope of my responsibilities expanded significantly. I became responsible for the success of other financial advisors who were in roles similar to my previous position. This shift means I now take personal responsibility for coaching, helping and encouraging my team to do the very best for the clients they serve. Their success is a reflection of my leadership, and I am deeply committed to supporting and guiding them to achieve their and our clients’ goals.

CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?

Krus: When I first joined the executive team, I was new and replaced someone who had been with the organization for over 30 years. I didn’t know anyone on the team, so building trust was a significant challenge. To overcome this, I focused on how I could complement my team by removing obstacles from their path and helping them succeed. I aimed to create an inclusive environment by being genuine and drawing from my own experiences. Instead of just telling my team what to do, I demonstrated my commitment and support through my actions, which helped establish trust and foster a collaborative atmosphere.

CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?

Krus: I would describe my leadership style as 100% transparent and authentic, with a strong emphasis on positivity. I believe it’s OK to fail, as long as we learn from our mistakes and continually strive to improve. My approach is to foster an open and supportive environment where my team feels empowered to take risks and grow both personally and professionally.

CU Times: What are some lessons you’ve learned over your career concerning how to communicate well with others? And, do you approach communication differently depending on the generation of the recipient (boomer, Gen X, millennial and Gen Z)?

Krus: The most important lesson I’ve learned is to always put myself in the shoes of the person I’m communicating with. I strive to treat everyone as I would want to be treated if our roles were reversed. Being genuine and authentic every day is key.

When it comes to different generations, I maintain an open mind and adapt my communication style to fit the audience. Each generation has unique preferences and perspectives, and it’s essential to be flexible and adopt new methods of communication to stay relevant and effective.

CU Times: What are some ways in which you achieve work/life balance, set boundaries and/or avoid burnout at work?

Krus: For me, family is everything. When I’m at work, I’m fully committed and work as long and hard as needed. However, when I go home, I take off my work hat and my family becomes my priority. Our lake house serves as a family oasis, providing a space to reset and refocus on what truly matters in life. This time away helps me maintain a healthy balance and prevents burnout, allowing me to return to work refreshed and reenergized.

CU Times: What’s next for you on your executive career journey? Do you have any specific career goals you’re working toward?

Krus: The primary career goal I have in mind is to continue where I am, as this is the last place I want to be before I retire. My focus is on how I can help grow opportunities at TFCU for our members. I am dedicated to enhancing our services and ensuring that we provide the best possible support and guidance for our members’ financial futures.

CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community?

Krus: Currently, we help over 2,500 households, and my goal is to increase this number to 5,000-plus in the near future. By doing so, we can help even more of our members create generational wealth. With TFCU Financial Advisors being around for over 30 years, we have the potential to make an even greater impact on our members. Our sole job is to ensure that members are aware of their options and the support available to them, empowering them to secure a successful financial future.

CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Krus: I would tell my younger self to pursue professional designations earlier in my career. Achieving certifications like the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) early on can differentiate you from your peers and provide a strong foundation for your future. Once you have a family and are further along in your career, it becomes much harder to find the time and energy for these pursuits. I appreciate that colleges now offer courses and opportunities for young professionals to achieve these milestones sooner. Enjoy the journey!

Would you or someone you know like to share your journey to credit union leadership? Please reach out to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com. To qualify, the individual must be a part of a credit union’s leadership team or C-suite, and have a compelling story to share about their rise to their current leadership role.