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THE CODE OF THE WEST

What Credit Unions can learn from the words of Writer Zane Grey
  • Live each day with courage
  • Take pride in your work
  • Always finish what you start
  • Do what has to be done
  • Be tough, but fair
  • When you make a promise, keep it
  • Ride for the brand
  • Talk less and say more
  • Remember that some things aren’t for sale
  • Know where to draw the line

Over the years, experience has revealed success is fueled by defining your:

Purpose

Your reason for why you exist

Passion

When you pursue your passion, you will not only like where you end up but enjoy the journey along the way

Persistence

A continuance on a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition

Pride

A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from accomplishments achieved personally and as a team

Obtaining & Maintaining Perspective...

On this trail ride we call life, you will always be starting new chapters both personally and professionally. Ask yourself key questions: What are your goals and objectives? How do you plan to get there? What needs to change? Always take time to gain perspective! Be purposeful in your decisions, then saddle up and let those spurs Just Jingle Jangle Jingle!

We have been blessed to work with over 400 credit unions from $1MM to over $1B in assets, located in 9 states (AR, OK, TX, NM, UT, ND, SD, LA, CA) and 2 foreign countries (Barbados & Jamaica). 

Not Our
First
Rodeo

Howard Bufe
CEO/President

Bio

Howard has over 40 years of financial services experience. He has served as consultant, strategist, strategic planning facilitator, trainer, ALM (Asset/Liability Management) Analyst and League Representative for the Cornerstone Credit Union League for over 16 years (2002-2018). He has served as a faculty member of the Southwest CUNA Management School and has provided consultation and training for management and staff of both the Barbados and Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union Leagues.  In addition to his credit union experience, Howard has served as assistant controller of a $350MM Savings and Loan, accountant with a $3B Savings and Loan and 13 years with the Office of Thrift Supervision as financial analyst and trainer.

Lorri Gaither
Senior Development Strategist

Bio

Lorri has over 20 years of experience serving credit unions with a special focus on small credit union growth and development.  Prior to 4PJ Consulting, Lorri held positions as a Senior Development Strategist for a CUSO and Vice President of Operations and Engagement for the Cornerstone Credit Union League.  Lorri attended Southwest CUNA Management School and has earned several professional designations, including the National Credit Union Foundation’s Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE).  She was also named a Credit Union Rock Star by Credit Union Magazine and was awarded on of the League’s highest honors, the Heusman Award, for her dedication and service to Cornerstone credit unions.

OUR PARTNERS

CU*Answers is a 50-year old Cooperative CUSO that is equally owned by more than 140 credit unions across the country.  Their flagship product, CU*BASE, is a state-of-the-art core data processing system that combines the best of member information databases, marketing tools, analytics, flexible configuration and member-facing technology into an effective suite for its customer-owners.  CU*Answers prides itself on disruptive pricing, access to tools that all credit unions can need for survival and shared execution resources for business continuity. CU*BASE is utilized by more than 300 credit unions nationally, ranging from under $1M in assets to over $1B.  

Providing credit unions an affordable choice for group and employee benefit plans. Providing credit unions employee benefits such as:

  • Health
  • Life
  • Vision
  • Dental

These plans are level-funding for lower fixed and claims cost. Resulting in affordability, accessibility and flexibility. 

Want to learn more about our partners? Contact Us