From Swim Meets to Credit Unions: A Culture Story

On a humid June weekend, our neighborhood swim team – the smallest in the entire league – showed up for Divisionals. As I watching the parade of teams with our kids marching in pink tiger-striped speedo, something clicked.

It wasn’t about the win. It never really was.

We were decked out in our 'Welcome to the Jungle' theme – full-on tiger-striped speedos and all – channeling our inner Guns N’ Roses. We trailed behind a parade of Hogwarts look-alikes and alien costumes. 

Our section was, as usual, the smallest. But if you'd looked closely, you'd see something powerful: a group that knew exactly who they were. Not flashy, not the loudest, but completely united.

That’s when I realized: this is the culture credit unions need to fight for.

This is what makes the small mighty.

The Culture That Sticks

At our end-of-season banquet, we give out paper plates. Each one scribbled with a funny, heartfelt, or downright ridiculous award – a swimmer’s nickname, a running joke, a quiet nod to a personal best. We share loaded nachos and stories. We honor our seniors – five of them, more than any other team in our division.

Most importantly, we named the recipient of the Sawyer Summerlin Award – given in memory of a swimmer who passed away far too young but left behind a spirit that still moves our team five years later. That’s not a prize. That’s a legacy. And every kid knows it.

When it came to announcing how we did in Divisionals as a team, we came in dead last in total points. But we came in second in quality points, a metric that recognizes how much each individual swimmer contributes. Forty-two percent of our swimmers made it to Championships and Classics – the elite meets for the league’s best. No other team had a higher percentage. Not one.

That means something.

Because while others may chase size, we’re chasing substance.

The Credit Union Connection

Credit unions, like our swim team, often operate under the radar. Small budgets. Tight teams. Limited resources.

But they have something that the biggest banks often don’t:

• Community
• Tradition
• Shared ownership
• Fun

And just like a good swim team, a great credit union thrives on the things that don’t always show up on the scoreboard:

• A new member who finally feels seen.
• An employee who looks forward to Monday.
• Traditions that bonds people year after year.

What Are You Building?

Ask yourself:

• What traditions are you leaning into?
• What stories are you telling?
• What inside jokes make your team laugh?
• What awards – paper plates or otherwise – could make someone’s day?
• How are you making work something people want to be part of?

Because here's the truth: when the culture is strong, the scoreboard matters less. The right people stay. The mission spreads. The wins – however you define them – start to show up in unexpected places.

Championing Kindness Over Credit Scores

In the end, we had coaches glowing about their swimmers. Kids cheering for each other across lanes. Seniors showing up when quitting would’ve been easier, because let’s be honest, ghosting is practically a teen sport.

We weren’t chasing trophies. We were chasing each other’s potential.

That’s what the best credit unions do, too. Not being the biggest, but being the most impactful instead.

It’s about creating a place where members feel like family, where employees grow into leaders, and where the little things you do become the glue.

Be the Team People Want to Belong To

My daughter made it to Championships this year. First time in three years. She also coached others who made it too. 

She grew. She gave. And she had fun doing it.

That’s the win. And I'm incredibly proud of her.

So, if you’re a credit union leader reading this, remember:

The scoreboard doesn’t always reflect the soul of your team.

But your culture does.

Be small. Be mighty. Be unforgettable.

As Vice President of Brand Experience for Your Marketing Co., Frank Allgood works with credit unions to develop strong leaders, create effective training programs, and build powerful brands. Want to connect? Call 864.326.8740 or email frank@yourmarketingco.com.