ACU Employee Spotlight: Getting to know Jesse Funk

The ACU Employee Spotlight series features some of the many people that work at the credit union, highlighting how their unique roles help members and the community every day.

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In this ACU employee spotlight, we talk to Jesse Funk, Wealth Advisor with Aviso Wealth, who helps members strategize their financial needs and goals. By guiding members with a collaborative approach and open dialogue, he can help get members on the right track.

Keep reading to learn more about Jesse’s career journey and his take on the future of our financial community.

Getting to know Jesse:

Question (Q): How long have you worked at ACU?

I have been working in the finance industry since 2012, and have worked at ACU since early 2018.

Q. Describe a “day in the life” of your role.

There’s always a lot of member interaction, whether in person, by Zoom, email or phone. I complete agendas in preparation for appointments, update pipelines and tasks, complete investment reviews, proposals and create financial plans.

I also work alongside a lot of team members. For example, I regularly work with managers and colleagues at the branch level, helping each other in our roles and financial literacy.

Q. What is your favourite part of working at ACU?

I am lucky to have great colleagues at the branch level, and I enjoy the camaraderie. On top of this, I have many great members who I have built relationships with and I enjoy helping them strategize their financial goals.

Q. What’s a great financial tip you learned over the years that was a surprising help?

Start saving early, invest appropriately and stick to the plan. It’s easier to handle the volatile times working with a knowledgeable advisor to guide you and keep you on track.

I’ve also learned to keep things simple. If you can’t get to the point in a reasonable period of time, you’re likely confusing others and yourself.

Helping others kick-start their careers.

Q. How did you get started in the financial industry?

I started working as a financial advisor for the Royal Bank of Canada in 2012. After several years there, I moved on to ACU.

Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a job like yours, and why would you encourage others to work at ACU?

My role requires someone willing to learn and take some courses outside of work hours, but most importantly to be patient with others and to be a good teacher.

You must have an ability to simplify complex financial ideas and tasks — that’s such an important part of the job.

However, what may be most important is having the ability to establish trust and credibility with members. After all, others are trusting you with their money and financial futures.

The future of our community

Q. How have you seen members make improvements in their financial lives?

I deal with a lot of members at the branch who are nearing retirement as well as those already in retirement. I enjoy seeing it when members feel comfortable knowing they can retire or have a path ahead of them that they understand will get them where they wish to be with their finances.

This is exciting for members, as people are much more engaged when they can see a likely financial path ahead.

Q. Why would you encourage people to become an ACU member?

At ACU, we have knowledgeable staff in many roles who can support members, their family and friends. We also have a great network of branches and teams that work together and ensure that our members’ needs are met.

Q. What’s the most exciting thing in the future of credit unions?

I believe that credit unions are positioning themselves more and more to be leaders in wealth and financial planning. We have already achieved significant growth here, but there’s an even brighter horizon for credit unions. We’re poised to be very competitive with a lot of untapped potential!

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If you’re interested in speaking with Jesse, get in touch with him directly at 204.958.8691 or by email at jfunk@acu.ca.

To speak with any other member of ACU Wealth about your finances, call us at 204.958.8588 (toll-free at 1.877.958.8588) or book an appointment online.

Wealth care: “An apple a day” applies to your finances, too.

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