Friendly Faces of Vision: Alan Wells
Wainwright, Alberta
“Nothing gives me a better feeling than when a member calls me up, even if it’s 5:30 on a Friday, just to check in.”
With the recent merger of Vision and Encompass, our credit union family grew a great deal bigger! At Vision, we feel lucky to welcome so many amazing new colleagues into the fold, and we’re excited to introduce them.
Anyone who’s worked with Alan Wells, Ag Commercial Account Manager at the Wainwright branch, knows what it means to make hard work look easy. He started his career in financial institutions almost 40 years ago, so the world of lending, advising and day-to-day banking is second nature to him.
Alan also has a uniquely open approach to his work and the people he meets. He is kind, patient and easygoing, making him feel more like an old friend than an account manager.
That and the deep appreciation he has for rural living mean Alan is right where he should be, doing just what he was meant to do – helping members in the rural credit union system.
Read on to learn about Alan’s journey, his role at the credit union, and his unique approach to his work.
Did you grow up in the Wainwright area?
I’m originally from Manitoba. My dad was in the military so I was an army brat. When I was 18 I followed my brother to Alberta because he was working out here I got a job with a financial institution and have been in banking for 40 years now.
Tell us about your journey to Vision.
I was with ATB for 18 and a half years and worked in 15 different communities during that time, everywhere from Edmonton to Fort Macleod. Then I went to Synergy Credit Union on the Saskatchewan side, then to Canadian Western Bank. I actually opened up their branch in Lloydminster. Then two years ago, I came over here to Encompass/Vision.
What do you like most about the work you've been doing for the credit union in Wainwright?
I made my way up to the management level at previous companies, but it meant I couldn’t work with members anymore, which is what I love to do. I’m so happy to be working directly with members here.
Tell us about your day-to-day.
Let’s see. I wake up, I have a shower…oh you don’t mean that? [Laughs]. Well, it’s hard to explain because whatever my members require is what I do in a day. Whether it’s phoning them or going out to visit them. I much prefer not to be at my desk, I like to be out. But, of course, there’s something called paperwork [laughs].
What's your favourite part of the job?
A couple of things keep me coming back. And that is, I truly believe in the values of the credit union system. But I also believe in helping people. 90 percent of my members have my personal phone number, and nothing gives me a better feeling than when a client calls me up, even if it’s 5:30 on a Friday, just to check-in. Their business is not a 9 to 5 thing, so I keep myself available for their schedule. I tell everybody, including my wife, even at my age to be able to build those relationships and still want to build those relationships after forty years…I still have that fire in my belly.
What makes rural credit unions different than urban institutions?
When I worked in Edmonton, it was just a different attitude. In the big city, if you have to turn down a loan…you don’t see that person in the Safeway. You don’t see that person on the street. In a rural community, it’s a different feeling. There’s a recognition that people sometimes struggle, and you have to have more heart. I much prefer the rural areas because you build more friendships, and you get to know your members better. It just fits with who I am.
How do you get involved with the community?
Oh my gosh, there’s no way I could remember all the events we’ve donated to and volunteered for. Basically, anytime there’s a request for volunteers, we help out, whether serving food at the legion, cleaning up at the golf course, or delivering baskets to the seniors’ home. I just recently came back from the Fireman’s Ball. I try to do the majority of them.
What do you like about Wainwright?
The people here are just so darn nice, and very helpful. They seem to come to bat for people in need. All the surrounding communities too, just that sense of community. I love what I do and who I do it for.
Visit Alan and the team at the Wainwright branch:
