In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Mike Holden
A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow
When you’ve got the words “agriculture” and “commercial” in your job title, you’d better know a thing or two about growing things – including businesses. Vision’s Commercial/Agriculture Specialists come at their understanding of food production and industry from different angles: finance, crop science, energy and farm supply, but they all have roots in rural Alberta and their hearts in helping grow futures for Vision’s business and agribusiness members.
Mike Holden | Commercial/Agriculture Specialist | Region: Camrose
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on our family farm just south of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Both my parents and grandparents were farmers, so I grew up with a big appreciation for the Ag lifestyle.
Do you live or work on a farm now?
I don’t currently live on a farm, but I do dabble in urban and small-scale agriculture, so things like microgreens, permaculture environments, passive systems and regenerative Ag. I have an undergraduate degree in Ag science as well as an MBA and I’m personally interested in regenerative agriculture and the changing Ag landscape.
How did you come to become an Ag/Commercial Specialist at Vision? What brought you here?
I have worked in agriculture and commercial banking as well as insurance for many years. I love the culture and values that are a big part of food producing. I was drawn to Vision because it’s positioned for a very bright future and I want to support that.
What is your favourite part of the work you do as an Ag/Commercial Specialist?
My favourite part is learning to understand the unique complexities of various farming operations while behaving as a partner who can offer suggestions. I also just really enjoy helping members achieve their goals.
From your perspective, what is the most common challenge food producers face when dealing with other financial institutions?
Some financial institutions generalize and sort clients into categories that often leave them with options that aren’t the right fit. At Vision, we create flexible solutions based on the individual member’s needs, so the solutions work better. We know every member is different – that’s why we make loan decisions locally, based on getting to know the members personally.
From your experience, which services that Vision offers are the most helpful to the farmers and businesses you’ve worked with?
With Vision, we need our members to be successful for us to be successful, so this means we are more invested in the outcomes for our members, whether in Ag, personal banking or small business. We offer that small-town personal banking feeling that members seem to appreciate.
What do you think it is about a farming or ranching lifestyle that makes people carry on doing it, despite all its challenges and hard work?
I think most food producers appreciate the ability to be their own boss and maintain their values, lifestyle and family connections while doing it.
Get in touch with Mike at the Camrose branch:
Learn more about Vision Credit Union's agriculture services at visioncu.ca.
