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The CUInsight Network

The CUInsight Network podcast: Serving the underserved – TruStage

Featuring Joe Boan, SVP Head of Sales Distribution at TruStage

Pete Hilger

“I really do believe what we're doing in the industry to help our members is noble, and TruStage wants to be a partner in that.” - Joe Boan

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Joe Boan, SVP Head of Sales Distribution at TruStage. Joe joins me to share his journey into the financial services industry and how TruStage is committed to partnering with credit unions to help their members achieve greater financial success. He reflects on how his path has taken him through various roles, from working at a brokerage firm to leading product and sales at a large insurance company. He discusses how he has seen the industry from many angles—as a consumer, someone who helps individuals directly, and as a distribution partner for financial services companies.

In our conversation, Joe explains that TruStage is 100% focused on serving credit unions and their members, particularly the "underserved" middle-market consumers. With extensive research, TruStage designs products and solutions that are customized to this group's needs, unlike many institutions that cater to the top percentiles. By offering protection products such as life insurance, TruStage helps credit unions not only serve their members better but also generate sustainable income to support their growth. Joe highlights the fact that TruStage's mission is fully aligned with credit unions to help members become more financially secure.

As we wrap up the episode, Joe talks about the leadership of his college baseball coach, his love of cars, his favorite city to travel to, and has a book recommendation for everyone! Enjoy my conversation with Joe Boan!

Shout-out: John Pettit
Shout-out: Dean Witter Reynolds
Shout-out: Morgan Stanley
Place mentioned: New York City, NY
Book mentioned: Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

[00:56] – Joe touches upon what he wanted to be when growing up.
[01:39] – Joe reflects on 30+ years in financial services, spanning brokerage, banking, insurance, and startups.
[03:17] – Hear how TruStage partners with credit unions and funds advocacy.
[05:13] – Serving underserved members, TruStage designs affordable solutions that highlight small, realistic financial steps.
[07:53] – Life insurance programs boost credit union income while helping to secure members’ financial futures.
[09:15] – Joe explains how TruStage’s 90-year legacy shows enduring commitment to credit unions.
[11:33] – Joe credits his college baseball coach as having been an effective leader.
[13:35] – Hear why Joe feels that everyone should read Ryan Holiday’s book Ego Is the Enemy.
[14:21] – Hear how Joe blends work and life seamlessly, crediting his family and his mission for balance.
[15:50] – Joe reaffirms TruStage’s commitment to supporting credit unions’ mission.