Effort, Trust, and Community
Michael arrived in the United States from Brazil in 2016, full of dreams but also uncertainty. He lived in Florida for a while, but it was in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he began to put down roots. In his search to open a bank account, he realized that traditional banks were not designed with people like him in mind. That’s when, on the recommendation of others, he found Latino Credit Union. It didn’t take long for him to notice the difference. Here, he didn’t just find a place to keep his money, he found warmth, respect, and truly personal service. His first product was a savings account. Later, he got his first car loan. Over time, he financed his home and strengthened his trust in the credit union, a place where he feels seen, heard, and valued.
Michael has grown not only as a member but also as an entrepreneur. He buys and sells construction cars, trucks, and equipment, and he dreams of opening a business account with the credit union that will allow him to expand his business and better serve the community. “If they helped me as an individual with my car and my house, I know they will also support me as a business owner,” he says with faith.
His relationship with the Charlotte Meridian branch team is more than financial, it’s like family. He knows each person, shares his achievements, and always walks in with a smile. He tells us about his children, his wife, and how together they have moved forward, even during the pandemic. His wife is also an entrepreneur, and thanks to the credit union’s support, they were able to buy their second home and a plot of land to build on.Michael doesn’t keep all this to himself. He recommends the credit union to friends, family, and customers. “This financial institution was created for us. Here, they understand you, they help you, they open doors thatdon’t exist elsewhere,” he says proudly. And when he participated in a listening session with the credit union, he did so with a genuine desire to share ideas that could help improve and grow, especially when it comes to business products.
For Michael, being an LCCU member is a unique opportunity. He knows not everyone has access to a bank that truly represents them. That’s why he continues to stand by us, certain that he will always find a helping hand here. “If something happens to us, the LCCU will fight for us. In other banks, we are nothing. But here, I know they will help me. They always have.”