On this episode of the Think Small Podcast, we sit down with John Wilkening of Tech Credit Union to explore how a deeply personal mission—shaped by childhood financial hardship—turned into a career dedicated to helping working-class families take control of their money.

John shares his journey from a refinery town in Indiana to leading one of the top-performing credit unions in the region, and how his focus on union workers, financial literacy, and community-first service has driven explosive growth. From navigating the Great Recession and COVID to building a culture rooted in purpose, trust, and relentless outreach, John reveals why mission-driven leadership outperforms traditional banking models.

This conversation is a powerful look at empathy in action, grassroots growth, and how financial education—not just financial products—can  ...