Key Takeaways
???? Banking Evolution: How Amplify Credit Union went from a small IBM credit union to a fee-free banking pioneer
???? Craft Brewing & Business Lessons: Kendall’s journey from banker to brewery founder & back
???? Affordable Housing Crisis: The biggest financial challenge in Austin & how credit unions can help
???? The Future of Banking: Real-time payments, fintech disruption & why traditional banks are lagging
????️ Community Impact: Kendall’s work with St. Louis House to help women & children transition from homelessness
????️ Serial Hobbyist: From fast cars to speakeasies, Kendall shares his favorite pastimes in Austin
Meet the Guest – Kendall Garrison
Kendall Garrison is the president and CEO of Amplify Credit Union. Headquartered in Austin, Amplify provides fee-free banking to individuals and businesses; loans for homeowners, consumers and business owners; and loan servicing for other financial institutions. Under Garrison’s leadership, Amplify became one of Austin’s most prolific jumbo mortgage lenders, helping borrowers and mortgage brokers secure loans matching the fast growth of Austin’s real estate market.
Amplify also became the first provider of fee-free banking in the country, a distinction it retains today, and a benefit most recently extended to businesses with Amplify’s launch of fee-free treasury management services in 2024. Over Garrison’s 15-year tenure with the credit union, assets under management have grown from $400M to $3B and he spearheaded expansion of its field of membership, allowing Amplify to serve individuals and businesses anywhere in Texas.
Now in his 46th year in banking, Garrison leverages his decades of experience to change what’s wrong with banking for the benefit of Amplify’s members and the Austin community.
Connect with Amplify Credit Union
Show Notes
In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the transformation of Austin’s financial landscape with Kendall Garrison, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Amplify Credit Union. With over four decades of experience in the banking industry, Kendall brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on how financial services can be more accessible and community driven.
Kendall’s journey is anything but conventional. Before leading Amplify, he ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Waco’s first craft brewery, Bosque Brewing. This experience taught him invaluable lessons about leadership, adaptability, and the importance of cash flow—insights that he now applies to his role at Amplify. Under his leadership, Amplify has pioneered a fee-free banking model that challenges traditional banking norms. This innovative approach not only removes the burden of fees from customers but also fosters financial inclusivity, especially for those in underserved communities.