Getting to Know Isaac Ashton of Lookout Credit Union - East Idaho News
Getting to Know

Getting to Know Isaac Ashton of Lookout Credit Union

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1. Name and Job Title: Isaac Ashton, Branch Manager at Lookout Credit Union. We recently completed a re-brand from ISU Credit Union. This new unique brand allows us to stand out in this competitive market, remove confusion regarding membership eligibility and continue offering unique products to our members. We currently offer some amazing mortgage products for both purchases and refinances as well as a checking account that currently offers a dividend rate higher than most CD rates and much more.

2. What do you do in your position? I am responsible for all operations at the Memorial Branch. This ranges from basic deposits/withdrawals transactions to new accounts, underwriting consumer loans, auditing, hiring, coaching and marketing. I love helping the team and members alike achieve success, however they define that. Each day is different and offers a new set of challenges. New technology is probably the biggest facilitator of change right now.

3. Where were you born and when is your birthday? I was born in Idaho Falls on January 24.

4. How long have you lived in eastern Idaho and what city do you live in now? I have lived in Idaho Falls or the immediate vicinity for the majority of my life.

5. Tell us about your first job after high school or college. I was an Outside Sales Representative for Slusser Wholesale. After about four years, I transitioned into the world of finance and have been here ever since.

6. What is the best business decision you’ve ever made? When I first started in finance I wanted to learn as much as possible. Over the years I have been able to work in almost every department in the credit union. Having this knowledge base has proved crucial in my ability to help and understand members.

7. Tell us about your family. My wife Mary and I have been married for almost 16 years. We have a 9-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son.

8. Tell us about a movie or book that has inspired you the most in life. ‘Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead’ and ‘Win’ by Jocko Willink is probably one of the more transformative books I have read recently. The principles are very applicable to almost every situation. One of the highlights is how we assume responsibility for our actions and those who we are responsible for without shouldering the role of a victim.

9. Tell us about a lesson you learned from a mistake you made in your career. One of the common things I have noticed across most mistakes throughout my career is a breakdown in communication. When I review conflicts, complaints or failures it always has a component of poor communication. Effective and frequent communication is crucial to success. As hard as it is, effective communication requires sending the same information using multiple methods. This can take the form of a letter, email, verbal, calendar reminders or instant messages.

10. What is the goal you hope to accomplish in the next 12 months? Professionally, I am trying to get outside of my comfort zone, meet new people and develop additional professional relationships. Personally, I have a goal to become healthier in 2021. As part of that, I want to walk on average 15,000 steps a day. I am happy to report that so far this year I have exceeded this goal.

11. What is one piece of advice you have for someone who wants to do what you’re doing? The best thing anyone can do for any position is gain knowledge. This can range from taking an internship during college, reading books or articles, listening to podcasts, following industry-related social media accounts and asking for additional responsibility in your current position. I believe this is applicable for all professionals. Given the rate that things change, if we are not looking for the new thing or more efficient way to do something we are slowly becoming obsolete. On average I read six leadership or self-improvement books a year and listen to seven professional or business-related podcasts weekly. I try to take one or two things from each book and tweak my behaviors or practices accordingly.

12. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I wish I would of taken the time to learn an additional language when I was younger.

13. Where is your favorite place to eat in eastern Idaho? My wife is an amazing cook and baker, so we don’t go out to eat a lot. When we do, I enjoy Texas Roadhouse, Chick-fil-A, Stockman’s or Jakers and Pick Me Up.

14. Tell us something surprising about yourself. I have a few quirks and habits that others always find amusing. For example, I enjoy mowing the lawn in a very aesthetically pleasing pattern and not only do I match my socks by style or brand but also by fade, elasticity and wear.

15. How do you like your potatoes? I can’t pass up good hand-cut french fries.

If you have an employee or co-worker who we should get to know, email neaton@eastidahonews.com.

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