Meet Keith Zickar
Your newest Member Business Lending Officer discusses the unique benefits credit unions provide compared to traditional banks.
In this series, we sit down with members of the Business Banking Team to learn a little bit about their interests and specialties. Read on to meet Your Business Banking Representative.
About Keith
Name: Keith Zickar, Jr.
Job: Member Business Lending Officer
Hobbies: I love to cook and bake; it's the most productive and tasty way to relieve stress!
Fun Fact: I've been in financial services since I was 18 years old.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what brought you to Point Breeze Credit Union?
A: Banking has been a part of my family story from the beginning. My parents met through working in the industry, and my dad worked in business banking. I was lucky to know Beth Bavis (Point Breeze’s VP of Member Business Banking) from my time at M&T Bank, and through a casual conversation I learned more about Point Breeze — their unique culture, their “one-team” approach, and their member focus. It sounded like a great place with a great mission, so here I am.
Q: What was your perception of credit unions compared to big banks before joining Point Breeze?
A: Admittedly, I wasn't fully versed in the differences. However, what surprised me most was the amazing environment we offer our members here at Point Breeze. It's not about the numbers or stats; it's about being part of a growing company with a genuine commitment to its members and the community. Hearing success stories of how we've positively impacted lives made me realize the unique position a credit union like Point Breeze holds.
Q: In your role as part of the Business Banking team, what excites you the most about the opportunities you can provide to businesses?
A: For me, it all comes down to flexibility. Beyond offering the routine banking needs, we can save businesses money with better rates and fewer fees, enhance their cash flow, and even think outside of the box to bring creative solutions to the table.
Q: What does community mean to you?
A: Community is at the heart of what we do. Our community is where we live, where we worship, where we play, where we raise families and go to the movies. Because we live in the same communities as our members, we have a stake in helping these communities to flourish. We want everyone in our community to succeed, and that commitment is reflected in our approach at Point Breeze.
Q: As someone who loves to cook, do you see any parallels between cooking and business banking?
A: Actually, I do! Both are reflections of who you are and what you bring to the table, so to speak. Both require a keen attention to detail. And most importantly, they’re both about service and experience.
Q: How has your time with Point Breeze been so far?
A: Really great! I love the team here, and I’m grateful for how quickly I was accepted as part of the family. Everyone here is so fun and supportive and they share a commitment to excellent member service that is inspiring to be around!
Point Breeze Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with locations throughout Maryland.