United Federal Credit Union’s Maria Kibler has a small plaque on her desk that asks, “What would you be willing to do if you knew you could not fail?” While the original quote might not be her’s alone, it’s a tailor-made question from a bold woman of business in Michigan’s Great Southwest who is supremely confident in her abilities while at the same time very unassuming and humble in her demeanor. Unafraid to challenge herself, she is not one to ever get caught up in “doing it the same way.” A life-long banker of more than 40-years running, Maria was the first established banking professional to believe in the vision of Edgewater Bank, and boldly told the community-at-large of that belief by making her move to join the Edgewater team at a time when many in the community felt it was failing. Her belief was rock solid as the bank not only survived but thrived to the point that they became an attractive merger partner for United Federal where she now holds the critical role of Director of Treasury Management. The Maria Kibler success story marches on. Read all about it.
Name
Maria Kibler
Where do you live?
St. Joseph Michigan
Company or Organization
United Federal Credit Union
What is your job or role there?
Director of Treasury Management
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
To me being bold means being unafraid and fearless. Unafraid to stand up for what you believe. Fearless to try something new. Unafraid to speak up. Fearless to blaze a trail.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. Please choose from the following descriptors to produce the top three that you would say most exemplify your personality?
Fearless…Vivid…Distinctive
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
My company had an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for stock in early 2014 to raise capital for the organization. I assisted our president in meeting with numerous community members, businesses, etc. to talk about our IPO and how we planned to grow our company. I called on people I knew and set up breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, etc. meetings to go over our plans. We raised over $6 million for an IPO price of $10.00/share. For the following 6 years I helped grow our retail and commercial portfolios as well as our image of quality service to our community. We sold the company in 2021 with a stock price of $43.40/share. It was a wonderful experience whereby so many people benefited! Not only the stockholders but the employees with the added growth and responsibilities and our customers who experienced enhanced products and services.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
One of the most favorite aspects in my career is meeting people. I love to learn about personal backgrounds and how a business started. Many times, we go to the specific business to discuss a new loan or lending structure, get updates on some changes in their business, etc. One of my most memorable visits was to a brewery. The president of my company invited me to go with him to visit and see a specific piece of equipment while it was in operation. Before we got the tour, the owners of the brewery wanted us to try some of their new beer. It was late in the afternoon so the timing was ok. I hadn’t eaten much that specific day so I was a bit apprehensive. However, I thought a taste of a couple of beers shouldn’t give me any issues. That “taste” turned into several tastings of a variety of beers with varying percentages of alcohol. Once we got up and started the tour, I walked into the warehouse and tripped. Of course, everyone thought it was the alcohol and laughed. (I didn’t fall down or get hurt.) I am naturally a klutz and argued that it wasn’t due to the beer. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
My family and my community! Assisting people who cross my path in our community reach their goals whether financially or personally gives me the drive to keep the momentum going forward. Making any ONE person’s life better or easier gives me so much satisfaction. I feel that donating my time to volunteer makes me feel selfish because I enjoy it so much. I am most inspired by the youth. I like to help give them a variety of opportunities and viewpoints so that they are focused and driven to whatever they want out of their future.
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
Believe that you can make a difference to improve your community, your business and yourself. Your voice and opinion do matter! Don’t be afraid to use your voice, give your opinion, and make it happen!
What does your selection to the first ever Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
WOW! It genuinely means so much! First, that someone felt compelled to nominate me. Second, that my actions have made an impact on the people around me. I live my life to make a difference for anyone or anything around me. I am overwhelmed with this honor and humbled to share it with all the strong BOLD women who are also recognized with this award!
