In an industry where profitability and production often take center stage, credit unions have a unique edge: a service-first mindset that puts members ahead of margins.

No one understands this better than Peter Benjamin, President of ACUMA and a seasoned leader in the lending industry. A Certified Mortgage Banker and Six Sigma Black Belt, Peter has spent nearly two decades helping credit unions navigate the complexities of mortgage lending while staying true to their mission.

In this episode, Peter and Dale dive into:

‣ Why credit unions are uniquely positioned to thrive in today’s market

‣ The key habits of top-performing lenders that set them apart

‣ The “S-word” credit unions need to embrace to remain competitive

‣ How technology, social media, and proactive marketing can drive real growth

If you’re in the mortgage industry—whether at a credit union, bank, or IMB—this conversation will challenge the way you think about customer relationships, mortgage marketing, and long-term borrower retention.

About ACUMA

The American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA) is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting and advancing credit unions in the mortgage lending industry. Exclusively composed of credit union professionals and their primary suppliers, ACUMA serves as a vital resource for networking, education, and advocacy in home finance.

🔗 Become a member

🔗 Explore upcoming events

🔗 Get involved in ACUMA's community

About Peter Benjamin

Peter Benjamin is the President of ACUMA and a seasoned leader with nearly two decades in the lending industry. A Certified Mortgage Banker and Six Sigma Black Belt, he has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, driving growth, and streamlining processes for efficiency and profitability.

A graduate of the MBA’s Future Leaders Program, Peter brings deep expertise in lending, finance, product development, and strategic planning—all with a people-first, service-driven approach. He also serves as a board member of the Bollinger Foundation, reflecting his commitment to making a lasting impact beyond the industry.

Connect with Peter

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjbenjamin/

About Dale Vermillion

Dale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with more than 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze. Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope.

Connect with Dale

LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/dalevermillion

YouTube → youtube.com/@dalevermillion

Facebook → facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial

X → x.com/dalevermillion

Website → dalevermillion.com

Email → listen@dalevermillion.com

About Batting 1,000

Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements.