Discovering How Banking Can Be Personal | My Member Story
Quick Summary
Discover how a credit union member found more than financial solutions—he found a genuine connection. Follow JJ's journey from seeking a more personal banking experience to building his credit and forming an unexpected friendship that proves financial help can still be personal.
Sometimes the most meaningful relationships grow from the simplest interactions. That’s exactly how it started for JJ Scelsi and Will Miller at Mountain America Credit Union.
A fresh start after 54 years
JJ made the switch to Mountain America after being with a bank for almost 54 years. When he needed to refinance his auto loan in 2020, that bank said no—and worse yet, they didn’t offer any alternatives or guidance. JJ knew it was time to look for something different.
He found it with Will and the rest of the team at the Mountain America branch in Pocatello, Idaho. “Everyone is so friendly and pleasant,” JJ says. “I feel very comfortable there. These other banks don’t treat you like a person. [At] Mountain America, they care.”
Turning financial crisis into opportunity
After being denied by his financial institution, JJ reached out to a friend, who recommended Mountain America. In his first meeting with Will, the news wasn’t what JJ had hoped to hear—his credit wasn’t high enough to refinance the auto loans on his own. But Will knew there had to be a path forward. He found a solution, helping JJ save his vehicle from repossession by refinancing the loan with a co-borrower. Eventually, JJ was able to take over the loan entirely on his own.
Building success, one milestone at a time
Will remembers that first meeting vividly, though it wasn’t the loan details or paperwork that stuck with him. “[It was] this tiny guy with this enormous personality,” Will recalls with a laugh. “He’s the kind of person who fills a room the moment he steps in. JJ grows on you!”
Over the last five years, the two have worked through JJ’s financial hurdles one by one, and the transformation has been remarkable. After steady effort, JJ qualified for a credit card, paid off his old auto loans and saw his credit score climb over 100 points. He often thinks of one of his proudest moments—when he was able to remove the co-borrower entirely and stand on his own. “I stay on top of it,” JJ says proudly, referring to his current financial habits. “And Will helps me.”
A friendship that transcends age
Even though most of the team JJ interacts with is more than a half century younger, you’d never know it. They consider JJ a friend. When we asked Will about his favorite memory of working with JJ, he didn’t mention credit scores or loans. He told us about St. Patrick’s Day—which just so happens to be JJ’s birthday.
That morning, JJ walked into the branch dressed like a leprechaun from head to toe. The entire branch lit up! Will says, “That’s just who he is—the kind of person who makes everyone’s day a little lighter without even trying.”
Will and JJ’s friendship is a reminder that banking can be about so much more than transactions—it’s about people helping people achieve their financial dreams.
We are proud to stand by your side, JJ, and guide you forward to what’s next.
