50 Remarkable Alumni: Gus Hartl built a career in banking on leadership and community service

With over 40 years in the financial sector, Gus Hartl has seen significant changes in the industry, but his core principles of leadership and community involvement have remained constant.

Graduating from UFV’s business administration program in the early 1980s, Gus was part of only the second class to complete the diploma program. “At the time, the diploma really opened doors for me,” Gus reflects. “Employers saw my diploma and were willing to give me a chance.” His early career at First Heritage Savings Credit Union built his skills within a supportive culture that nurtured continued learning. This early support laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career in the credit union industry.

In 2014, Gus was serving as CEO of Aldergrove Credit Union, a role he held until 2021. As CEO, he led Aldergrove Credit Union’s rapid growth to six branches, serving more than 20,000 members with over $1 billion in assets.

“Collaboration became really important,” Gus explains, “especially for smaller credit unions. Working together helped keep costs down and allowed us to continue moving forward.” His focus on collaboration led to a major career milestone: the 2021 merger with Gulf and Fraser Fisherman’s Credit Union. “We were a great fit,” he says, noting how the two credit unions complemented each other both geographically and operationally. The merger was a success, with Aldergrove members voting in favor of the union, creating a stronger, more resilient institution.

Gus initially stepped into the role of president after the merger but retired in 2022 after a long and impactful career. Gus credits his success to the strong teams with whom he worked. “I was lucky to have a great executive team,” he says, emphasizing the teamwork and shared vision that helped the organization navigate the challenges of the financial services sector, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though Gus has retired from the world of credit unions, he remains deeply involved in the cooperative space. Shortly after retirement, he was elected to the Board of the Otter Co-op, and currently serves as Vice-President in a rapidly growing Canadian cooperative system recognized across western Canada by the Co-op brand of food, gas bars, home stores and agricultural outlets serving local communities. “It’s not an onerous task,” Gus humbly says, but it’s clear that his passion for service and leadership hasn’t changed.

Gus also believes strongly in the power of service clubs in fostering community and building networks. In addition to his role at Otter Co-op, Gus stays active in his community as treasurer of the Rotary Club of Aldergrove, continuing his long-standing commitment to giving back. “Service clubs like Rotary are an excellent way to stay involved and meet great people,” he shares. “They’re also great networking hubs, especially for young people looking to build connections in their community.” For Gus, these clubs represent both a way to give back and an opportunity to stay connected and continue learning from others. His involvement in Rotary has allowed him to build lasting relationships with key players in the Aldergrove area while remaining rooted in the values of service that have guided his career.

For current UFV students, Gus offers valuable advice drawn from his decades of experience. “It’s all about networking,” he says. “You need to meet people, knock on doors, and never close any opportunities.” His own career, which started when he graduated high school at just 16 and completed his diploma at 18, is a testament to the importance of making connections and remaining open to new possibilities.

Gus’s journey is one of perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to community—a reminder that a career built on hard work and genuine connections can lead to remarkable achievements. From his days in the credit union sector to service organizations, Gus’ career exemplifies dedication and community impact.