Page 28 - Q4.I3_tdpmag_digital_linked

Top Workplace

Seven Time Repeat Winner

thats our business

Submitted by Traci Gianukos

For the seventh time, Shell Federal Credit Union has made the Houston Chronicle’s list of Top Workplaces
in Houston. Shell FCU snagged the number two spot in midsize organizations. The Top Workplace awards
recognize outstanding Houston-area businesses based on employee surveys. Companies are measured on
several qualities by their employees such as opportunities for advancement, the value of their pay, benefits,
and their bosses’ communication and management skills.

Even with more than 250 employees, everyone still feels like family. “I feel the credit union actually cares
about me as a person, not just an employee”, one survey respondent said. “I love the people I work with.”

The Chronicle also singles out executives for exceptional performance. For the second year, the Top Work-
places Leadership Award was presented to Shell FCU’s President/CEO, Jose Rodriguez. “People want to make
a difference. They want their life and their work to have meaning”, Rodriguez said, “and that’s something
employees can achieve at Shell Federal Credit Union.” He’s proud of the role his employees play in helping
customers with crucial financial tasks.

Q: What brought you to Shell Federal Credit Union in 1993, and how did you ultimately be-
come president and CEO in August 2008?

A: That’s one of the unique things about my story. I
came in with an entry-level position, part-time teller,
and just worked my way up from there. I’ve been in ev-
ery department at some point in time over those years.
Now, granted, the departments have grown, the com-
plexity of the credit union has grown, the volume of
things we do has grown. But what it did allow me to do
is experience how the business model works and see
how every department works in relation to the overall
mission of the organization.
Jose Rodriguez of the Shell Federal Credit Q: What do you believe makes a good leader?
Union in Deer Park.
Photo: Gary Fountain, For The Chronicle A: You’ve got to lead by example. I’m not going to ask

someone to do something that I myself have either
not done or something that I wouldn’t do. Being trustworthy, honest, even sometimes when honesty is hard
to hear. When there’s difficult decisions that need to be made or difficult discussions or conversations that
need to be had, I think those are key moments. A good leader is able to do those things effectively and still
help the people that he’s there to serve, whether it’s the members or the staff, understand why the decisions
are made and the reasoning behind it. And not being afraid to get your hands dirty. You know, get in there
and do some of the work. That’s the way I grew up in the organization. That’s the way all of our management
here works at the organization.

26 Deer Park Chamber of Commerce