Since it’s debut in 2013, the NACUSO Next Big Idea (NBI) competition has grown year over year. Last year we had an amazing line-up of contestants and the voting was tight, but 2016 winner Keith Kelly from Rate Reset made NBI history by winning a second time in 2018 with KNOCK KNOCK. We’ve asked Keith to be a judge for the 2019 Next Big Idea competition and he’s agreed.
Here is his experience in his own words:
Describe briefly your Next Big Idea?
KNOCK KNOCK is the first bilateral web based communication platform in the financial services industry. The platform provides a means for credit union members to request loan and CD resets, new loans, credit cards and CDs, do balance transfers, or get additional cash from the credit union. The financial transactions executed through KNOCK KNOCK are completed in minutes at the member’s convenience,
What memories do you have of that day/event? What things stood out for you?
For the 2016 win, NACUSO was in Las Vegas. I remember walking through the casino to the competition hearing all the “kaching kaching” sounds of slot machines and people gambling and picturing our company winning big by becoming the 2016 NACUSO Next Big Idea. For the 2018 win, NACUSO was at Disneyland. I woke up early to walk the park and admire the fulfillment of Walt Disney’s dreams and aspirations. Last year’s competition was fierce, and I remember the amazing creativity each contestant had with their Next Big Idea. When they announced KNOCK KNOCK was the 2018 winner, we were overwhelmed.
Did you think you were going to win after seeing all the pitches?
No. In 2016 and 2018 each pitch was more amazing than the last. What an incredible blessing that we won in 2016 and 2018.
After winning were you able to make meaningful connections at the conference?
Yes, absolutely. Winning the Next Big Idea both years catapulted us into a new level of Credit Union awareness.
What have been your biggest successes since winning?
Our biggest successes have been the member’s satisfaction using the KNOCK KNOCK solutions to improve their lives and the efficiencies realized inside the Credit Unions.
Where do you see your Next Big Idea in the next 5 years?
Last summer we hired an intern who had just finished his freshman year in college. We created KNOCK KNOCK offers for him to send to all his fraternity brothers, and college friends. His task was not to walk anyone through the digital solutions and time how long it took for them to complete the transaction. The responses were amazing. College students, who barely had a checking account, were Reseting Mortgages, Auto Loans, Personal Loans, and CD’s, and opening New CD’s, Credit Cards, and Personal Loans through digital pre-approvals. In the next 5 years, we see KNOCK KNOCK as the “New Norm” to how the next generation will bank.
To apply for the 2019 Next Big Idea Competition, click here.
