You might say Brett Martinez has credit unions in his blood. And that’s exactly what the Redwood Credit Union president/CEO does say: “My mother was the CEO of a credit union, so I grew up in the credit union industry, and I’m very passionate about it.”
Last year, Martinez was chosen Best Business Community Leader in our readers poll, based both on his own service on various boards (including the United Way, Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, and North Bay Leadership Council) and his encouragement of RCU staffers to follow that lead, both individually and as a group.
Born and raised in Southern California, Martinez came to the North Bay eight years ago to take the lead at RCU. Before that, he says, “I was a senior executive for a large credit union in Southern California, and also served as a senior executive at the California Credit Union League, which is our industry’s state trade association…Did I mention I’m passionate about credit unions?”
Do you have a big family?
With my wife and two sons, I’d say it’s “just right.”
Describe your dream home.
Comfortable and paid for. Preferably overlooking vineyards.
If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?
I think I’d find the most interesting and intriguing conversations happening on that day and just be an invisible “fly on the wall” and listen in, get new perspectives.
Is there anything unusual in your briefcase?
Earplugs. I wear them whenever I have to stay in a hotel to block out the noise. I have enough trouble sleeping as it is!
What food do you eat almost every day?
I have a protein smoothie just about every morning.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? Were you star struck?
I don’t get star struck by fame—people are people. But I did recently have the opportunity to have Vida Blue pitch to me at Giants stadium. That’s something I don’t get to do every day. And he still has some good movement on the ball!
What do you love to do outside of work?
Spending time with family, and anything outdoors: tennis, golf, biking, boating, water-skiing, snowboarding, running and watching my youngest son play sports.
Describe an embarrassing life moment.
I was set up! At an evening event during an industry conference, someone signed me up for karaoke without telling me, and I had to sing “Feelings” in front of a very large group of credit union executives. I’m not a shy person, but you’d understand the “embarrassing” part if you heard me sing.
What’s frustrated you in the recent past?
Recent legislative and regulatory changes in the financial sector—in an attempt to fix problems others have created—has been frustrating, since responding to these unpredictable changes sometimes prevents us from being able to focus on our mission of serving our members.
What spells adventure for you?
Adventure to me is anything that really gets the heart pumping. Last year, through serving on the North Bay Leadership Council, I had the opportunity to race with a professional driver at Infineon Raceway, which was an incredible adrenaline rush. Also, skydiving, class four or five whitewater rafting…things like that.
What talent or skill would you like to have?
I’ve always wanted to play the guitar.
What was your favorite childhood snack or candy?
I liked chocolate chip ice cream on a sugar cone.
What’s your strongest sense?
I tend to be a visual person; For example, I remember driving Highway 12 toward Sonoma when I first moved here and being completely awestruck by the landscape. Tree limbs arching over the road, the golden sun across the vineyards, the mountains—almost like a photograph in my mind.
If you could change one thing in the world right now, what would it be?
I would eliminate poverty. Homelessness, hunger, lack of health care, lack of education and other issues are so often rooted in poverty. If everyone could have enough money to meet their basic human needs, these wouldn’t be such big issues in our society.
