Golden 1 Credit Union
Company: Golden 1 Credit Union, Sacramento, CA
Company Description: The Golden 1 Credit Union is California's leading financial cooperative, and the sixth largest credit union in the U.S. with nearly $7 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members.
Nomination Category: Sales Individual Categories
Nomination Sub Category: National VP of Sales of the Year
Nomination Title: Bill Thorla, Senior VP
1. Tell the story about what this nominee achieved since the beginning of July last year (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:
Bill Thorla came to the Golden 1 Credit Union in 2008 as the Senior Vice
President of the Branches, Call Center, and the Sales & Service department. He
has strong background in sales at a financial institution. "How do you know"
represents the Bill Thorla philosophy of how accountability plus coaching equals
results. In the time Bill has been at the Golden 1 he has successfully
implemented the following:
• Reorganized Branch Administration to include:
- VP of Branch Administration
- Manager of Branch Administration
- Four area sales managers
- Three regional operational managers
• Reorganized the Sales & Service Department to include:
- Manager of Sales & Service
- Branch Coordinator Supervisor
- Four Branch Coordinators
- Four Sales Trainers/Facilitators/Project Analyst
• Introduced new sales goals for the branch and call center and approved a sales
automation system
The reorganization of Branch Administration has been instrumental in a
establishing the message of "how do you know.” The introduction of four area
sales managers to Golden 1 helped managers refocus their priorities on sales
minded goals. The area sales managers encourage branch managers by coaching each
manager on how to effectively coach and motivate their sales team.
Bill Thorla wanted to make sure that branch managers have help bringing in new
business to their branches. To achieve this goal, four branch coordinators were
introduced to sales and service. The branch coordinators work with branch
managers to coordinate community appearances such as local colleges back to
school days. Coordinators also assist by encouraging community businesses to
join the Golden 1.
Having and tracking sales goals is an important part of having strong sales
culture. Bill did not take long to implement measurable sales goals for each
branch and call center employee. He also approved the development of a sales
automation system that stressed accountability and encourages friendly competition.
Though Bill Thorla has worked for the Golden 1 for less then a year, he has
already implemented changes that will forever place Golden 1 on the path of
sales success.
2. List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. IMPORTANT: Begin each link with http://, and enclose each link in square brackets; for example, [http://www.youraddress.com]:
3. Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the nominee:
Bill Thorla has worked in the financial industry for over thirty years. He has
held key leadership positions, most recently with a Fortune 300 bank and now
Golden 1 Credit Union. Bill is a recipient of the MCMP Leadership Excellence
Award. Bill is active in the community, serving on many non-profit boards, such
as Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development, Piqua Chamber of
Commerce, Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley, Boy Scouts of America, West
Akron Board of Trade, and Akron Boards of Trade Council. He was named American
Institute of Banking, Akron Chapter's 1993 Instructor of the Year.