Case Study: Jeep Country FCU

How SGA Designed and Delivered an Ideal Member Center that Streamlined Services and Deepened Community Connections

When Jeep Country Federal Credit Union sought to open a new member center in Toledo, Ohio, its primary goal was to provide a more convenient location for its members—particularly employees of the nearby Jeep assembly plant. The credit union’s leadership wanted to create a space that was accessible, highly visible, and tailored to the needs of its member base.

Strategic Growth Advisors (SGA) played a crucial role in achieving this vision. Through our partnership with Jeep Country Federal Credit Union, we demonstrated the transformative impact of art, thoughtful design, and strategic location decisions. By conducting a detailed market study and site selection, mitigating environmental factors, and executing design and construction, SGA guided the process every step of the way.

The Challenge 

Jeep Country Federal Credit Union needed a new branch location to better serve its members, particularly those working at the nearby Jeep assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio. The primary goal was to provide a convenient and accessible location for members within close proximity to the plant. This member-driven initiative required a location that balanced convenience, visibility, and functionality.

The Strategy 

SGA proposed a comprehensive approach to the project, including site selection, environmental remediation, demolition of an existing building, and design and construction—aligning each initiative with the credit union’s mission and member needs. Key elements of this project included:

• Site Selection and Market Study

• SGA conducted a detailed market study to identify an ideal site. The selected location, a former K-Mart auto service building located at 559 E Manhattan Blvd., was less than a mile from the Jeep plant, making it highly accessible for members.
• The property was well-known locally and situated on a highly traveled road, ensuring visibility and convenience.

• Mitigating Existing Site Conditions

• An existing auto service building had to be demolished to make way for the new member center.
• The site required environmental remediation, including the removal of buried tanks and pits from former oil change areas. 
• SGA streamlined this process, taking steps to mitigate the site conditions, handling all necessary permits, and ensuring a clean bill of health for the property before construction.

• Thoughtful Design and Construction

• The new branch features an open central lobby with natural light streaming through a high-volume space with clerestory windows, creating a bright and welcoming space.
• Historic banners with images of the original Jeep plant pay homage to the local community’s rich automotive history.
• Unique Jeep-inspired design elements, such as light fixtures utilizing iconic front grills of Jeeps with light fixtures inserted in the headlight holes that were painted in corporate colors to reinforce brand identity, were hung at varying heights in the lobby space to provide the interior illumination.
• Large banners printed with historic images of workers in the old Willys Jeep plant were hung in the high ceiling space to filter sunlight coming in the clerestory windows, and to provide acoustical dampening in the busy lobby space.

• Member-Centric Features

• A traditional teller line with four stations and a well-organized queue system ensures efficiency during busy times.
• Comfortable seating areas and a large screen displaying marketing messages enhances the customer experience.
• A large conference room accommodates board meetings and community gatherings, reflecting the credit union’s commitment to its members.

The Execution 

SGA managed every aspect of the project, from market study and site acquisition to environmental remediation and final construction. The process included demolishing the existing structure, addressing environmental challenges, and obtaining permits in an efficient manner. The result was a seamless and timely project delivery, thanks to SGA’s proven process and years of expertise in this market, highlighting the unique value SGA brings to each project.

The Results 

The new branch has been a resounding success, with both tangible and intangible benefits, including:

• Increased Accessibility: Members can conveniently visit the branch during lunch breaks or shift changes, thanks to its proximity to the Jeep plant.
• Enhanced Member Experience: The bright, welcoming design and Jeep-inspired elements have been well-received by members and staff.
• Operational Efficiency: The layout and design support smooth daily operations, accommodating high foot traffic with ease.
• Community Engagement: The branch’s conference room has become a resource for board and community meetings, fostering deeper ties with the local area.

The Role of Art and Aesthetics 

Leaning into the iconic Jeep grill as inspiration for light fixtures for the décor was a strategic decision designed to strengthen community ties. Likewise, incorporating historic photo images of workers in the old Willys Jeep assembly plant conjures deep connections going back several generations of family members who have worked at Jeep. 

In fact, SGA’s designer on this project used to live in Toledo and remembered driving around neighborhoods and seeing the beloved iconic Jeep grill hanging on the walls inside garages all over town. That background drove the decision to add a bit of fun to the interior décor, utilizing art and aesthetics to foster trust and increase member loyalty.

Lessons Learned 

This project highlighted the importance of working with experienced professionals. SGA’s expertise ensured a smooth process, from navigating environmental challenges to designing a space that meets both functional and emotional needs. As the credit union’s CEO observed, “Expertise matters. Experience matters. SGA’s process confirmed that digging deeper and asking the right questions delivers a superior product.”

Conclusion 

This case underscores the power of strategic site selection and thoughtful design in transforming financial spaces. By aligning location and design with member needs and community values, SGA helped Jeep Country FCU create a member center that inspires connection, loyalty, and growth.

Ready to transform your spaces? Contact Strategic Growth Advisors to explore how our comprehensive approach can elevate your institution’s brand and community presence.