When Wayne Grossé stepped into the role as chief executive of Bethpage Federal Credit Union just over a year ago, he quickly garnered fans throughout the Long Island community for his quiet, confident leadership style.
Make no mistake: Leading the charge is no easy task. Bethpage, with nearly 275,000 members and assets of about $6.2 billion, ranks as one of the largest credit unions in the country and is an industry leader at a time of great disruption in the banking industry.
Yet this Bayport resident, who joined Bethpage in 1999 as its COO, makes it look easy. He credits his dad for the work ethic, his family for the grounding and a mouse for his inspiration.
But that’s just the beginning …
FMC: What are the 3 best things you’ve done in your life.
WG: Getting married to Laura and having our three boys.
FMC: What mistake did you make that turned out to be your best learning experience?
WG: I did not get my Master’s degree immediately after my Bachelor’s. And I lost an opportunity for a job.
FMC: When you were five years old, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why?
WG: A baseball player. I still love the Yankees.
FMC: Why do you do what you do?
WG: At Bethpage, we have a ‘vision of enriching lives,’ and every day we can make a difference for someone.
‘Nobody can do it all on their own, so respect of the workforce is paramount.’
FMC: What’s your biggest vice?
WG: Sudoku
FMC: What gives you hope for the future?
WG: A resilience in our local economy, and the American Spirit.
FMC: What’s your idea of a great day off from work?
WG: Being poolside with my wife and family.
FMC: Coke or Pepsi?
WG: Coke!
FMC: Who was/is the most influential person in your life?
WG: My father. He taught me that hard work pays off.
FMC: In your experience, what makes a great leader?
WG: Compassion and respect. Nobody can do it all on their own, so respect of the workforce is paramount.
FMC: Who comes to mind as a great business leader?
WG: Walt Disney. He was a visionary, but also a very humble human with his colleagues.
FMC: What’s your best advice to someone who aspires a career in your field?
WG: Be patient and take on whatever opportunities arise. Do not preplan an upward mobile track in advance.
FMC: Favorite restaurant (anywhere)?
WG: George Martin’s Strip Steak in Great River
FMC: Last book read?
WG: The Next America, by Paul Taylor
FMC: Where do you get your news?
WG: From the Wall St. Journal and The New York Times
FMC: What five people, living or dead, would you want to have dinner with?
WG: John Wayne, Abe Lincoln, Babe Ruth, my grandfather John — and Miranda Lambert
FMC: Favorite drink?
WG: Vodka and cranberry
FMC: What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
WG: That I’m a patient person.
