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  • 7 17 Credit Union Welcomes Harrison Hochman to Board of Directors

    7 17 Credit Union Welcomes Harrison Hochman to Board of Directors

    WARREN, OHIO – 7 17 Credit Union is proud to announce the appointment of Harrison Hochman to its Board of Directors. A dynamic and accomplished entrepreneur, Hochman brings a wealth of experience in financial technology and a passion for innovation that aligns seamlessly with the credit union’s mission of empowering members through financial access, education, and integrity.

    Hochman is co-founder and CEO of Sparrow, a groundbreaking fintech platform he helped launch from his parents’ backyard at just 20 years old. Sparrow’s newest product—Crest—is purpose-built to help credit unions and banks deepen member wallet share by automating personalized, multi-product marketing journeys. Without requiring core integration, Crest enables institutions to intelligently promote checking, credit card, loan, and savings products—driving engagement, boosting share of wallet, and reinforcing PFI relationships.  Recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the Education category and named one of eleven young global leaders in STEM, environmental, and societal sustainability by the prestigious Straubel Foundation, Hochman has been widely acknowledged for his visionary leadership and dedication to making education more accessible and affordable.

    I am honored to join the board of one of the largest credit unions in Ohio. 7 17’s passion for improving the lives of its members and supporting the communities it serves resonates with me and I look forward to working with the board and management to expand the credit union’s reach throughout Ohio and beyond.

    Harrison Hochman, Chief Executive Officer of Sparrow

    A graduate of Stanford University with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Hochman combines academic excellence with real-world impact.

    We are thrilled to welcome Harrison to the board. His forward-thinking mindset and history of innovation in the financial industry align perfectly with our mission to deliver purposeful, people-first banking. As a locally rooted credit union, we believe strongly in the power of banking with intention — supporting our members and communities through meaningful growth and service and we know Harrison will be a tremendous asset to leading that effort.

    Paul Marshall, Board Chairman of 7 17 Credit Union

    His experience in fintech, commitment to sustainability, and role as a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs make him an invaluable addition to the 7 17 Credit Union Board. Harrison’s appointment further contributes to 7 17’s investment in our member’s digital experience and enhancement to the ease of use of our mobile and online banking tools. It further underscores 7 17 Credit Union’s dedication to innovation, financial education, and a future shaped by responsible, community-focused banking.

    John Demmler, President and Chief Executive Officer of 7 17 Credit Union

    About 7 17 Credit Union:

    7 17 Credit Union is the largest credit union in Northeast Ohio with 13 branch locations and more than 120,000 members. Established in 1957, we’re proud to help people improve their lives financially and support the communities we serve. Anyone living in Northeast Ohio is eligible to open accounts with 7 17. To learn more about 7 17, our services, and how to join, visit www.717cu.com. 

    About Sparrow:
    Sparrow partners with over 100 credit unions representing $100B+ in assets and 6 million members. Through Sparrow, credit unions accelerate hyper-targeted digital relationship-building—unlocking deeper conversations and stronger connections. The Crest platform crowdsources best-practice automated journeys from high-performing peers, placing the right message in front of the right member at the right time. The result: more multi-product relationships and smarter member engagement.

  • Sparrow and CUNA Strategic Services Unite to Empower Gen Z & Millennial Financial Futures

    Sparrow and CUNA Strategic Services Unite to Empower Gen Z & Millennial Financial Futures

    CUNA Strategic Services aligns with Sparrow to help credit unions soar into the future and develop loyal, multi-product relationships with the next generation of members

    MADISON, WI – January 30, 2025 – CUNA Strategic Services is pleased to announce its new alliance with Sparrow, a trailblazer in fintech disruption. This collaboration aims to help credit unions meet the unique lending and engagement needs and aspirations of Gen Z and Millennial members.

    The alliance between Sparrow and CUNA Strategic Services is a commitment to revolutionizing how credit unions connect with younger generations. In the digital age, innovation is imperative. Through Sparrow’s advanced lending technology, credit unions are equipped to seamlessly adapt to the dynamic needs of Gen Z and Millennials, ensuring a future where credit unions are the institutions of choice for younger members.

    Barb Lowman, President of CUNA Strategic Services

    Sparrow’s white-labeled lending marketplace not only assists younger members in solving their hardest financial challenge (such as financing their education) but also leverages marketing analytics and automations to provide tailored recommendations from the credit union that result in loyal, long-term members.

    I realized while on campus that none of my friends knew what a credit union was, even as some of them took out indirect loans from actual credit unions. Our alliance with CSS is a pivotal step to help credit unions across America respond to the call of the next generation, and usher in a new chapter of engagement.

    Harrison Hochman, Chief Executive Officer of Sparrow

    Sparrow proudly partners with over 90 credit unions, ranging from institutions with $34 billion in assets to those with just $6 million. 

    Credit unions transitioning to Sparrow’s platform have seen:

    • 70% of all users being younger non-members who state interest in becoming members after harnessing the service
    • Access to 260+ unique data attributes per Gen Z user, and pre-set automations to create deep, multi-product relationships with them
    • The ability to be the active relationship builder with a younger member, as opposed to handing them, and their data, to affiliate partners at this formative time in their lives

    Sparrow enables credit unions to focus on what they do best – deeply understanding their members’ needs and adopting innovative solutions that transform their financial futures.

    About CUNA Strategic Services:
    CUNA Strategic Services develops strategic alliance relationships to offer quality products and services to your credit union that contribute to your bottom line, add to your peace of mind, and enhance your relationships. The company is jointly owned by America’s Credit Unions and the state leagues. For more information, visit www.cunastrategicservices.com.

    About Sparrow:

    Sparrow empowers credit unions to provide unparalleled loan services to grow Gen Z membership. Its innovative platform shortens the lengthy search for the most competitive private loan rates from weeks to seconds. Sparrow enables credit unions to be the active relationship builder in their members’ financial journeys, all without the complexities of managing a loan portfolio. Sparrow is dedicated to helping credit unions win the loyalty of the next generation of members. 

    CONTACT:

    CUNA Strategic Services: Barb Lowman, blowman@americascreditunions.org

    Sparrow: Harrison Hochman, harrison.hochman@sparrowfi.com

  • Central Maine Credit Union Partners with Sparrow to Empower Next Generation of Members

    Central Maine Credit Union Partners with Sparrow to Empower Next Generation of Members

    $135M Credit Union leverages Sparrow to build a bridge to the next generation of membership

    NEW YORK, NY – August 13, 2024 – Central Maine Credit Union, a steadfast advocate for financial well-being, today announced a strategic partnership with Sparrow, a pioneering fintech platform dedicated to empowering credit unions in the Gen Z market. By integrating Sparrow’s cutting-edge Gen Z financing solution, Central Maine Credit Union is poised to build a strong foundation for the next generation of members.

    Recognizing the critical importance of financial literacy and support for young adults, Central Maine Credit Union is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by Gen Z.

    Our partnership with Sparrow is a pivotal step in securing the future of our credit union. By offering a superior student loan experience, we are not only solving a significant financial challenge for young people but also cultivating long-term relationships built on trust and value.

    Kerry Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of Central Maine Credit Union

    Sparrow’s platform provides Central Maine Credit Union with a powerful tool to attract and retain Gen Z members. By offering a curated marketplace of student loan options, personalized financial guidance, and unparalleled transparency, Central Maine Credit Union is positioning itself as the financial partner of choice for young adults.

    We are thrilled to partner with Central Maine Credit Union. Their dedication to their members aligns perfectly with Sparrow’s mission to help credit unions thrive in the digital age. Together, we are building a bridge to the future by empowering young people to achieve their financial goals.

    Harrison Hochman, Chief Executive Officer of Sparrow

    Sparrow’s white-labeled platform enables credit unions to seamlessly integrate student loan services into their existing offerings, enhancing the overall member experience. By adopting this innovative solution, Central Maine Credit Union is demonstrating its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and meeting the evolving needs of its membership.

    About Central Maine Credit Union

    Central Maine Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative with a mission to empower financial well-being through personalized financial services and a commitment to community. With over $130 million in assets, Central Maine Credit Union serves as a trusted financial partner for over 5,000 members in Maine. Learn more at https://centralmainecu.com/.

    About Sparrow

    Sparrow empowers credit unions to provide unparalleled student loan services to grow Gen Z membership. Its innovative platform shortens the lengthy search for the most competitive private student loan rates from weeks to seconds. Sparrow’s vision extends beyond transactions, aiming to assist credit unions in cultivating deep, personalized relationships with their younger members. Through its white-labeled platform, Sparrow enables credit unions to be the active relationship builder in their members’ financial journeys, all without the complexities of managing a student loan portfolio. Partnering with over 60 credit unions, as well as 30 other universities, fintechs, and community financial institutions, Sparrow is dedicated to helping its partners win the loyalty of the next generation of members. Learn more at www.sparrowfi.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact

    Sparrow Labs Inc.

    Inquiries: Sparrow Media Relations

    Email: support@sparrowfi.com

  • Financial Plus Credit Union Partners with Sparrow to Revolutionize Trade School and College Funding

    Financial Plus Credit Union Partners with Sparrow to Revolutionize Trade School and College Funding

    Financial Plus Credit Union Embraces Innovation to Support Michigan’s Future Workforce and Education

    FLINT, MI – In an exciting leap forward for educational finance, Financial Plus Credit Union (FPCU) is thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership with Sparrow, a trailblazer in financial technology aimed at transforming the way credit unions serve the evolving needs of their communities. This partnership is set to revolutionize the student loan experience for Michigan’s trade school and college students, embodying FPCU’s commitment to enriching the financial well-being of its members.

    Through this partnership, FPCU is now proud to facilitate funding for over 88 trade schools, 30 community colleges, and 61 four-year universities throughout Michigan, ensuring a wide range of options for prospective students.

    For Brad Bergmooser, Chief Executive Officer of Financial Plus Credit Union, it was critical that FPCU stayed true to its communities of members.

    Our commitment to our communities has never been stronger. Our partnership with Sparrow shows that we are answering the call of the next generation as they pursue life-changing educational opportunities. We started by supporting factory and trade-workers, and are now deepening our commitment to them through an innovative, digital solution.

    Brad Bergmooser, Chief Executive Officer of Financial Plus Credit Union

    Addressing Michigan’s Educational Financing Needs with Precision and Care

    FPCU’s integration with Sparrow’s platform marks a pivotal shift in how educational financing is approached. The platform will provide a private student loan marketplace designed to help students find the coverage they need for remaining educational costs after exhausting all scholarships, grants, work study, and federal loans. The partnership brings to the forefront:

    • Comprehensive Educational Coverage: Through the collaboration with Sparrow, members can now find the best private student loan offer for their degree in a matter of seconds, without any impact to their credit score.
    • Commitment to Michigan’s Workforce: By enhancing access to trade school education, FPCU is both staying true to its roots of supporting Michigan’s working-class auto workers, while at the same time fueling the future of the economy.
    • Innovative Community Support: This partnership is a testament to FPCU honing in on the unique needs of each generation in their communities, and adopting solutions that change the course of their members’ financial futures.

    We’re thrilled to launch our partnership with FPCU; utilizing Sparrow is a great complement to their growing digital reach. The collaboration will empower FPCU to meet young consumers where they are and address their evolving needs.

    Harrison Hochman, Chief Executive Officer at Sparrow

    For more details on the partnership, and to explore Sparrow’s student loan Marketplace, visit
    www.myfpcu.com/private-student-loans.

    About Financial Plus Credit Union: Financial Plus Credit Union is a community-driven financial institution, with assets totaling $1.3 Bn. It was originally founded by auto-workers rooted in Genesee County, and now serves all of Michigan with over 81,000 members. FPCU takes pride in its personalized service, competitive rates, and shared ownership and member empowerment, and is committed to fostering a community that genuinely cares about its members. Learn more at www.myfpcu.com.

    About Sparrow: Sparrow empowers credit unions to provide unparalleled student loan services to grow Gen Z membership. Its innovative platform shortens the lengthy search for the most competitive private student loan rates from weeks to seconds. Sparrow’s vision extends beyond transactions, aiming to assist credit unions in cultivating deep, personalized relationships with their younger members. Through its white-labeled platform, Sparrow enables credit unions to be the active relationship builder in their members’ financial journeys, all without the complexities of managing a student loan portfolio. Partnering with over 50 credit unions, as well as 30 other universities, fintechs, and community financial institutions, Sparrow is dedicated to helping its partners win the loyalty of the next generation of members. Learn more at www.sparrowfi.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

  • Sparrow and Catholic and Community Credit Union Join Forces to Fast-Track Gen Z Membership Growth through Innovative Student Loan Solutions

    Sparrow and Catholic and Community Credit Union Join Forces to Fast-Track Gen Z Membership Growth through Innovative Student Loan Solutions

    Catholic and Community Credit Union Partners with Sparrow to Ignite Gen Z Financial Engagement

    NEW YORK – December 4, 2023 – Sparrow, a pioneering fintech serving the credit union movement, proudly announces a game-changing collaboration with Catholic and Community Credit Union, a dedicated financial institution committed to community service. This collaborative partnership represents a strategic milestone, signaling Catholic and Community Credit Union’s proactive leap into a future of accelerated Gen Z membership growth by harnessing the innovative solutions provided by Sparrow’s cutting-edge student loan marketplace.

    At Catholic and Community Credit Union, we recognize the imperative of engaging with the next generation, and partnering with Sparrow is our dynamic response to this need. This collaboration positions us to propel membership growth among Gen Z by offering innovative student loan solutions. Sparrow’s platform is the catalyst that will not only attract but also retain the younger demographic, establishing us as a leading financial institution for the future.

    Ken Bossung, President & Chief Executive Officer of Catholic and Community Credit Union

    Revolutionizing Gen Z Engagement with Data-Driven Solutions

    Catholic and Community Credit Union is strategically using Sparrow’s innovative platform to redefine its approach to Gen Z engagement. By adopting Sparrow’s white-labeled student loan marketplace, the credit union gains a unique advantage, accessing a diverse network of reputable lenders and offering a broad spectrum of loan options. This strategic move is aimed at not only meeting the financial needs of Gen Z members but also fostering a lasting relationship.

    We are thrilled to partner with Catholic and Community Credit Union, an institution that shares our vision for a dynamic and engaged financial future. Together, we are set to revolutionize how credit unions attract and serve the Gen Z demographic. Sparrow’s platform provides the tools and expertise needed to accelerate membership growth, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformative journey.

    Harrison Hochman, Chief Executive Officer at Sparrow

    Strategic Features to Propel Membership Acceleration

    In anticipation of this partnership, Catholic and Community Credit Union’s student loan marketplace will introduce advanced features and functionalities designed to accelerate Gen Z membership:

    • Access to 250+ unique data attributes per non-member, enabling highly personalized financial solutions.
    • A competitive average payout (of non-interest income) per funded student loan, adding an enticing dimension to membership benefits.
    • Over 25 turnkey marketing resources strategically designed to streamline cross-selling and drive Gen Z member engagement.

    About Sparrow

    Sparrow, one of the fastest growing student student lending platforms in the U.S., offers solutions to borrowers and businesses. Borrowers use Sparrow to search and compare real student loan rates through a single form, bringing simplicity, choice, and transparency to an otherwise inefficient and opaque lending process. Credit unions use Sparrow to accelerate Gen Z membership, engagement, and retention. Founded by students for students, Sparrow’s mission is to make education accessible and affordable for all. Learn more at www.sparrowfi.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    About Catholic and Community Credit Union

    Catholic and Community Credit Union is a $192M community financial institution in Shiloh, Illinois proudly serving 14,000+ loyal members. Learn more at www.catholicandcommunitycu.org. Deposits insured by the NCUA, an agency of the US government.

    Media Contact

    Sparrow Labs Inc

    Sparrow Media Inquiry

    support@sparrowfi.com

  • Navatros and Sparrow Unleash Revolutionary Platform Empowering Ohio Credit Unions to Attract Gen Z and Millennial Members

    Navatros and Sparrow Unleash Revolutionary Platform Empowering Ohio Credit Unions to Attract Gen Z and Millennial Members

    COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 22, 2023 – Sparrow, a pioneering financial technology startup that powers student loan marketplaces, is delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Navatros, the for-profit entity of the Ohio Credit Union League that provides products and solutions to credit unions in Ohio and surrounding states. By leveraging Sparrow’s innovative solution, credit unions in Ohio can now offer student loans without assuming the role of the lender of record and open new opportunities to engage members.

    Accelerating Gen Z membership for credit unions

    By leveraging Sparrow’s innovative solution, Ohio credit unions can offer student loans through a customized, white-labeled student loan marketplace, with a network of 20+ non-competitive lenders, within minutes. The Sparrow platform can also assist in generating new income and drive value-added marketing to deepen member engagement.

    Navigating engagement and expectations of the Gen Z and Millennial generations is an important priority for credit unions. That’s why our partnership with Sparrow is so significant. Their innovative platform can help Ohio’s credit unions authentically engage Gen Z and Millennial members. With Sparrow, credit unions can leverage a cutting-edge platform to attract and retain the next generation of members.

    Laura Auxter, Chief Revenue Officer at Navatros

    The Sparrow effect

    By offering student loans, credit unions can help members achieve their professional and financial aspirations while benefiting from cross-selling opportunities. Research shows that among borrowers who utilize their credit union for student loans, 65% open a checking account, 55% obtain a credit card, and 44% open a savings account.

    “The rapidly changing landscape and evolving preferences of the younger generation have presented unprecedented challenges,” explained Harrison Hochman, CEO at Sparrow. “Our innovative solution empowers credit unions to adapt and engage Gen Z members like never before, providing the tools and capabilities to navigate this critical turning point. It’s a game-changing opportunity for credit unions to not just survive but thrive in this new era.”

    Sparrow provides credit unions with the ability to launch their own customized, white-labeled student loan marketplaces within minutes. These marketplaces are seamlessly integrated with Sparrow’s extensive network of 20+ non-competitive student lenders. Credit unions can leverage the Sparrow platform to generate non-interest income on disbursed loans, while also utilizing automated marketing campaigns to drive membership account creation and cross-sell products.

    Ohio-based credit union buy-in

    Prior to public launch, two Ohio-based credit unions representing 12,326 total members and $129m in assets transitioned from a traditional affiliate student lender relationship to launching a marketplace on Sparrow.

    Sparrow, founded in 2020 by Harrison Hochman, Griffin Morris, and Daniel Kahn, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing educational financing platforms in the United States, facilitating the search for over $400 million in private student loans.

    About Sparrow

    Sparrow, one of the nation’s fastest-growing student financing platforms, offers solutions to borrowers and businesses. Borrowers use Sparrow to search and compare personalized student loan offers through a single form, bringing simplicity, choice, and transparency to an otherwise inefficient and opaque lending process. Businesses use Sparrow to offer their customers a white-labeled student loan marketplace. Founded by students for students, Sparrow’s mission is to make education accessible and affordable for all. Learn more at www.sparrowfi.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    About Navatros

    Navatros is an expert industry leader who advocates for credit unions, finance organizations, and more. Through a suite of personalized business solutions and trusted help, service, and advice, Navatros helps guide businesses toward success and works tirelessly to protect customer growth and well-being by solving challenges and achieving goals.

    Media Contact

    Sparrow Labs Inc.

    Sparrow Media Inquiry

    support@sparrowfi.com

  • Former CEO of $3B Credit Union Joins Sparrow`s Advisory Board

    Former CEO of $3B Credit Union Joins Sparrow`s Advisory Board

    Gene Pelham - the former CEO of a $3B credit union - joins Sparrow's Advisory Board.
    As the former CEO of Rogue Credit Union, a $3B financial institution, Gene Pelham has been on the forefront of credit union innovation for over 40 years. Today, he joins Sparrow’s Advisory Board to help shape how credit unions connect with Gen Z.

    NEW YORK – April 6, 2023 – Sparrow, a two-year-old financial technology startup that simplifies and streamlines the student loan process, announced today that Gene Pelham will join its Credit Union Advisory Board. Having been the CEO of two credit unions, Pelham brings over 40 years of industry experience to one of the fastest growing educational financing platforms in the country.

    “Our partnership is a huge win for every credit union struggling to connect with Gen Z,” said Sparrow CEO and co-founder Harrison Hochman. “With Gene’s guidance, Sparrow is extending its platform to allow credit unions to gain the benefits of student loans without becoming a student lender. Most notably, our clients leverage student loans to swim 10 years upstream of the competition to ‘memberize’ Gen Z while they’re still in college and introduce the other products offered in their ecosystem.”

    There are key moments in the life of a consumer where credit unions have the opportunity to build resilient member relationships. Sparrow’s cracked the student lending code and I am excited to support their mission.  They’ve introduced ‘memberization’ into the student loan process where credit unions can quickly offer a robust student lending program without impacting current operations, projects, or having to offer the student loan off their books.

    Gene Pelham, Former CEO of Rogue Credit Union

    Effectively engaging Gen Z

    In a 2018 study, Cornerstone Advisors found that of the borrowers who used their primary credit union to find a student loan, 65% opened a checking account, 57% opened a credit card, 44% opened a savings account, and 20% obtained a mortgage. Despite these facts, less than 5% of credit unions are student lenders. Those that watch from the sidelines do so for a myriad of reasons: regulatory exposure, resource constraints, project saturation, etc.

    Sparrow’s turnkey platform allows credit unions to bypass these challenges while reaping the benefits of student loans. With marketplaces launched on Sparrow, credit unions ensure all borrowers that pass through are either current members or submit applications for membership.

    Driving Gen Z membership while increasing revenue

    Since launching with Sparrow, credit union partners have experienced immediate impact, including:

    • Increased the average percentage of members who find funding for their student loan by 5.53x compared to the industry average
    • Increased the non-interest income that credit unions make on student loans by 144%
    • Accelerated membership of Millennials and Gen Z, with the average age of new members being 29 years old

    About Sparrow

    Sparrow was founded in 2020 by Hochman, Griffin Morris and Daniel Kahn. Since its founding, Sparrow has facilitated the search of over $300 million of private student loans with its credit union partners. Credit unions use Sparrow to offer their customers a white-labeled student loan marketplace. Founded by students for students, Sparrow’s mission is to make education accessible and affordable for all. Learn more at www.sparrowfi.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact

    Sparrow Labs Inc.

    Sparrow Media Inquiry

    hello@sparrowfi.com