October #eCOmmunity - Danny and Mickey Hayes

ēCO Credit Union has a strong commitment to the communities where our members live, work, and play. Through the #ēCOmmunity program, we are proud to recognize people and community groups who go above and beyond for their community. Each month in 2020, members of the community who embody the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” will be nominated by ēCO employees to be “Credit Unioned.”

Trisha Bowman, Branch Manager of the Clay Branch, nominated Danny and Mickey Hayes to be “Credit Unioned” for the month of October.

Danny and Mickey are brothers and owners of HHI Builders. Both Danny and Mickey have been members of ēCO for over fifteen years. Trisha says, “Danny and Mickey are one-of-a-kind members. Their genuine care and concern for others is apparent in their daily actions.”

Danny is a retired teacher and football coach. His wife and daughter both work for Children’s of Alabama, and his son is in law school. All of the employees at the Clay Branch consider Danny a mentor.

Mickey is an Army Veteran. His wife also works at Children’s of Alabama, and he has three daughters. Mickey is known for his easy-going, joking personality. Mickey never fails to make the employees at the Clay Branch smile and laugh after a visit.

Together, the brothers grew up with training in multiple trades, including welding, painting, construction, and electrical. In 1998, they started working together as a side job, painting and doing other home improvement jobs. After Danny retired from education ten years later, the two brothers decided it was time to go into full-time business together as home builders. Together, HHI Builders and the Hayes brothers have built 83 homes to date.

“Danny and Mickey embody the Credit Union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’ by doing just that; they are small business owners that go above and beyond for anyone and never want any recognition,” says Trisha. “If they see or hear of a need, they are always willing to do what they can to help, no questions asked. Even more so, they are always there for us. Danny and Mickey always generously support any event or fundraiser we have. They have even helped me with some personal home improvement projects; they are just a phone call away if I need help. They are not just members but family.”

Trisha Bowman and the other Clay Branch employees, Courtney McDowell, Carol Garrison, and Katie Gray, were proud to surprise Danny and Mickey with ēCO water bottles, as well as a gift card, as a small way to say thank you for their dedication and service to the community. 

Danny and Mickey were quick to turn the gesture around and give the gift cards back to the Clay Branch team and told them to treat themselves to a nice lunch.

“That is true Danny and Mickey fashion,” says Trisha. “They never get the credit they deserve for all that they do for others. It is a true example of their character;  even when we are trying to give them the recognition they deserve, they would rather do something for someone other than themselves.”

 “This is the number one credit union in America,” says Danny. “Honestly, they are just so helpful. If something goes wrong, they call us and make sure we are taken care of.”

“No one is going to take care of you the way these ladies take care of you,” says Mickey. “They are family. They know your name, they know what is going on in your life, and they know your family and ask about them. Kathy, you know, she is like everybody’s momma.”

“From the family atmosphere to the work they do in the community and schools, including raising money for Children’s of Alabama, I think this credit union is a great organization,” says Danny. “They help people manage their money, and they just try to help everybody. They are good people, and the City of Clay is lucky to have this credit union and this staff here. I wish we had one in Pell City! I come in here every Friday, and it’s a real joy every Friday. I am so glad we found ēCO, I love it!"

“You know, we left the credit union at one time,” says Mickey. “We didn’t even make it a month before we came running back to ēCO. There is no other financial institution like ēCO; I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. I tell everyone to get an account here. This is such an honor, it is not expected but I appreciate it more than they will ever know. ”

ēCO Credit Union is grateful for Danny and Mickey and their commitment and investment in the community. Thank you, Trisha Bowman, for nominating community leaders like Danny and Mickey Hayes for ēCO’s #ēCOmmunity program. Thank you, Danny and Mickey, for your selfless leadership and dedication to the community, along with your mentorship to the team at ēCO’s Clay Branch. We are grateful to have members that are more like family at ēCO; that is the Credit Union Difference.