Ben Stangland

Background

Job Description

I serve as President of Strum Agency and Strum Platform, two sister companies focused on helping financial institutions grow through brand strategy, data-driven marketing, and personalized member engagement. I lead cross-functional teams spanning strategy, creative, data science, and technology. My role involves business development, product innovation, and mentoring leaders across both companies to deliver impact for credit unions and banks nationwide.

Company Description

Strum helps credit unions and community banks grow. Through our agency and platform, we provide brand strategy, data analytics, marketing automation, and personalized engagement tools that drive deeper relationships, increase deposits, and improve member retention. We work at the intersection of finance, technology, and human behavior

Employment History

I began my career over 23 years ago as an intern at what was then Weber Marketing Group, now Strum Agency. Over the years, I’ve held nearly every role within the agency, helping grow it into a national leader in brand strategy and marketing for credit unions and community banks. I developed many of the agency’s early data strategies and saw firsthand the growing need for more advanced analytics and personalized engagement. That insight led me to lead the acquisition of a smaller analytics firm, which I transformed into Strum Platform, a martech company purpose-built for financial institutions. I later spun off Strum Platform as a separate sister company, and today I lead both organizations. Together, they combine strategic consulting with technology to help financial institutions grow, deepen relationships, and operate more effectively.

Education

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from Seattle University.

Mentoring Objectives & Scope

My objective as a mentor is to help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world impact. I want to provide honest guidance on navigating career choices, developing strategic thinking, and building leadership skills early. I’m especially interested in mentoring students who are curious, entrepreneurial, or exploring careers in marketing, data, business strategy, or startups. The scope of my mentoring includes career path discussions, resume or portfolio feedback, mock interviews, decision-making frameworks, and honest conversations about what it’s really like to build and lead companies. I’m here to challenge, support, and help students think bigger.

When and where do you hold meetings with your students?

Hybrid meeting, on the SU campus or at my office in SLU.

Additional Information

I’m a builder at heart. I started as an intern and worked my way up over two decades to lead two companies, Strum Agency and Strum Platform that serve credit unions and community banks across the country. I’ve sat in creative, strategy, data, and leadership roles, so I understand how businesses actually work from the inside out. I care about doing meaningful work, asking better questions, and helping others grow. I’m direct, curious, and always up for a good challenge. If you’re navigating career decisions, trying to find your edge, or thinking about how to create something of your own—I’ve been there, and I’m happy to help.