As we celebrate Altana’s 75th anniversary, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our volunteer board of directors. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our credit union into what it is today. We’re excited to introduce you to each volunteer board member to mark this special milestone. Meet Hazel Klein!
What’s your philosophy on life?
The Golden Rule is an essential benchmark for living life and treating others. Be kind, compassionate, respectful, and giving. These values are at the heart of the credit union philosophy.
Tell us about your roots.
I grew up in Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon, with family roots in Red Lodge and Cody. My husband and I moved to Laurel from Billings in 1973 to build a duplex after selling our first home. We loved the smaller town feel and community spirit, so we made Laurel our permanent home and raised our family there.
How did you get into real estate?
Our passion for real estate was sparked when we built and sold our duplex. That experience led us to start investing in properties, and eventually, in 1982, I became a business owner with two partners in A Haus of Realty.
What advice do you have for home buyers?
Contact the professionals. Start with your lender—like Altana Federal Credit Union to determine your budget and prepare an offer. Then, consult with a Realtor to guide you through the home-buying process.
What’s the most significant change you’ve seen in your career?
Thanks to the dedicated leadership team, the most significant change has been the credit union’s growth. They’ve worked hard to meet the members’ needs in technology, customer service, new products, and community involvement. That’s the true spirit of a credit union—it’s like a family.
What makes you happiest?
I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my granddaughter, and family vacations. My daughter, son, and granddaughter are my greatest achievements, or rather, my greatest blessings.
Hazel, thank you for your dedicated service to our volunteer board of directors. Your commitment, guided by values of kindness, compassion, and community spirit, has been instrumental in our growth and success. We sincerely appreciate your passion and leadership in making our credit union a true family.