Project Description
Erik Beguin is a nationally recognized banking and financial services entrepreneur and consumer advocate. Erik graduated first in his class from Onalaska High School in 1989 and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He was class president, a member of the inaugural varsity soccer team, and participated in band, tennis, cross country, concert and show choir.
Erik has founded multiple businesses in banking, home mortgage, and consumer financial services. The common theme in all his business ventures is ‘doing well by doing good’. He founded Austin Capital Bank in 2006 to serve the needs of working-class families. In 2018 he founded Credit Strong to help millions of Americans with low credit scores build their credit profile to break the vicious cycle of high cost personal debt. Under Mr. Beguin’s leadership Austin Capital Bank has been recognized as one of the best performing and fastest growing banks in the nation.
Beguin is an active member of his community having served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross of Central Texas, and volunteering for a wide array of community service organizations including; Foundation Communities volunteer income tax assistance program, El Buen Samaritano English as a second language teacher, Sunshine Camps for underprivileged youth, Habitat for Humanity, and Junior Achievement.
In recognition of his contributions to banking and consumers, Erik was appointed to both the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Community Bank Advisory Council and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Community Depository Institution Advisory Council. He received the Austin Under 40 Award for Financial Services in 2007.
Beguin holds an MBA with distinction from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Luther College, where he earned his B.A in accounting and economics and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He received the Luther College Distinguished Service Award in 2018.
Erik is the son of Nancy and Everett Beguin and has one brother Allen who is a 1987 graduate of Onalaska High School. He is married to Kimberley and has three children, Zane, Blaise and his step-son Billy.
Induction Classification: Class of 1989
Induction Year: 2019
WHO WILL BE INDUCTED NEXT?
Nominations for the Wall of Excellence are accepted every year in the spring. Past nominations that have not been inducted can be nominated for consideration. There can be up to three inductees per year. The induction ceremonies are held in the fall as part of the homecoming festivities.
Calling All Onalaska Alumni! Send Us Your Updated Contact Info!
The Alumni Association partners with Onalaska High School to keep updated records of alumni. This helps individual classes with connecting for class reunions as well as the All-Class Reunion held every three years. Click on the button to send us your updated contact information.
