From bankruptcy to breakthrough: How a small loan can transform someone’s life

After a crushing setback that left him with few options and traditional banks turning their backs, Mark Arthofer found hope when AIM Credit Union stepped in with a modest loan and unwavering belief in his potential. This pivotal moment not only rescued him from financial despair but ignited a journey from ruin to entrepreneurial triumph.

A legacy of belief

Arthofer's connection to credit unions runs deep. Growing up, he absorbed the values of community and mutual support from his father—a lifelong credit union advocate who even served on a credit union board for over 25 years.

"For him, credit unions have always represented more than just financial services," Arthofer said of his dad in an interview at the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). "They embody a belief in people and a commitment to community success."

Rising from adversity

In 1997, after 14 years of farming, Arthofer and his wife faced a dire financial reality. They "went through a very nasty bankruptcy" when they were no longer able to farm. The couple faced this drastic life change head-on, with Mark going back to school to pursue a degree in business. During an introductory business class, Arthofer was tasked with creating a fictitious company. Seizing the opportunity, he devised an idea for Skyline Storage and Trucking. A year later, Skyline Storage and Trucking became a reality.

While traditional banks refused to support their next step by extending credit, AIM Credit Union believed in Arthofer's vision. They provided the modest but life-changing loan that would lay the foundation for the couple's thriving business. "When I went to the credit union, they believed in me," he remembered. "The first thing they said was, 'Let's get creative. We can help you. We can make this happen.'"

Building a thriving enterprise

Starting with just a pickup truck and a skid loader, Skyline Storage and Trucking has grown exponentially. Today, the company supplies salt for road maintenance to agencies in Iowa and Minnesota, employing 10 full-time workers and up to 70 seasonal staff during winter months. Arthofer's innovative drive didn't stop there—he even designed and patented a machine tailored for his industry.

"I took a chance, and they took a chance on me," he said of the credit union as he reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to a flourishing enterprise.

Paying it forward

Deeply grateful for the support he received from AIM Credit Union, Arthofer has dedicated himself to giving back. Serving on the boards of AIM and another local institution, he leverages his experience to help others navigate financial hardships.

With a passion for education and community empowerment, he emphasizes, "I'm about education, about believing in people. The underdog doesn't necessarily have to be the underdog."

His story ensures that others facing similar challenges can receive the same life-changing support that once rescued him.

Advocating for the credit union difference

Arthofer's journey resonated powerfully in Washington, D.C., where he shared his story for the first time with lawmakers. He underscored the vital role credit unions play in reaching people and communities in need and ensuring lawmakers know about these efforts. "It's very important for people to tell their story so that they understand what credit unions actually do and how they help underserved communities."

His testimony reflects that credit unions are not just about managing finances—they are engines of hope and transformation. Arthofer's experience is a living testament to the transformative power of community-focused banking. From the depths of financial despair to building a successful enterprise, his journey underscores how a small act of faith can redefine one's destiny. As he reflected on his path forward, Arthofer offered a final thought that encapsulates his gratitude and determination:

"I'm blessed with the opportunity of being here, and I think timing's everything. God puts you in places for a reason."

Bolstered by the voices of fellow credit union leaders, Arthofer's story is an inspiring reminder that when someone believes in you, even the darkest moments can transform into breakthroughs—paving the way for a legacy of success, community empowerment, and sustained support for the underserved.