Fast Five: Octavian Rivas

Tell us about yourself

Generation:

Partly Gen X and partly millennial. At an early stage in my life I was very fortunate to make many face-to-face social connections that really helped me become a better communicator and listener. As I moved into adulthood, I made steps to become very prepared for the change in technology and the lines of communication that come with that.

Business and community involvement:

I have been in the banking industry for seven years. I started by working my way through college as a teller. After receiving my associate degree at North Idaho College and bachelor's degree at Lewis-Clark State College, I worked to make my dream career a reality — I wanted to have a career that allowed me to give back to the community that had done so much for me, and I wanted to have a career that made me excited every day that I wake up. Since joining Idaho Central Credit Union, I have been able to fulfill both of those wants... Whether it’s helping hand out food for the 2nd Harvest mobile food bank, helping the Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation deliver hundreds of lunches for their fundraiser or helping serve food at St. Vincent de Paul’s Father Bill’s Kitchen, I have been able to really appreciate the true meaning of community.

1. What is your favorite time of year and why?

Summer. I love being outdoors and getting to spend time with family and friends in many different ways. Some of my favorites would have to be swimming at Tubbs Hill with my wife Sydnee and our dog Porter, barbecuing on the back deck and playing golf.

2. What is something you love about your work at ICCU?

If I had to choose one thing, it would be that we are like one big family here. It’s incredible when work doesn’t feel like work when you have such great people around you and you love what you do.

3. What is one of your strongest values?

Dedication to others. If you know me, you know that I am a person who has a genuine care for others. There is a quote by Thomas Dooley that I believe sums up this belief: "Dedicate some of your life to others. Your dedication will not be a sacrifice. It will be an exhilarating experience because it is an intense effort applied toward a meaningful end."

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I volunteered as a firefighter for Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and Northern Lakes Fire District. I loved every minute of it and couldn’t say enough nice things about the brave men and women who help serve the people of Kootenai County every day. People would also be surprised to know that I am an Ironman, having finished the last full Ironman in Coeur d’Alene.

5. If you could road trip anywhere in America, where would you go and why?

I would love to road trip in the Northeast in the fall. I believe there is so much American history and captivating cities and towns there that it would be a shame not to see it. I would love to see the rich beauty of the changing of the seasons in fall and the amazing power of the north Atlantic Ocean.