Banking with Purpose: The Story Behind REV's Community Impact w/ Shelley Puckett

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A credit union that feels more like a sports car brand than a financial institution? That's exactly what Shelly Puckett and the team at REV Credit Union have created through their bold, purpose-driven approach to banking in Charleston.

Puckett, REV's Director of Brand Marketing, takes us behind the scenes of one of Charleston's most successful rebrands, transforming the traditional Heritage Trust into the dynamic community powerhouse known as REV. Born and raised in Charleston, Puckett joined the organization in 2019 and quickly found herself at the table for a complete brand overhaul alongside CEO Jason Lee. The timing couldn't have been more challenging—launching in March 2020 as COVID-19 emerged—but their "atom bomb" billboard strategy flooded Charleston with their new identity and set the stage for remarkable growth.

What makes REV stand out isn't just their vibrant teal branding or memorable name (which stands for forward momentum, not an acronym). It's their foundational philosophy of "banking with purpose" that drives everything they do. Through their Up the Good Foundation, REV focuses on creating resilient communities by supporting health initiatives, inclusivity programs, and financial education. Their team has already contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours, reaching their five-year goal a year early. Now they're targeting 30,000 hours for the next five years as they expand across South Carolina, North Carolina, and potentially into West Virginia.

REV's nine-person marketing team operates as an in-house agency, crafting everything from their signature REV Day employee events to student-run high school branches that provide real financial experience for teenagers. With innovative programs like Shop REV Gear (an e-commerce site where proceeds support their foundation) and community sponsorships that prioritize events bringing people together, they've created a financial brand that resonates wit

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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