At Nook, we believe smart growth is rooted in strategic leadership—and we’re excited to share our latest step forward. As our client base continues to expand and our work deepens across the financial industry, we’re thrilled to welcome Owen Freese to the team as our new Director of Growth.
Owen brings a proven track record in financial services and a sharp focus on meaningful relationship-building—both key to helping credit unions modernize member engagement and fuel sustainable growth.
He began his career in Atlanta, working closely with the Managing Director of a boutique financial planning firm. That experience launched him into an entrepreneurial journey at 49 Financial in Austin, TX, where he grew a thriving client portfolio through data-driven strategy and logistics-focused planning. His leadership stood out, and soon he was tapped to assist in the firm’s expansion into the Midwest—bringing him back home to Minneapolis.
Now at Nook, Owen will lead growth initiatives across the organization, working alongside our sales and marketing teams to scale our impact. From expanding our partnerships to helping financial institutions unlock the full potential of HubSpot, his role will be central to how we continue to evolve.
“Owen’s unique blend of entrepreneurial drive, strategic focus, and passion for financial services makes him an ideal fit for our team,” said Austin Wentzlaff, Co-Founder & CEO of Nook. “We’re thrilled to have him on board as we continue to grow and deliver unmatched value to our clients.”
We’re proud of the momentum we’re building—and even more excited for what’s ahead. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Owen Freese. His addition marks another step in our mission to empower financial institutions with the tools, strategy, and execution they need to grow smarter.