What’s Happening Now:

On June 26th, 2024, Martin was unexpectedly relieved of his role as Chief Growth Officer of Alabama One. An Alabama based Credit Union that experienced tremendous Growth during his tenure with the organization. Under the leadership of CEO Bill Wells, Martin and the Executive Lead Team accomplished the following, in an 8+ year window: from 11 branches in West Alabama to 27 opened and 9 pending in the next 18 months, from losing over $1M/year to making $7M+/year, $550M in Assets to $1.2 Billion in Assets.

In his role as Chief Growth Officer, he oversaw several departments, including traditional Marketing, Digital Strategy & Solutions, Business Development, Financial Wellness, Community Impact, Events and Professional Development. He also provided oversight for the Growth Committee (responsible for helping set the focus and direction for Growth initiatives). He was also the co-founder and current Sponsor for the Ambassador Program. The program responsible for identifying and growing AOCU’s future leaders.

Martin is the CEO/Founder of M-Powerment Strategies & Solutions: “Empowering Leaders. Advancing Financial Literacy. Driving Growth”. He is a John Maxwell Certified Team Member. He also serves as the Lead Pastor of Harvest Church. Check out his recent book, “The Encouragement Factor” Give Me One More Inch and is available to speak on this topic as well. Martin will continue to host his self-titled sports show, as well as expand his broadcasting opportunities.

Bio:

Martin Houston was born in Centre, AL to Henry Houston & Nellie (Henderson) Barnett. He was raised with a great work ethic and encouraged to pursue his dreams. He was influenced by his hardworking mother and a belief in Jesus Christ. These two factors along with his marriage to Cassandra Dobbins, proved to be the driving forces and his greatest source of encouragement.

Football allowed Martin Houston to fulfill his childhood dream. Through the playing of football and a commitment to his education, Martin earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama, which he attended from 1988-1992. During his time as a student-athlete, he received a B.S. Degree in Marketing, as well as was a big contributor on the 1989 SEC Championship and the starting Fullback on 1992 SEC Championship and the 1992 National Championship. He followed that up by signing a contract to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a career ending knee injury, Martin returned to Tuscaloosa, AL to resume his role as a husband and father. 

Martin has seen success in his post sports life. He has been recognized as a leader, as well a reproducer of leadership. He is also known to have an entrepreneurial spirit, which has led him to be a 2x Church Planter and the Founder and Host of The Martin Houston Show (sports talk radio). From the classroom to the boardroom, he has been recognized for his commitment to excellence. He was an Academic All-SEC Winner, The Sylvester Croom Commitment to Excellence Award, a 2x Pinnacle Recipient and led an Insurance Agency that has been recognized as Tuscaloosa’s Best Agency four consecutive years. He also ran a great Mayoral campaign to unset a 16 year incumbent, but came up a little short.

Martin most recently served as the Chief Growth Officer for Alabama One Credit Union from 2017 -2024, where he helped them achieve unprecedented growth and expand from 11 branches to 27 and grow total assets from just over $500 Million in total assets to over $1 Billion in total assets.

As He transitions into the CEO Role of Martin Houston Speaks, he will continue to serve as the Lead Pastor of Harvest Church and the host his sport talk show. Martin Houston Speaks is a speaking and training company.
Martin and Cassandra married during his redshirt-freshmen year at the University of Alabama. The two of them have seen many days of ups and downs and through it all they have remained faithful to each other and continued to grow and mature. Their union has produced 4 children (2-boys/2-girls) and 3 grandchildren (and growing). His wife and family have encouraged him to continue to thrive to leave a legacy of love that will propel (encourage) them to carry on the work God has started in him.