TruStage, a company renowned for its commitment to integrity, inclusivity and forward-thinking strategies, specializes in providing insurance and financial services tailored to the needs of credit unions and their members. By offering a wide range of products, including life insurance, auto insurance, and retirement planning, TruStage empowers individuals and families to secure their financial futures. The company has thrived by fostering a culture deeply rooted in collaboration and teamwork, which has become increasingly vital as the workplace landscape shifts in response to evolving employee needs.
Bill Fedun | TruStage | Director of Facilities
At the heart of this transformative journey is Bill Fedun, the director of facilities, whose expertise and vision have been instrumental in shaping the company’s physical environment. Since joining the team, Fedun has spearheaded initiatives to modernize and enhance the company’s workspaces, ensuring they reflect the values and aspirations of the organization. Under his guidance, TruStage has embraced innovative solutions prioritizing flexibility, collaboration, and well-being, making the workplace a space where individuals can thrive, connect, and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission.
“We believe a collaborative and inclusive environment is the foundation for innovation. My goal is to ensure our spaces reflect our commitment to teamwork and adapt to the evolving needs of our workforce,” Fedun says.
Creating collaborative environments
One of the most significant projects under Fedun’s leadership began in 2018 when TruStage embarked on a complete overhaul of its Madison campus. Originally spanning three buildings and 26 acres, this transformation aimed to modernize the company’s facilities to support collaboration better. The pandemic in 2020 caused a shift in focus. With the rise of remote work, TruStage began consolidating its office spaces, and Fedun led the charge in rethinking how the company’s work environment could support a hybrid model.
A key element of this project was creating a state-of-the-art collaborative building explicitly designed for a “work where you want to” model. This space includes an auditorium, conference rooms, and flexible meeting areas, allowing employees to gather when needed while maintaining the flexibility to work remotely.
“This new environment has become central to TruStage’s operations, allowing teams to come together for strategic meetings, CEO forums and large-scale events. The building exemplifies the company’s commitment to fostering teamwork while supporting employee choice,” Fedun explains.
As part of the campus revamp, Fedun’s team also oversaw demolishing one of the original buildings, turning the area into green space while retaining underground parking. This decision was driven by a broader effort to optimize the company’s real estate portfolio. Fedun played a crucial role in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of maintaining underutilized office spaces. His analysis, which included tracking the number of employees badging into the building and comparing it to the costs of upkeep, concluded that the company no longer needed three buildings. The consolidation has helped TruStage reduce maintenance costs while creating a more streamlined and efficient office setup.
Balancing remote flexibility with on-site collaboration
Beyond the physical transformation of the campus, Fedun has been instrumental in shaping TruStage’s approach to leadership, recruiting and retention. Understanding the importance of cultivating a strong, collaborative team, the company introduced initiatives like TruStage Days. These curated events foster organic interactions and team building without mandating employees to be in the office full-time, offering a balance between connection and flexibility. The company encourages genuine relationships that enhance collaboration and camaraderie by creating a relaxed environment for team members to engage with one another.
Fedun’s facilities team has played a critical role in enabling remote work by ensuring that employees across the country have the tools, resources, and environments they need to be successful from any location. This strategy has allowed TruStage to recruit top talent from a broader geographical pool that is no longer restricted to Madison headquarters. With a workforce spread across various states, the focus on remote capabilities has transformed the company into a diverse and dynamic team, bringing fresh perspectives and skills that enhance innovation.
The company’s progressive work where you want policy has enhanced employee satisfaction and has become a key factor in attracting and retaining highly skilled individuals who value flexibility in their work environment.
“This approach reflects a deep understanding of the evolving expectations of the modern workforce, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the company’s goals,” Fedun says.
From childhood passion to career success
Fedun’s path to success began with a passion for architecture that started when he was just five. Fascinated by design from an early age, he pursued his dream by studying architecture at the University of Cincinnati, where he participated in the school’s co-op program. This unique opportunity allowed him to alternate between academic study and real-world work experience, giving him early exposure to residential and commercial architecture across small and large firms.
After graduating, Fedun launched his career in residential architecture, joining Herscoe Hajjar Architects as a project architect, where he spent over two years developing his skills in a small-firm setting. His desire for more significant challenges led him to Gensler, a global leader in architecture and design, where he worked for nearly six years as a designer. There, he expanded his expertise by working on large-scale commercial projects.
Fedun then transitioned to Eppstein Uhen Architects, where he further honed his design abilities for nearly two years. In August 2018, he joined TruStage as senior manager for workplace design, combining his architectural skills with corporate workplace strategy. Just two years later, he was promoted to director of facilities, where he now oversees the design, maintenance, and functionality of TruStage’s workspaces, ensuring they are innovative and efficient.
