06/05/2025
Introducing Arlo Washington, founder and CEO of People Trust Community Federal Credit Union—the sole Black-owned financial institution in Arkansas, aiding low and moderate-income communities.
-
Raised in Little Rock, faced financial hurdles, supported sisters after mom’s death. Model and barber in New York at 19, but he eventually returned home for college. Using some of his student loans, he managed to open his own barbershop after 2 years.
-
First loan encounter, he lacked financial education. He expanded barbershops, gained entrepreneurial knowledge. A decade later, 7 shops and his own barber college.
-
In 2009, last payday lender in Arkansas closed. People sought loans at barber college, sparking realization for community financial services.
-
Began with $1,000 from college profits—offered low-interest small loans. Grew into People Trust Community Loan Fund, a not-for-profit CDFI. The rest is history.
