Martin Federal Credit Union Builds Relationships First, Branches Second

As consumers, when you want to do business with a particular brand, what is the determining factor? Is it location? Quality? Trust? For most, it’s a combination of all of the above, especially in the financial arena. Your financial institution has to be there for you, your family and your community. That’s why Martin Federal Credit Union puts such a large focus on building meaningful, quality relationships with their members first and then expanding as necessary, like they’ve just done with their new branch across from Legacy Middle School on Lake Underhill Road,which is scheduled to have a grand opening on November 6, 2009.

Today Martin Federal is a community chartered credit union meaning anyone who works, worships or attends school in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and parts of Citrus County can become a member.

Martin understands that clients should come first and they have since they were first formed in 1978. “We pride ourselves on the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” says Debbie Bullock, vice president of marketing for Martin Federal Credit Union. “Martin Federal started that way and we continue to work the same today.”

Today Martin is a community chartered credit union meaning anyone who works, worships or attends school in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and parts of Citrus County can become a member. Martin Federal offers traditional financial products and services such as checking, savings and money market accounts as well as most loan solutions including new and used auto, first mortgages and home equity loans - at rates typically lower than traditional banks.

Martin Federal Credit Union Member Service Specialists Samantha Slatcoff and Myriam Rivera look over the state-of-the-art computer system at the credit union's concierge desk at their new branch located on Lake Underhill Road.

In addition to a full product offering and low rates, Bullock says that their dedication to relationships is key to what sets Martin apart. “We build relationships with our members and they become part of our family. You don’t find that many places today,” she says. Martin employees, like Samantha Slatcoff, member service specialist at the new Lake Underhill branch, agree: “Everyone is in it for the members, it’s very refreshing,” she says. “You can tell the focus is on them and we do everything we can to help.”

Member Service Specialist Heather Boozer helps direct Martin Federal Credit Union members to the right department ensuring their question are answered as quickly as possible.

To this day Martin continues to innovate the way in which members are served utilizing a combination of common sense and technology. New Martin Federal branches, like the one on Lake Underhill Road, offer windowless drive-throughs. Guests and Member Service Specialists, Martin Federal’s version of tellers, will communicate via intuitive screens to help eliminate errors and speed up response time. “This branch has a lot of new member-first features,” says Linda Bufis, manager of the new Martin Federal branch. “We’ll be able to serve all the members on this side of town like never before.”

Inside the new branch, members will experience a state-of-the-art facility that combines an entirely new concept for Martin Federal. “Members will be greeted as they enter our doors and will be taken to one of our teller pods or Dialog Stations,” says Bullock. The pods are very different from typical teller windows normally found in credit unions or bank lobbies in that they allow for open conversation between the credit union representative and the member. “They allow the member to stand side-by-side with our employees - there are no walls or barriers,” she says. “This helps us have more open, face-to-face conversations ultimately helping us build stronger relationships with our members.”

Myriam Rivera assists a Martin Federal Credit Union member at the Lake Underhill branch's new Dialog Stations. The stations are designed to eliminate separation between employees and members, creating a more personal, face-to-face interaction.

Martin also believes in building a solid foundation for the community of tomorrow. Being Central Florida based, they have a pulse on what matters most to this region and, as such, have continually stepped up their community involvement over the past several years, according to Bullock. “While individually we each have a cause that we hold near and dear, we schedule several events every year that allow us to all participate together,” she says. From fundraisers helping children with special needs to charity walks, Martin Federal continually raises awareness and funds for causes that enrich the Central Florida community.

For Martin Federal, being successful is about more than just business, it’s about a philosophy. “Although it may sound cliché, we truly do not treat you as just a number here,” says Bullock. “Our members are our family and we’re in business to help them achieve their life dreams.”

Article by Corey Gehrold

Interested in opening an account or leaning more about Martin Federal Credit Union?

Join them for their new Lake Underhill branch Grand Opening on November 6, 2009.

Martin Federal Credit Union
11411 Lake Underhill Road
Orlando, FL 32825
407.857.6328 - www.MartinFCU.org