At the heart of Frontwave Credit Union are our dedicated employees, who we call Dream Makers. This month, we get to know Branch Manager Martha Flores, who heads up our Escondido, California branch and has been serving Frontwave Members for 11 years.

Can you tell us a little bit about your career journey here at Frontwave?

I’ve been with Frontwave since 2010. I started in the Collections Department back when Frontwave Headquarters were located at the MCX Complex on Camp Pendleton. I had recently moved down from LA, was looking for something just to get me going — and BAM here I am 11 years later.

In 2014, I was promoted to the Supervisor position at our Camp Pendleton Mainside branch. That’s where, boy oh boy, my world turned upside down and all around. It was a fast paced and high product branch and as a newbie I was thrown right in, challenge accepted. Luckily I survived and thrived. This is where I figured out that Operations is where I belonged.

In 2018, I was transferred to the Plaza branch on Camp Pendleton to assist with setting up our new location on the west side of the base. Building that branch foundation and seeing it grow was an amazing experience, as it was very different from the already set infrastructure of the Mainside branch. That new challenge kept me going as I looked for more challenges. Fast forward to 2020 I was promoted to the Branch Manager position at Escondido.

What do you think makes you successful in your current role as Branch Manager?

I think it comes down to my ability to be very analytical and a “why/huh/ok” type of person. What I mean is I take things and break them down to try to figure out the “why,” clarify the “huh,” and then move to the “ok” let’s do this. I ask questions all the time. I’m a big numbers person and love to dig deep into data and find resolutions. I don’t step down from challenges and thoroughly enjoy what I do

In addition I am just a people person. I love to talk to anyone and everyone about anything! Literally anything. You know the saying “don’t talk to strangers”? Yup, I was not that kid. That didn’t work for me.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to working with Members?

Just be nice. It’s as simple and as easy as that. Treat them with respect and common courtesy. Who doesn’t want to be treated that way? It establishes a positive relationship, and from there we can move into the business aspect of educating our Members about products and services.

Members might be surprised to hear how involved many of our Branch Managers are in their communities. What types of activities are you involved in?

 I love being a part of North County. I was born and raised here, and anything I can do to make it a better place — I’m in. I’ve actively participated in Vistan’s Revitalizing Our Community program (VistansROC) where we worked to revitalize various community neighborhoods. Cleaning, painting, and minor construction — I was there every single year. In addition, I served as mentor to young girls, inspiring them to be Strong, Smart and Bold through Girls Inc. I’ve also participated in many community events sponsored by Frontwave, such as Surf Girl, Harbor Days, Turkey Trot and Camp Pendleton ASYMCA.

What do you think makes your branch and community unique?

Escondido literally translates from Spanish as “hidden.” As the farthest east/south branch of the 78/15 corridor, I’m focused on finding the treasure that is out here. We are on the merge of 2 major highways, as well as within a growing community both physically and economically. There are a lot of new residents moving in and expanding towards the east, as well as new infrastructures. We are and will be booming!

Last but not least, in your opinion, what sets Frontwave apart from other financial institutions?

We are Dream Makers! I have had the privilege to work with a lot of different people and what our Frontwave staff does day in and day out, I have not witnessed anywhere else. Not just as an employee but as a Member, I have seen staff go above and beyond to assist others, often in situations that are not within their realm but they still do what they can. We still help. That matters and sets us apart. I am a person who has a name not just a number. I have seen this institution develop so much and cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of us.

If you find yourself in Escondido, swing by 1645 S. Centre City Parkway in Southern California to say hello to Martha and her crew and find out how they can help make your financial dreams come true!