Innovation

Innovation

Edward Cesar Martin, Jr., President, and founder of Trident Credit Support and Collection Services, Inc., came from a family of lawyers. He mentions that the natural course is also to take up law and follow the same career track as his parents, both lawyers who work for the government and the private sector. Seeing the limitation in these career paths, he wanted to pursue a different avenue.

So, while studying law, he put up a small custom machine shop that sells RC's (Radio Control) that caters to hobbyists. He stated, "Early on, I had the opportunity to understand first-hand how difficult it is to start and operate a business." Being a law student, he also takes time to research and check the best business to start with, considering he has very few resources. The business was operational for three to four years. Still, right after passing the bar exam, Mr. Martin eventually ceased the business due to lack of time, and he mentions that he also needs to concentrate on building his law career.

His first job as a lawyer is with one of the country's leading banking institutions. After working for four years in the banking industry and being exposed to litigation, he had the urge to try something new. All the experiences and the learnings from his previous business and job led him to open his own company. The best practices that he had previously been considered his best asset for his own business.

The decision to venture into a service business instead of a product offering type is not that easy for Mr. Martin. Still, his objective in creating different ways of providing service is apparent. Making his company a one-stop-shop for all his customer's needs in terms of Property Transfers, securing documents, and credit support services to banks and non-bank financial institutions is part of the innovations he plans for the company. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the labor market situation in the Philippines. Mr. Martin stated that his goal is "to guarantee decent work for all and be the bridge between their clients and the different institutions to secure job continuity for his employees." He also mentioned strategies for having his people undergo training to maintain their employment to meet their family's needs (SDG 8).

Inspiration

Inspiration

As Mr. Martin said, "my first job as a lawyer was not really by choice, but because I don't have the luxury to choose my career track. I was fortunate enough to get accepted in a corporate setting, and I was the only lawyer hired in the bank without experiences in a law firm."

Being a part of the banking industry had its share of challenges and fun for Mr. Martin. He got to know about the industry and was exposed to the diverse functions in the financial sector. The sophistication and glamour of the banking industry charmed him and pulled him towards opening his own company. Mr. Martin also mentioned that traditional lawyers prefer litigation since it usually takes time to complete and because that is how some lawyers earn. But in the corporate setting, they would like to settle everything as quickly as possible.

Working in a bank for years made him pursue a different career path. All lessons and experiences with the banking industry inspired him to start his own company. These experiences served as an inspiration for him to pursue work not just for the benefit of his employer but also for the benefit of his clients.

Overall impact

Overall impact

Mr. Martin decided to start his company with his father, wife, and a couple of his staff from the bank. The company offers credit support services to banks and non-bank financial institutions in Credit Investigation, Title Tracebacks and Investigation, Transfers of Titles, REM, and Chattel Mortgage Registration and Encumbrance.

"We are a service provider for banking institutions composed of documentation experts operating nationwide. We handle registration of mortgage, transfers of ownership, and other credit support transactions with various government agencies for our clients. Our experienced team of motorized field officers is trained in all aspects of documentation services in government agencies, including different requirements and procedures ensuring effective and efficient transactions. They are supported by an equally trained administrative team bridging clients and government agencies, ensuring proper coordination every step of the way. Highly motivated and well equipped, we are always prepared to handle all your transaction needs in compliance with all existing laws, regulations, and policies of the respective government agencies."

As a company, Mr. Martin recognizes that one of the most significant opportunities is positively addressing their clients' cases. And with all the best practices he had learned from the banking industry, his mission is to provide solutions beneficial for the clients and the business itself. They offer a holistic approach to all their clients and seek continuity of transactions to be sustainable. "You don't need to be worried about missing any documents, wasting time in lines, and sacrificing other essential tasks to complete this errand anymore. Leave it with us; we will take care of it in no time." The goal of making the company a one-stop shop for their client will help them achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This may ensure that all of their stakeholders will benefit from its success.

Business benefit

Business benefit

Trident personnel is composed of lawyers and investigators. They have years of experience in litigation, documentation, title and credit investigation, credit collection, asset search, and vehicle skip tracing. Their credit support and collection services are backed-up by motorized field personnel, document reviewers, and account officers. They can guarantee their clients to provide them with the best customer service experience.

"Keeping our family together means doing what's best for each individual and what's best for the family as a whole." - Mr. Martin.

Innovating the company into a one-stop-shop for its clients will turn it into a top-quality service provider. "If you are investing by applying for a housing or auto loan, you will be required by banks to submit certified true copies of titles, tax declarations, tax clearances, and similar documents. Instead of personally securing these documents from various government offices, you can book with us, and we will take care of the rest."

With this objective, the company serves as a bridge to ensure proper coordination every step of the way. Providing convenience and satisfaction will benefit the company and the other people. Fostering and developing a culture of giving convenience is essential to the advancement of society.

Social and environmental benefit

Social and environmental benefit

"Trident Asikaso is the first of its kind service in the country. It caters directly to individuals needing Property Transfers, or securing documents for Real Estate (house and lots, condominium units and the likes) and Personal (all types of motor vehicles) properties."

Developing efficient solutions to any client’s cases or concerns is a way of providing benefits to all. The company has committed to work hand in hand with clients. They do it not only for business but they believe that it is also their obligation to channel an extensive capability in promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all that is toward benefitting people and the environment. Ensuring that all people in the country will have equal rights to enter into a transaction. Implementing an appropriate social protection systems and measures for all will be beneficial to all stakeholders.

Interview

Edward Cesar Martin, Jr., President