Corpus Christi office staff for Employees Finance Service are Assistant Manager Samantha Hardin (left), customer associates Blake Skelton and Lauren Valdez, and (seated) office manager Michelle Neville. Photo by Jane Kathleen Gregorio
Employees Finance Service in Corpus Christi lives by its motto: “We succeed when our customers succeed.” With 11 locations across the state, the parent company, Guarantee Loans in Houston, has been serving Texas for more than 80 years. The Corpus Christi branch has been in operation for more than 70 years, offering small-dollar or traditional installment loans of up to $1,400. Employees Finance Service is not a payday or title lender.
“We have the ability to offer better rates, lower monthly payments, and more flexible loan terms to help our clients, whether it be for household emergencies, school loans, holiday expenses, and more,” said Curtis “Trey” Stockton III, president of the Corpus Christi branch. “We help people who need to rebuild their credit.”
Stockton started with the company as supervisor 25 years ago, working his way up through the ranks to become president. Recently, the Corpus Christi office was named the top branch among the 11 other locations in the state.
Over the years, the office has grown. In 1999, it moved from its original location on Peoples and Mesquite streets to its current spot at 4701 Ayers St. in Suite 604.
HOW IT WORKS
Borrowers can apply for loans by phone, in person, or through the company’s website. After gathering information from an applicant, Employees Finance Service verifies that information, including residence, income, and expenses, to determine each individual borrower’s ability to repay the loan.
“We consider all factors to determine the amount of money one is qualified to borrow,” Stockton said.
To acquire a traditional loan, a person must:
• be 18 years old;
• have a valid Texas driver’s license or identification;
• have a valid Social Security number;
• have a verifiable source of income;
• have a verifiable residence;
• not be a member or dependent of a military household;
• and be able to repay the loan.
The company reports every customer’s account activity to all three major credit bureaus and is regulated and examined by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner.
Michelle Neville, company office manager for the past four years, said she feels a sense satisfaction each time a client is helped.
“Each person who comes in to apply for a loan has a story and a reason why they need the extra money,” she said. “Even if it’s something as small as replacing a flat tire or as big as fixing a roof, there’s such a wide range of why people need money. Each person we can open an account for, we were able to provide a solution.”
Once a loan has been repaid, customers can borrow again. Repaying a loan in a timely manner helps build good credit, another plus for clients who have fallen on hard financial times.
“We have built relationships with our customers over the years and treat them as we would want to be treated,” Stockton said. “Since I’ve been president, we’ve had very few complaints and no infractions with the state. I’ve had people writing letters to the office thanking us for what we’ve done for them.”
The company runs promotions multiple times during the year, Stockton said. In September, clients can receive $50 for each referral that leads to a new account.
“Our group is versatile, courteous, and helpful,” Stockton said. “We have a lot of repeat business, and we wouldn’t have that if customers weren’t happy.”
Employees Finance Service is located at 4701 Ayers St., Suite 604, in Corpus Christi. For more information, call (361) 853-2400 or visit guaranteeloantexas.com.
