Matadors Community Credit Union
TruEdge helped Matadors Community Credit Union realize their vision for a full update of their existing main office and branch. Today, staff and members enjoy a more functional, secure, vibrant, and efficient environment.
The Challenges
Manage Scope Creep Early
Matadors’ original idea seemed simple—a branch remodel. But scope creep took over quickly, as the list of changes and improvements grew. TruEdge handled this common problem by spotting it early and quickly developing a realistic scope to perfectly match the ultimate vision.
Safety and Security First
The existing branch had a safety issue: too many hidden and unused areas limited visibility. The new layout not only makes better use of the overall space, but it includes features that significantly improve security for both staff and members.
Active remodel, Minimum Disruption
Matadors Community Credit Union needed to keep their administrative office operating during the construction. TruEdge minimized the impact on the day-to-day business by using a variety of logistics, including temporary fencing, parking solutions and card access.
A renovation on this scale requires all the same planning and permit approvals needed for a new ground-up build. To stay on schedule, these demand dedicated and constant attention.
The Solutions
A Secure and Sustainable Transformation
A lot has changed in the twenty years since Matadors Community Credit Union built their main office and branch from the ground up in Chatsworth, CA.
The need for physical security for their branch and new drive-up Teller & ATM has substantially increased. The building’s exterior and interior finishes had become dated. The parking lot asphalt needed to be replaced, and the parking lot expanded to accommodate future growth. Energy efficiency, sustainability and the environment have become more important considerations; the credit union wanted to investigate using solar power. To help pull this all together, they turned to TruEdge as a trusted strategic partner who carefully listened and provided the right solutions for all their needs.
What started as a single request quickly developed into a diverse array of multiple needs. Proper scope identification and containment was essential. TruEdge created a matrix of options and recommendations, along with budget and schedule impacts for each. This no-surprises approach to planning makes approvals quick and efficient. Ultimately, the scope included a full branch remodel, partial main office remodel, full exterior re-finish, new and expanded parking lot, new drive-thru, new ATM vestibule and the addition of solar panels on carport structures.
Improving branch and ATM drive-up security required rethinking access and entry points, visibility and how cash would be handled. The branch entry was changed to be much more visible for staff. In addition, bullet resistant glass was placed in the transaction zone, a drive up teller and a 24-hour ATM vestibule added, and the drive-up reconfigured so the ATM was no longer susceptible to theft and damage.
The building remained open and operational during the entire process. Since the work touched most areas of the building and site, strong planning and communication with the credit union and their members was essential. A clear phasing plan was developed and shared with all stakeholders, making the job more manageable for everyone—Matadors staff, members and the construction personnel.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with on our major renovation. Each TruEdge employee is an expert at what they do. The team is so professional and easy to work with- they are almost like family now! They were collaborative, responsive, and proactive, and their communication throughout our project was always on point. We highly recommend TruEdge Builds and we plan to work with them again on our other location.” – Melissa Broadwell, President & CEO, Matadors Community Credit Union.
