Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Hubbard.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Susan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started this company 24 years ago in the corner of my bedroom. The original branding of the company was known as TexasChecks then. I was a single mom who formerly worked as a legal assistant for attorneys and then later as a subcontractor for the FDIC doing asset and liability searches. After some rough years (was within two weeks of having my home foreclosed on), and getting “smart”, I decided to go out on my own and formed TexasChecks. I began with an Apple computer, a small printer and a small thermal fax machine. I started marketing to some companies that I had formerly used while subcontracting for the FDIC.
A former subcontractor I had used while working for the FDIC and asked me if I could temporarily help them doing some criminal searches in the county where I lived. The money wasn’t good, but I wasn’t working at the time, so anything was good. I started working for them, began taking on other counties to search and began doing more and more courthouse searches in lots more counties. Eventually, I hired my son to work with me, and my two daughters were helping me in the summer.
In 2000, I moved locations to a bigger space and hired a few more people as my client list was growing and I was being asked to conduct research in more and more counties. Then in 2004, I moved again to a bigger office space and began conduct research in nearly all 254 counties in the State of Texas. Finally, in 2008, I purchased a small building, renovated it, and moved to the location I am today. In 2016, I rebranded the company to Credential Research in order to promote a more global presence. I currently have 10 office personnel (who are like my extended family) and we now a nationwide screening of all types, plus screening for potential job candidates in other countries.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I still remember how close I was when I almost had my home foreclosed on and I remember the people who believed in me and helped me out.
From a neighbor who cooked an evening meal for me to the banker who loaned me the money for my first brand new vehicle cause mine was using a quart of oil every day. It was rough, but it made me who I am today. I have learned so much along the way and can’t believe I am where I am sometimes. I have truly been blessed.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Credential Research – what should we know?
Credential Research conducts comprehensive background screenings all over the world. From a simple county criminal search to a nationwide and global criminal search. We conduct searches in the Sex Offender National Database to the National Terrorist Watch List.
Our company also offers driver’s reports (mostly instantaneous) and drug testing based on DOT regulations. We are a member of NAPBS, which is the National Association of Public Background Screeners and will soon be applying for our certification in this association. The company also maintains their FCRA compliance on conducting all background screens.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have so many mentors in this journey. From my banker who gave me the first loan to start the company, a cousin who encouraged me to grown, to current associates and finally, the people in my office who encourage me every day. They are awesome and I love each and every one of them.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1303 Walnut Hill Lane, #360, Irving, TX 75038 (Corporate)
180 N Beaulah St., Hawkins, TX 75765 (Operations) - Website: www.credentialresearch.com
- Phone: 903-769-4202
- Email: info@credentialresearch.com
Image Credit:
Amie Cordell
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
