Triple J honors its remarkable and enduring staff. Blending corporate and personal values, it nurtures exceptional employees who embody loyalty and excellence. Across 38 years in Saipan and 39 years in Guam and other parts of the greater Micronesia, Triple J’s journey thrives. With ventures in car dealerships, car rentals, commercial tires, restaurants, wholesale food, bakeries, hotels, school meals and real estate, its achievements are thanks to dedicated personnel. Frank Ada Jr, Director of Human Resources, Triple J Saipan, Inc., since 2010, highlights some of them.
Ben Lizama – 38 years of service
Affectionately called “Uncle Ben,” he’s been integral to Triple J, embodying dedication and resilience. Starting as a salesperson and rising to sales manager, he mirrors the company’s growth, inspiring others to conquer challenges. “Uncle Ben” showcases staff commitment, reflecting Triple J’s ethos, leaving a cultural imprint with his journey from salesperson to manager. Ada remarked, “He has been with us since Day 1, ever since Triple J started in 1985.”
Mario Valentino
“Mario Valentino, who oversees our maintenance activities and project developments, showcased his exceptional abilities following the Soudelor Typhoon,” Ada recalled. When he was newly hired, the typhoon struck Saipan. Despite his recent arrival, he rallied and motivated his team to provide crucial assistance to all our facilities in the aftermath. Valentino’s leadership and organizational skills shone brightly during this challenging time, leaving a lasting positive impact.
Jay Santos – Businessperson of the Year
Starting as Hertz manager, Jay Santos, now General Manager of Payless Wholesale and Five Star Wholesale, progressed through marketing and HR roles, also as Advertising Manager. Notably, he was recognized as the Saipan Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year in 2023. Over 17 years, Santos’ unwavering commitment and advancement have embodied his significant role in the company’s triumphs. “He is really an example of a professional, climbing up the ladder with his hardwork,” Ada added.”Triple J has been recognized with four Businessperson of the Year so far. At Triple J, one of the biggest impacts we have on our people, is we produce leaders not followers.”
Fred Camacho
“In terms of Fred Camacho,” Ada began, “his impact is truly remarkable.” With two years at Triple J, Fred embodies constant motion and a proactive approach. He exemplifies perpetual activity, where action and innovation are norms. Amid pandemic challenges, Camacho eased permit applications and public hearings in Tinian and Saipan, aiding Triple J’s trajectory. His adaptability and leadership overcame obstacles. Frank highlighted Camacho’s strategic involvement too, citing his insights aligning with growth objectives, pivotal for guiding expansion efforts.
Kina Peter
Ada also discussed one of the latest additions to the team, Kina Peter, a former public auditor. Peter’s background as a CPA and her experience at Boeing in Washington makes her a valuable asset. Ada praised Peter’s organizational and leadership skills, highlighting their significance in the company. Her financial expertise is particularly important, as compliance is integral to the organization’s operations.
Jose Mafnas Jr.
Ada also mentioned Jose Mafnas Jr. during the discussion. As Corporate Counsel, Mafnas is a recent addition to the team. He plays a pivotal role in the company’s latest real estate acquisitions. Ada emphasized that these acquisitions are expected to create plans for additional job opportunities in Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and across all Triple J affiliates, showcasing Mafnas’ potential to contribute significantly to the company’s growth and development.
Remarkable departments
Ada also commented on a couple of departments within Triple J Motors, namely the Sales and Parts departments. Ada acknowledged that while no department is immune to complaints, they genuinely value the compliments they receive. Ada mentioned that even though cars can experience breakdowns, they find great satisfaction in being recognized for their excellent service. As well as our newest business venture in providing meals to our students both in the public and private schools.
Shifting the focus to the hospitality sector, Ada mentioned the housekeeping and hotel staff at Surfrider Resort Hotel, Tinian Western Lodge, and Tinian Garden B&B. Ada expressed a sense of pride upon hearing compliments about the hotel’s cleanliness and the friendliness of its staff. Such positive feedback reinforces the dedication of the team and their commitment to providing a top-notch guest experience. “In addition, our Surf Club Restaurant, Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe, and Tinian Bar K Diner and drive thru have been a recipient of awards and customer compliments, all credited to their hardworking and dedicated employees. We continue to provide the best car rental fleets with our Hertz/Dollar Car rentals. Lastly, our Real Estate Division manages our 3 affordable housing complexes Sandy Beach Homes, Ocean Ridge Homes and Saipan Comfort Homes, this takes dedicated employees that timely process prospective tenants and assure quality units that are well maintained.”
Triple J’s secret to success
Triple J strikes a harmonious balance between corporate professionalism and familial values, making it an attractive workplace.
“Since the company’s inception nearly 40 years ago—payroll has never been missed,” Ada stated. The company prioritizes its workforce, offering diverse benefits, and bonuses, and maintaining a family-oriented, human touch.
At Triple J, being a big company doesn’t hinder sharing the wealth— Mr. Jones ensures commissions and performance bonuses are embraced. Their humility and strong Christian ethos resonate throughout the organization, even in recognizing religious holidays. Employee well-being is paramount, as showcased during crises like the pandemic with hazard pay and compensation for interaction-intensive roles. Triple J, with 327 employees in Saipan and Tinian, and about 800 total in the Marianas and Micronesia, remains a testament to caring for its workforce.
“Our boss, Robert H. Jones — the youngest 87-year-old I know, is very unique which makes this company very unique,” Ada added.
He ended with this quote, “Great things in business are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.” —Steve Jobs.
Frank Ada Jr, Director of Human Resources, Triple J Saipan, Inc., at Surfclub on August 30, 2023.