For Nick McLain, there’s no better feeling than driving past a thriving neighborhood, shopping center or commercial site and knowing his team helped bring it to life. Areas that once were overgrown land are now where families make memories, businesses grow and communities flourish — transformations made possible by his company, McLain Site Solutions.
“It means everything to me,” McLain said. “There’s something special about being able to point to a road, a neighborhood or a site and say, ‘We built that.’ My team takes real pride in shaping communities that families live in, work in and grow up in. That’s what this business is all about — building something lasting, not just for profit, but for the people who will enjoy it long after we’re gone.”
Since starting his company in 2021, McLain has prepared sites across Northeast Florida that are now subdivisions, retail centers and other major developments. But as the work grew, so did the challenges of managing cash flow amid rising interest rates and expensive equipment loans.
McLain found the support he needed from VyStar Credit Union.
A Growing Business Gets the Solutions It Needs
When McLain connected with VyStar’s Mark Emmel and Dayana Silva in 2022, his company was growing but feeling the pressure of expensive equipment loans. His interest rates ranged from 12 to 17 percent, and when paired with short repayment terms, drove his monthly payments to around $130,000.
“It felt like we were constantly running uphill,” McLain said. “Every project cost more, every reinvestment was slower.”
Emmel and Silva saw an opportunity to support a growing local business that was creating jobs and reshaping communities. McLain demonstrated strong business performance, steady deposits and a clear vision for the future. He refinanced his equipment loans with VyStar, cutting the rate by about half and extending the term from three years to eight. In doing so, McLain’s monthly payments went from $130,000 to just $60,000.
“Refinancing through VyStar was a game-changer,” McLain said. “The relief of having fair, stable financing allowed us to put money back into the business — new equipment, more staff, better infrastructure. It’s given us the breathing room to grow instead of just survive.”
The relationship grew from there. Emmel and Silva continued to work alongside McLain, providing education and guidance so he could make the best long-term decisions for his company. McLain began utilizing VyStar for day-to-day banking needs like remote deposits, which made managing his growing operation easier. When he later inquired about a business line of credit, he learned that VyStar can support lending needs up to $5 million or more.
“My relationship with Mark, Dayana and the VyStar team has been nothing short of outstanding,” McLain said. “They’ve treated me like family from the start. Mark has gone above and beyond, taking the time to understand my business, our challenges and our long-term goals. It’s rare to find a banker who’s that engaged and consistent. VyStar has become a true partner in our success.”
At VyStar, no business is too small — or too large — to benefit from the credit union difference. Every relationship is built on trust and a genuine desire to provide meaningful solutions.
“Trust is everything in business,” McLain said. “As a contractor, I deal with large sums, tight deadlines and a lot of moving parts. I need to know my bank has my back. With VyStar, I never have to second guess where we stand or whether they’ll come through. When I call, they answer. When I need help, they move fast. That kind of reliability and transparency lets me focus on running my company instead of worrying about financing.”
Building What’s Next
Today, McLain Site Solutions has around 70 employees, from field operators to office and management staff. “Every one of them plays a critical role in keeping projects on schedule and up to our standards,” McLain said.
Emmel and Silva appreciate the opportunity to support McLain Site Solutions. They are committed to bringing high-level service to every VyStar business member who looks to them for assistance.
“Nick’s journey is a perfect example of our mission,” Emmel said. “We aim to assist every business owner within our field of membership in the same way, as we are convinced that positively impacting this business member will allow our member to pay it forward to the entire community.”
Silva added: “It’s been a privilege to support McLain Site Solutions since he started his business — not just witnessing its growth but actively contributing to it.”
With a strong team in place and a sustainable business model, McLain is optimistic about an even brighter future for his company. That means more neighborhoods, more businesses and more welcoming communities.
“We’re aiming for smart, steady growth,” McLain said. “The goal isn’t just to be bigger — it’s to be better. We want to keep expanding while refining our quality and performance. With VyStar behind us, I feel confident we’re on the right track to becoming one of the leading site development contractors in the region.”
This article is part of a series on local business members who have received support from VyStar. Read more stories.