Key Takeaways:
- UBT avoided a potential $850,000 loss and protected a key government contract by leveraging Comerica’s proactive due diligence and financial expertise.
- With a flexible revolving line of credit from Comerica, UBT easily meets bonding requirements, allowing the company to pursue larger government contracts without delays.
- Comerica’s financial support, including building financing and cash flow management tools, has enabled UBT to scale its operations, expand project capacity, and drive sustainable growth.
Unified Business Technologies (UBT), a women-owned defense contractor based in Michigan, delivers advanced solutions in information technology, electronics manufacturing, and engineering services. Working with federal contracts requires UBT to meet strict standards for performance and compliance.
Michelle D’Souza, CEO of UBT, knows that meeting these standards while driving growth requires the right financial partner. Since 2016, UBT has worked with Comerica Bank to secure flexible financing and strategic guidance tailored to their needs. This partnership has helped UBT meet bonding requirements, finance key projects, and avoid costly setbacks.
One of the most critical moments in this partnership came when UBT faced a high-stakes decision involving a major payment to a subcontractor.
A Critical Decision: Navigating Risk with Comerica’s Support
Late one evening, Michelle D’Souza received an urgent request from one of UBT’s suppliers, asking for an $850,000 advance before starting a major project. The request raised immediate concerns — was this a standard business need or a costly mistake waiting to happen?
Michelle turned to her Comerica Relationship Manager, Lori Mazurek, for guidance. With deep experience supporting businesses in high-compliance industries, Lori knew that large advances could be risky without proper vetting. She suggested they perform due diligence before wiring the money.
Lori made a few critical phone calls and reviewed available records to assess the supplier’s financial standing. To take it a step further, Lori requested an immediate report from Dun & Bradstreet’s credit database.
The results were clear: the supplier had a high-risk profile, with warning signs indicating serious financial instability. Michelle chose not to advance the funds, and days later, the supplier filed for bankruptcy.
“Had it not been for Comerica, we would have lost $850,000 as well as our government contract,” said Michelle.
Beyond Crisis: Comerica’s Role in UBT’s Ongoing Growth
The $850,000 saved is just one example of how Comerica’s relationship-driven approach has helped UBT thrive. For nearly a decade, Comerica has provided financial solutions tailored to UBT’s needs, supporting its growth to $13 million in annual revenue while helping the company navigate both immediate and long-term challenges.
One of the most important ways UBT has benefited from the partnership is through Comerica’s support in maintaining its bonding capacity — an essential requirement for government contractors. With a flexible revolving line of credit from Comerica, UBT can quickly secure the bonds needed to bid on and execute large contracts without delays.
“As a defense contractor, we always have to provide a bonding capacity,” Michelle said. “And Comerica's line of credit makes it a lot easier for us to get bonding from any insurance company.”
In addition to the line of credit, Comerica has provided UBT with access to a range of commercial banking and treasury management products. These tools have helped UBT manage cash flow, optimize working capital, and ensure the financial flexibility needed to scale operations as new opportunities arise.
Another way UBT has benefited from its partnership with Comerica is through the financing of its headquarters. When UBT needed a stable, long-term space to support its growing operations, Comerica stepped in to finance the building. This investment has provided UBT with the infrastructure needed to scale effectively and take on additional contracts.
With a reliable foundation, UBT has been able to focus on innovation, new projects, and long-term growth, knowing that its financial partner is standing by to help meet strategic goals.
Expect More From Your Bank
Businesses like UBT face one-of-a-kind challenges. As a government contractor, UBT must navigate strict requirements, maintain bonding capacity, and respond quickly to changing project demands. Comerica’s experience and relationship-first approach have equipped the company with flexible financing and real-time guidance.
From preventing an $850,000 loss to financing key infrastructure projects, Comerica’s tailored solutions have helped UBT grow with confidence.
“If another company was looking at Comerica to be their baking partner I would definitely advise them in the affirmative,” Michelle said.
Looking for a financial partner who understands your business?
Connect with Comerica’s experienced team today. We go beyond basic banking to offer strategic, customized support for businesses with complex challenges. Contact your Comerica Relationship Manager or reach out to Comerica today.
