Testimonials
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Billy BishopBishop Realty & Development
“If I were to choose one word to describe my experience working with MCC it would be speed. MCC has been extremely quick and proficient. Most of the time, we are used to stepping in and handling everything. We usually end up going a step further with the buyer and handle a lot of the negotiations with the lender. We haven"t had to do that with the two recent deals that we"ve completed with MCC. From the very beginning, we understood MCC"s parameters, and that"s important for us when trying to sell a piece of real estate. We"ve gone to [potential buyers], stood there on-sight with a calculator and said, “You need to put approximately 10% down. This is approximately going to be your rate. Call these guys. MCC had a very clear understanding up front with us – standing on-site while looking at the property – of what they"re monthly debt service is going to be and how that compares to paying rent. MCC has done a great thing in making this a painless process for us and doing it in a very timely manner. They kept up with the contracts" critical dates extremely well.”
Billy Bishop
President, Bishop Realty and Development
“My appreciation for the guidance, service, and commitment extended during and after the closing of my loan cannot be overstated. I am very proud of our new office building and the long-term business reflection it has made to this community. A sincere thank you to Chris Hurn and Geof Longstaff for their help in making this possible. Having our own location with its visibility has made a substantial difference in our business. The MCC 504 program fit our situation to a tee and I was impressed with the ease in which it was all completed!”
Joe Bert
Owner, Chairman and CEO, Certified Financial Group, Inc.
“For our first commercial financing experience, we thought the process would be somewhat overwhelming. We bought back our business not long before looking at purchasing commercial property. We used some cash doing so and didn’t want to get into a situation where we had to put 25% down. Other lending institutions were looking at us as a new business because we only gave them two years of tax returns. MCC, instead of just telling me ‘No,’ figured out what we needed to do to get a ‘Yes.’ We ended up having to put down 15% instead of 10%, but it gave me the fixed-rate product I was looking for, with the least amount of money down, with longer terms. The entire staff at MCC made the financing process very easy so we could focus on our building and our core business. Even after the deal was closed, Chris and Geof took the time to monitor and council us throughout construction and the draw schedule. When we need future commercial financing needs, we will absolutely us MCC.”
Keith Kemp
Co-Owner, Xerographic Digital Printing
“Mercantile Commercial Capital has exceeded my expectations with conduct above reproach. They have displayed an earnest desire to put their customer’s needs above their own. Loan commitments and loan closings are expedited and executed on time. Integrity and professionalism are alive and well at Mercantile Commercial Capital.
The nicest think about working with MCC is the fact that they have made the process look simple. So many horror stories are out there about working with the SBA that there is a natural reluctance a person has to do it. But, once I’ve been able to introduce the customer to MCC, they take what is a complex process — they’ve done it so many times — and make it look simple and that is what a pro does. They have taken something that’s complex, made it look very simple, put the customer at ease with their qualifications and abilities and made it possible for my customers to fulfill dreams and do things that they didn’t think they’d be able to do.
Working with MCC, personally, has been a good relationship. They’ve have been very straightforward. If it’s something that they can do, they jump on it. They get it done with enthusiasm — it’s done. And if it’s something they can’t do, rather than beating around the bush, they just say, “Charles it’s not something we can do,” which is fine. I like everything on the table and that’s the way MCC plays. Decisions are made and we move on. So I’ve had a great experience with them as a contractor. It’s been great working with MCC. I’m looking forward to many more years of the same. I think we have a bright future together as friends and as companies, both.”
Charles Edwards
President, The Gainsborough Group, Inc.
“Owning commercial property gives me a strong sense of financial security, especially in Central Florida where there is such a boom in real estate. I am an optometrist, and I wanted to own the property I built my practice on for retirement purposes. Valuations on private practices has been dwindling in the last couple of decades so I knew I needed more than just the sale of my practice to retire on. I’m also in a position to develop the 2.1 acres I own and lease or sell new buildings or pads. The door of financial opportunity is now wide open for years to come. I owe a great deal to MCC for assisting me in the acquisition. I am a young professional and did not have the capital to acquire the property through more traditional methods. With MCC’s 504 Loan Program, and their expertise and creative financing, I was able to satisfy the requirements for the down payment easily. MCC worked very hard on my behalf and made what could have been a lot more difficult, a walk in the park. I give them a whole-hearted recommendation to anyone wishing to buy commercial real estate.”
Dr. Ben Larson O.D.
Owner, Advanced Eye Care of Central Florida
“I would say that MCC gave us a level of comfort that I haven’t found anywhere else, so I always give Chris the first opportunity when I have a deal that’s 504-eligible. There have been loans that I didn’t think Chris could even help us with — one of them was a Marina in South Florida, but it turned out they helped us close that loan. To me, that deal goes to show the flexibility that Chris and everyone has at MCC to help us get loans done. So, regardless of the situation, I let him have the first shot as often as I can on everything we do.
What’s cool about the guys and gals at MCC is they are always willing to talk to the client. They understand that I am a broker, and they don’t want me to be out of the loop on anything, so they allow me to keep my involvement in the deal. Some banks don’t really want you talking to the client after they get a hold of them; whereas Chris will let me just do whatever I need to do for my client. If I have questions, he is always willing to meet with people and explain things, which always helps. And Geof provides a wealth of knowledge — he’s wise, brilliant.
These guys at MCC allow us to walk in the doors every day and never feel like we’re bothering them. They are willing to take the time to talk and explain, and that’s always a big help.
Everybody at MCC has been good to us. We’ve built a great relationship. It’s a long-lasting relationship. It’s comforting to know that we can always come down here. We feel like we’re a part of this and we’re helping you grow as a company, too. Anybody that has the opportunity to do business with MCC, I highly recommend it.
It is extremely valuable for us to be able to work with people that are knowledgeable like Chris and Geof. It’s been a great opportunity for us. If it wasn’t for Chris, we might not even be in business right now. We have had deals that we couldn’t have taken anywhere else, and he was able to find a way to get them done. We are forever grateful.
Everything MCC does is cutting-edge and super creative, in both marketing and finance. They are like rock stars in the world of lending!”
Steve & Dita Robinson
Owners, Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Brokers, Inc.
“I first approached MCC after being referred to them for their high quality customer service and quick and creative underwriting. At that time, they quickly and honestly advised me that my project was too ambitious based on the performance of my company at that time, but that they would be happy to work with me if I scaled the project back. I was determined to see my vision through so I proceeded to waste nearly twelve months being strung-along by two other lenders who told me what I wanted to hear, but could not come through. I eventually went back to MCC, in part because they had been right and were so quick to come to their conclusion in the first place. My business operations had continued to grow and based on my progress, MCC quickly approved me for an even larger construction-to-permanent loan than the one I had originally sought. It’s truly ironic and funny how all of this worked out. I probably could not have done this without the honest and fast feedback and professionalism of MCC. I am truly grateful and look forward to building more locations with them soon.”
Matt DeMike
Owner, Boardwalk Pizza
“I want to thank you and your company for the wonderful service that was provided to TL Granite and Marble during the closing of our new facility. It was a pleasure doing business with you, moreover, you made the process, from beginning through closing, an easy one thanks to your organization. I also want to take the time and thank you gr answering all our questions, both on email and by phone, while ensuring that we were in possession of all the required documentation that was essential for a smooth transaction. Again, TL Granite and Marble thanks you and your company for a wonderful service. It was a pleasure doing business with you.”
Arian Casiano
T.L. Granite & Marble Works, LLC
“We were fortunate enough to be introduced to Chris Hurn at Mercantile Commercial Capital by our realtor and friend, John Wannamaker at Coldwell Banker, and that’s all it took. Chris got the ball rolling with his staff and off we went. Chris and Angela were instrumental in maintaining our sanity during a stressful process for 2 women with a dream. Many phone calls, faxes, and meetings with occasional heated discussions were dealt with professionalism, reassurance and countless explanations no matter what. They took the time to educate us to a comfort lever of understand the process necessary to reach our goal. We were in business for 5 years in a leased building which was a necessary stepping stone, and we can now proudly say that we have a facility that was specifically designed and constructed for the services we provide as an Adult Day Health Center. One of our goals was to not only own our business but to also own our facility which MCC made possible with a 504 Loan.”
Vivienne Beauvais
Stay for the Day
“Working with MCC was great. I understand there will always be timing issues when you’re dealing with the federal government. We knew that when we went into the process. We had even heard and seen several bad scenarios play out with SBA financing. MCC had to convince us that they specialize in the 504, that they could expedite everything, that we wouldn’t have to worry about it. And that’s exactly what happened — we gave them the information, and they took care of all the paperwork. I think the program is great for folks like us. It allowed us to stretch our capital. Ten percent down as opposed to 20 or 25 is huge. We were very happy with it.”
Robert Frady
Co-Owner, Seminole Restaurants of Florida dba Melting Pot
“The team at Mercantile Commercial Capital is a pleasure to work with. They use their knowledge of the 504 program and open lines of communication to translate into a fast turnaround for the borrower. I worked with MCC on a higher risk out-of-state project that they were still able to underwrite & decision in a matter of days. I look forward to working with them again in the future and building a long-term relationship.”
Joe Stock
Loan Officer, RMI
“If I were to choose one word to describe my experience working with MCC it would be speed. MCC has been extremely quick and proficient. Most of the time, we are used to stepping in and handling everything. We usually end up going a step further with the buyer and handle a lot of the negotiations with the lender. We haven’t had to do that with the two recent deals that we’ve completed with MCC. From the very beginning, we understood MCC’s parameters, and that’s important for us when trying to sell a piece of real estate. We’ve gone to [potential buyers], stood there on-sight with a calculator and said, “You need to put approximately 10% down. This is approximately going to be your rate. Call these guys. MCC had a very clear understanding up front with us – standing on-site while looking at the property – of what they’re monthly debt service is going to be and how that compares to paying rent. MCC has done a great thing in making this a painless process for us and doing it in a very timely manner. They kept up with the contracts’ critical dates extremely well.”
Billy Bishop
President, Bishop Realty and Development
“I was very impressed with Mercantile’s responsiveness to our client’s needs. It is clear to me that you not only understand your product, and the needs of both the borrower and the lender, but that you are also well equipped, and willing, to understand the role of the real estate broker in the transaction. Your company’s attitude encourages a win-win-win scenario at all times.”
Steven H. Podolsky
SIOR, Principal, Podolsky Northstar CORFAC International
“Any organization that is looking to grow needs professionals that are able to successfully guide it towards a strategy that will truly help reach the intended market for its products and services. Without question, Chris Hurn has proven to be effective in virtually all areas of strategic, tactical and marketing techniques. Chris combines vast knowledge and experience with the kind of “roll up your sleeves” attitude that are a rare commodity in today’s hit and run world. Chris will be there for you from start to finish… and the finish will likely be ahead of the pack!”
Mike Capuzzi
President, Persistent Marketing, Inc.
“In working through a transaction brought to us by MCC, I found both Chris and his organization to be very professional. The loan package they sent me was thorough and complete. Both Chris and his organization were very knowledgeable for the 504 program and when issues arose, Chris demonstrated his flexibility in brining this transaction to a conclusion. It would be my pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Chris an this organization on another 504 transaction in the future.”
Ira P. Lutsky
President, New Jersey Business Finance Corp.
“It’s a pleasure to work with MCC, and especially Chris Hurn, because he knows the ins and outs of the small business loan process. He has a lot of experience and he has the ability to make a once-tedious process as easy as getting a conventional loan.
A client of mine who worked with MCC had never owned anything before I hooked him up with them. He had always rented. Now he’s calling me looking for other investment opportunities in real estate. But that’s typical. I can’t tell you any person that I’ve ever been involved with as a tenant before they owned, that ever went back to leasing again. And if they’re using it for their own business operation, they need to do it with MCC’s financing because it keeps their capital available. It’s the greatest leverage still out there for a small business.”
Michael Heidrich
Partner, NAI Realvest Partners, Inc.
“Knowing the real estate market as I do through NAI Realvest, I immediately recognized the benefit of MCC’s 504 Program for owner-occupied commercial real estate. I joined the Board of Directors for MCC because I believed in the company and its ability to surpass the competition with customer service, turn-around time and superior professionalism. NAI Realvest works very closely with MCC, not just because we are closely bound by our ties with the people there, but because they have proven themselves time and again to our clients.”
George D. Livingston
Chairman/Founder/Principal, NAI Realvest Partners, Inc.
“What I learned in dealing with MCC is that the SBA process, particularly for new construction, is a very specialized program that cannot be handled by amateurs. I was most impressed with MCC’s ability to define and focus on the specifics, as well as the efforts put forth in leading me through the maze. Never did MCC leave me dangling or in question of answers that I needed to generate. I have never worked with a lender who so consciously strove to work with its clients in not only the front-end underwriting, but the actual administration of the loans and draws as well. MCC is a credit to the lending industry, and more so to the SBA, as an example of what professionalism and intelligent business service can provide”
Howard Lefkowitz
Owner, President and CEO, Leeds Holdings/ Southeast, Inc.
“MCC is a team of professionals. Buying commercial property for the first time is a HUGE step–not to mention scary. MCC made us feel comfortable and at ease the moment we walked in their office. From then on, it was smooth sailing. We look forward to working with them again in the future.”
Tamera Duncan
Wife of President/Owner, Laser Line, Inc.
“Any business owner who is looking to expand their business and does not go sit down and speak with MCC is really missing a golden opportunity. You guys have done a fantastic job, and I’m really pleased with the whole experience.”
Shannon Talty
Owner
Olde Hearth Bread
“It has been one of the best experiences we’ve had. We had another SBA loan and it was not this easy. Every time we contacted Mercantile, they got back to us the same day. It really was easier than buying a house. I always tell everyone that getting a loan with your company was not only easier and faster than getting my home loan, but it was completely stress free. You guys asked for paperwork and I delivered. You never had hidden agendas… you guys are the best!!!”
Karina Sloan
Owner, Karice Child Care Development
“MCC made it easy for us to own our commercial property rather than lease it. We were able to finance not only the real estate, but also FF&E and closing costs. This helped a great deal. In addition to this, MCC was more than helpful through a tough situation for us. My brother in-law (and a principal in our company) passed away during the ground-up construction of our building. The MCC loan officers and staff in their closing department helped guide us through the rest of the process without missing a beat. This project could not have been completed without their expertise and willingness to go the extra mile for us. We will certainly use MCC for our future financing needs.”
Tom Masson
Principal, Jenlin, Inc. dba Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins
“I would like to take this opportunity to tell you what a pleasure it has been to work with you and the rest of the team at MCC. The time, effort, and personal attention was amazing. To know that I could call you anytime with any question was very comforting. I know that it is your job, but it also seemed to be a passion to help us. The whole team fought for us and stuck it out until the end. You will never know how much it meant to have you guide us through the murky waters of all the paperwork. I can speak for Catherine, Justin and myself in extending a heartfelt Thank You. I would recommend you at any time. May God bless you all.”
Gale Harris, DVM
Owner, Harris Barbeque Restaurants, LLC dba Dickey’s Barbeque Pit
“My client, who used MCC to finance their acquisition of a business property on Florida’s west coast, had significant deadline constraints. I’ve never seen a lender mobilize so many professionals, within 24 hours, to meet a last-minute closing deadline. They were quick, competent and professional, and I would eagerly recommend them to anyone needing commercial property financing.”
Linda M. Michaels
Partner, Freedman and Michaels, P.A.
“I have closed loan transactions for many years and for many lenders. This gives me the experience and ability to say that MCC is among the most prepared and best lenders with whom I have worked. They excel at being responsive; a quality we emphasize at my law firm, and one that all of us appreciate. MCC’s 504 loan program is handled by professionals who know what they are doing, and they do it well. MCC is easy to work with, and they do whatever they can to make each borrower’s loan experience an excellent one. That is why they are one of the fastest growing lenders in the 504 loan market in Florida.”
Mitchell C. Fogel
Partner, Fogel & Cohen, L.L.P.
“Chris truly has a passion and commitment for helping small business owners grow their companies. [He] is the type of business owner that is constantly pushing the envelope with his innovations, drive and determination. It is very rare to find the customer service that Chris and his staff offer on a daily basis. He truly stands behind his philosophy of putting the customer first and looking out for their best interests. [Chris} firmly believes and asserts that small businesses are the core of our economy and that the work we do assisting these companies is fundamentally noble and absolutely essential. It is refreshing to see a lender with goals so closely aligned to both our CDC and the SBA. He truly understands how these organizations operate and the entire process this type of lending entails.”
Todd Kocourek
President and CEO, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation
“We are proud to have forged a great working relationship over the last few years between Mercantile Commercial Capital and our firm, Essex Capital Group. In completing several real estate transactions with MCC, we have valued MCC’s unmatched lending expertise and overall professionalism. Candidly, we view Mercantile as the first choice for any real estate financing needed by any of our clients.”
Robert D. Swain
President, Essex Capitol Group






Joe Bert








