When a Texas mechanics lien is filed correctly and on time, it can protect a contractor’s right to payment. That’s what happened for Universal Injections, Inc., a Texas-based contractor specializing in soil stabilization. Since 2012, the company has helped builders and developers across Texas prepare project sites by mitigating expansive clay and creating more stable ground for safe, sustainable construction.
For Deborah McKay, CFO at Universal Injections, protecting the company’s right to payment is a critical part of keeping the business healthy. Like many construction companies, Universal Injections often performs work before receiving full payment. That creates risk, especially when large balances are tied up in a project.
In one recent situation, that risk became very real.
When payment became a serious issue
Universal Injections had completed work on two new residential subdivisions in Texas. The work was completed, tested, and passed. But payment became a serious issue. According to Deborah, the customer made it clear they were not planning to pay the outstanding invoices.
At the same time, other trades and subcontractors on the project were also having trouble getting paid.
For Universal Injections, the balance was significant. Deborah estimated the unpaid amount was approximately $300,000.
Recovering that money made a meaningful difference for the company. With such a substantial balance at risk, the loss would have had a serious impact on the business.
"That was a lifesaver. That was a lot of money."
Turning to CRM’s mechanics lien process
Because Universal Injections had partnered with CRM Lien Services and followed the proper Texas lien process, they had options.
Deborah had used CRM’s educational resources on lien rights management and lien deadlines to help her understand the process and stay aware of important timing requirements. She has even printed some of CRM’s resources and keeps them handy when managing accounts receivable and determining the best next step.
When it became clear the customer was not going to pay, she knew it was time to act.
“I keep that as reference so I know, well, I’m in that time zone, and I need to start my paperwork and call you guys and get that going,” Deborah said.
Taking action with the Texas mechanics lien process
CRM helped Universal Injections prepare and serve the required documents, including the preliminary notice, notice of unpaid balance, and mechanics lien. By following the mechanics lien process carefully and on time, Universal Injections was able to protect its lien rights and create real leverage for payment.
That leverage mattered.
The lots were ready to be sold, but the mechanics liens created an issue that had to be resolved before clear title could be transferred. As Deborah explained, “Because we followed the rules and had those liens in place, they couldn’t sell them. They were just stuck, and they had to deal with it.”
Payment recovered
Soon after the lien was recorded and notice was served, the payments started coming in. Deborah remembers receiving emails showing payments being made within minutes of each other.
“It was like, here’s an email with part of the payment, and then five minutes later, here’s the email with another part of the payment,” she said. “It was just because we did everything right.”
More than a vendor
For Deborah, the biggest value was not just the paperwork. It was the confidence of knowing what steps to take, when to take them, and that CRM was there to help make sure the process was handled correctly.
“It’s the education that I got from you guys that has made all the difference,” Deborah said. “You have to follow the rules. We have to protect ourselves.”
She also shared that this was not the first time Universal Injections had used CRM’s services to help resolve payment issues.
“Everything that we’ve ever had to file a lien on, we’ve been able to use that lien to get paid with,” Deborah said.
Over time, CRM has become more than a vendor to Universal Injections. Deborah describes CRM as an extension of her team.
“You’ve kind of become part of my business,” she said. “I call you my lien department.”
That partnership gives her confidence when payment issues arise. Instead of trying to navigate the lien process alone, she knows who to call and what steps need to be taken.
“Y’all have always had my back,” Deborah said. “I believe what they tell me, so I’m going to do it the way they say.”
Advice for other contractors
When asked what she would tell another contractor, supplier, or credit manager dealing with unpaid invoices, Deborah’s answer was simple:
“I would tell them that they need to call you first thing.”
For Universal Injections, protecting lien rights was not just an administrative step. It helped recover a major unpaid balance, protect cash flow, and keep the business moving forward.
In an industry where payment risk is high, the right mechanics lien process matters. With CRM Lien Services as a partner, Universal Injections had a clear plan, followed the proper steps, and got paid.
