When Michelle Martin launched Six26 Construction, she knew she was stepping into a challenging industry, often as the only woman on a job site. What she didn’t know yet was how quickly her company would grow.
Today, Six26 Construction is taking on larger public projects. After a significant growth year focused on strengthening processes, establishing internal controls, and getting team members fully aligned in their roles, the company is positioned for even bigger opportunities in 2026.
But the early days required creativity and partnership.
“When I first went for a business loan, I didn’t yet have the track record,” Michelle explains. “Newburyport Bank worked with me on a personal loan to help get the company off the ground.”
That support helped Six26 through its critical first year. From year one to year two, the company grew threefold, fueled by securing larger projects and building strong relationships with general contractors.
Construction is a cash-flow-heavy industry. Employees are paid weekly, while projects are paid monthly or quarterly. Timing matters. Having access to the right financing has allowed Michelle to manage payroll, subcontractors, and day-to-day expenses while waiting for project payments to come through.
“It can all hit at once,” she says. “You have to make sure you have something there to keep everything moving.”
As Six26 expands, Michelle is taking a thoughtful, methodical approach to growth. With contracts already secured for larger projects, she’s balancing long-term jobs with the smaller projects her team excels at, ensuring stability while scaling.
Newburyport Bank has remained a steady presence throughout that evolution.
“They’re local. They have boots on the ground,” Michelle says. “Whether I was in Amesbury, Dover, or now North Hampton, there was always a branch nearby. The Newburyport Bank team gets you what you need in the moment.”
For Michelle, the relationship goes beyond transactions. It’s about having a bank that understands the realities of her industry and helps her think through options she may not have considered.
“Everything we’ve needed has been met and we’ve talked through what approach works best for us,” she says. “Newburyport Bank is definitely part of our growth plan. We have no reason to look anywhere else.”
As Six26 Construction steps into its next phase, Michelle continues building — strategically, confidently, and with the right financial partner at her side.
Let’s Grow What You’ve Built
Just like the businesses you’ve read about, your journey is uniquely yours—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Newburyport Bank, we partner with local businesses to provide thoughtful guidance, personalized service, and solutions designed to help you succeed. View our products and services to see how help your business.