The Market That Moves America: Recent Episodes
National Center for the Middle Market
A thought-provoking podcast that covers middle market trends, challenges and opportunities. With the help of industry experts and company leaders, the National Center for the Middle Market offers insights about a critical but often overlooked segment of the US economy – the middle market. Each episode, we explore the most relevant issues for these companies, and share recent research and best practices to help leaders in the middle market grow their businesses.
In this episode, we dive into the growing urgency of climate risk and resilience with Amelie Fava-Verde, Chubb Resilience Services leader. As natural disasters, from wildfires to floods and hurricanes, become more frequent and severe, the stakes are rising for middle market companies. Amelie unpacks why proactive risk management is no longer optional, sharing real-world examples and expert insights on how businesses can reduce financial and operational disruption, overcome internal hurdles and transform resilience into a strategic edge.
Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. Additional information can be found at chubb.com.
In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of talent strategy in middle market companies with Laura Davidson, Head of People at Homage, a Columbus-based retailer known for its nostalgic apparel and vibrant culture. Drawing from her 15 years of HR experience across startups and Fortune 500s, Laura shares how Homage is scaling its people practices while staying true to its roots. From hiring with purpose and embedding development into daily work, to preserving culture and collecting meaningful feedback, Laura offers a candid look at how middle market companies can grow without losing what makes them special.
Laura Davidson leads the people function at Homage, where she focuses on aligning talent development, organizational design and leadership coaching with the company’s mission to celebrate the people, places and moments that matter. Her career spans multiple industries and company sizes, giving her a unique perspective on how to build culture and capability in fast-moving, resource-conscious environments.
In this episode, Doug Farren sits down with John Manning, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking Market Coverage at Wells Fargo. With over three decades of experience in commercial banking, John offers deep insights into the shifting macroeconomic landscape and what it means for middle market businesses. Together, they discuss the critical role of strong banking partnerships, strategies for managing market volatility and evolving trade policies, and the importance of a patient, strategic approach in uncertain times. Tune in for expert perspectives and actionable advice to help your business confidently navigate growth, risk, and innovation.
John Manning is executive vice president and head of Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking Market Coverage team, overseeing a $200 billion portfolio and delivering a full range of financial services to diverse clients across the U.S. and Canada. A 35-year industry veteran, he has held multiple leadership roles since joining Wells Fargo in 1994, most recently leading the West region for Commercial Banking. Learn more at www.wellsfargo.com/com.
The lower middle market makes up 80% of the total middle market, representing approximately 160,000 businesses in the U.S. In this episode, we dive into how digital payment innovations are fueling growth in this critical segment with two industry experts: Edward Galvin (Visa) and Andrew Jamison (Extend).Our discussion explores key findings from NCMM research, highlighting the evolving needs of middle market businesses and how financial tools can drive efficiency and expansion. Tune in to hear expert perspectives on how businesses can bridge the gap and future-proof their operations.
Edward Galvin is responsible for North America B2B Commercial Payments Sales at Visa. Visa helps connect businesses to a secure, global network of platforms, products, and services—no matter where you are on your business journey.
Andrew Jamison is the CEO of Extend, a financial technology company building innovative payment solutions for banks and their SMB customers. Extend has built a virtual card and expense management platform as an out-of-the-box product available for issuers to offer alongside their corporate card programs, allowing businesses to access modern spend management software with the commercial card they already have.
Read the report at globalclient.visa.com/middlemarket.
Join us to hear from NCMM Managing Director, Doug Farren, as he discusses key insights from the 2024 End-Year Middle Market Indicator.
Listen to the full webinar presentation, see the slideshow, and explore more from the most recent MMI here: https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/performance-data-on-the-middle-market.
In this solo episode, Doug Farren from the National Center for the Middle Market takes a forward-looking approach to 2025. He discusses key trends impacting middle market companies, including improving macroeconomic conditions, rising business confidence, advancements in technology like AI, and talent management strategies. Doug also provides insights from NCMM's latest Middle Market Indicator survey, offering projections for revenue growth, employment expansion, and innovation. Tune in for a comprehensive sneak peek at the challenges and opportunities shaping the middle market's vital role in the U.S. economy.
In today’s episode, we welcome Sarah Steele, Senior Director at Visa Commercial Solutions, to discuss new research on Canada’s middle market. Sarah shares compelling insights into economic confidence, growth trends, and the distinct challenges Canadian middle market companies face. From adopting digital innovations like AI and automation to leveraging cross-border partnerships with U.S. businesses, she offers practical strategies to overcome hurdles such as limited resources, high costs, and fear of the unknown. Join us as we uncover how these businesses can unlock their full growth potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Sarah is an award-winning payments professional, with over 20 years of experience leading product strategy, complex projects, and thought leadership. Her accomplishments and experiences are varied, spanning consumer and B2B clients, front and back office, consulting and product management. Currently, as Senior Director of Small & Middle Market Business Products, Sarah is responsible for go to market strategy and roll-out Visa’s products, platforms, and resources in North America.
VISA Commercial Solutions, a division of VISA, helps connect businesses to a secure, global network of platforms, products, and services—no matter where you are on your business journey.
Download the latest research report at www.middlemarketcenter.org.
In this insightful conversation, Bryan Wheelock and Joe Walsh from Harness IP discuss the untapped potential of intellectual property for middle market companies. Discover how these businesses can uncover and protect valuable IP assets like copyrights, trade secrets, and unique branding elements that may not be immediately apparent. Learn actionable strategies for identifying, documenting, and leveraging these assets to gain a competitive edge, mitigate risks, and enhance business value. Whether you're facing challenges or seeking growth, this conversation provides practical advice to help you maximize the potential of your intellectual property.
Harness IP is an intellectual property law firm serving clients across the globe. Their attorneys counsel and represent clients across the full range of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, litigation, IP management, and licensing. Learn more about Harness IP at https://www.harnessip.com/
In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing middle market companies with Lori Goltermann, CEO of Aon, North America & Enterprise Clients. Delving into the collaborative study between the NCMM and Aon, Driving Growth: The Role of People, Risk and Technology in Middle Market Success, (focused on companies with revenues of $50mm-$1bn), Lori provides an expert perspective on how human capital, risk management, and evolving technology—especially in the realm of cybersecurity—are key to driving sustainable growth. From building resilient teams to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, tune in to hear about actionable insights to help middle market companies thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Lori Goltermann, CEO of Aon North America and Global Regions, has over three decades of experience transforming the insurance and professional services industry. She leads Aon’s Risk Capital and Human Capital strategies, delivering value across global markets while strengthening client relationships through the firm's Client Leadership model.
In this episode, we're joined by Lauren Serota, Chief People and Culture Officer at Brand Velocity Group, as she and Doug delve into the evergreen topic of talent and culture.
Lauren shares her unexpected journey into HR and leadership development, providing valuable lessons from her time at Patagonia, where she helped foster a culture that balanced purpose with profit. She and Doug explore key elements of building a world-class company culture, the critical role of leadership, and what companies often get wrong when managing culture. Whether you’re leading a small business or a middle market firm, this episode offers practical insights on shaping a thriving, people-centered workplace. Tune in to discover the strategies behind cultivating lasting talent and culture success.
Lauren Serota is Chief People & Culture officer for Brand Velocity Group. Brand Velocity Group is an innovative investment firm focused on accelerating business well-positioned to benefit from our deep operational expertise, deep in-house marketing resources and thoughtful approach toward enhancing company culture. To learn more about Brand Velocity Group please visit us at brandvelocitygroup.com or reach out directly at team@brandvelocitygroup.com.
Join us for an insightful conversation with NCMM Managing Director, Doug Farren, as he discusses some of the key insights from the 2024 Mid-Year Middle Market Indicator.
Explore more from the most recent MMI here: https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/performance-data-on-the-middle-market
Join us for an insightful conversation with Moses Harris, senior vice president and the Black/African American Segment leader for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, as he delves into the importance of telling the story of black-owned middle market businesses. Learn why it is crucial to tell these stories, the unique advocacy points for these companies, and the historical context that has shaped their current landscape. This episode highlights the importance of bringing minority-owned businesses into the spotlight and offers insights from the recent groundbreaking report by the NCMM and Wells Fargo.
Moses Harris is a senior vice president and the Black/African American Segment leader for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, where he has worked 14 years. Wells Fargo is a financial services company that offers banking, insurance, investments, mortgages, and consumer and commercial finance. Learn more about Wells Fargo at https://www.wellsfargo.com/ and explore the NCMM and Wells Fargo research report at https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/research-reports/2024-insights-and-perspectives-from-black-leaders-in-the-middle-market
In this episode, we welcome Robert Shenton, Executive Director of the CEO Forum at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Robert shares his vision for fostering leadership and growth in Ohio's middle market. Discover how peer-to-peer networks, unique insights from the NCMM, and strategic business experiences are fostering growth, innovation, and advocacy within Ohio's vibrant middle market sector. Learn more about our partnership with the CEO Forum at https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/partnership-with-the-ohio-chamber-of-commerce-ceo-forum.
The CEO Forum provides Ohio business leaders with a network of peers to share and seek advice on challenges they’re facing, while also giving them the tools necessary to scale their businesses. This membership program consists of an engaging asynchronous educational course delivered through The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business.
Join us as we dive into the world of fintech solutions and digital payments for middle market companies. In this episode, we sit down with Jay Darnell, Senior Vice President of Fintech Partnerships at Veritex Community Bank, and Leigh Radtke, Vice President of North America Product at Visa Commercial Solutions, to explore the latest trends and innovations in the payment space. Jay and Leigh discuss the importance of digitization and how middle market companies can leverage fintech solutions to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
VISA Commercial Solutions, a division of VISA, helps connect businesses to a secure, global network of platforms, products, and services—no matter where you are on your business journey.
Veritex Community Bank, founded in 2010 is one of the top 10th largest banks headquartered in Texas. Rooted in truth, transparency and uncompromising integrity, Veritex focuses on a wide variety of commercial and business banking solutions to meet the needs of middle market clients.
Joining us for today’s episode is Mike Knemeyer, a professor at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and Academic Director of the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at Ohio State. We unveil key findings from our latest research report that highlight the financial advantages, challenges, and strategies for navigating the complexities of global markets while showcasing the importance of embracing international opportunities and leveraging available resources to drive growth.
CIBER at The Ohio State University is a national Center of Excellence that seeks to promote international business education and research and enhance U.S. business competitiveness in the global marketplace. The Ohio State CIBER works to expand global trade, resolve supply chain and logistics challenges, and build talent pipelines.
Join us for this special episode with Anil K. Makhija, the dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and the first academic director in the National Center for the Middle Market's history.
Anil, who will return to Fisher’s faculty in June after a decade as dean, shares his unique insights into the genesis, growth and triumphs of the NCMM, the profound impact the NCMM has had at Fisher and Ohio State, and the incredible value that strategic partnerships between academia and industry can provide.
In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Heaton, the founder and CEO of sbLiftOff, a national M&A advisory firm located in Northern Virginia. Sharon shares her journey from seasoned attorney to founder of her own advisory firm specializing in the middle market. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of M&A and learn how empathy can be a game-changer in negotiations, ensuring successful outcomes for both buyers and sellers alike.
sbLiftOff is a trusted advisor to founder-led businesses and government contracting companies throughout the U.S. They provide merger and acquisition advisory and related services focusing on private companies with $10 million to $100 million in revenues and at least $2 million in EBITDA.
Listen in as Terry Hill, Co-Head of Emerging Middle Market for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking, and Charisse Conanan Johnson, Co-CEO of Next Street, dive into the unique challenges and opportunities within diverse-owned middle market businesses. Our guests share their expertise and experiences to help uncover the nuances of this vital sector with a discussion about the knowledge gap, capital challenges, and the crucial role of mentorship and networking. Discover the data-driven approach that uncovers the narrative of underrepresented groups and highlights the immense potential within the diverse middle market.
Click this link to read the report published by JPMorgan Chase and Next Street.
Welcome to our special Year-End Middle Market Indicator episode, where we dive deep into the end-of-year 2023 insights of the U.S. middle market, brought to you by NCMM Managing Director, Doug Farren.
Throughout 2023, U.S. middle market companies shattered records, boasting double-digit year-over-year growth in both revenues and employment. The year concluded with unprecedented achievements, including an all-time-high rate of year-over-year revenue growth at 12.4.
To watch the full MMI webinar or download the report, visit www.middlemarketcenter.org.
Join us for an engaging conversation with Steve Weber, founder of PaperTrl, a groundbreaking AP automation product. Explore the imperative for automation in addressing key benefits to help mid-size companies from labor shortages and efficiencies to fraud and phishing attacks, and the securing of digital payment methods. At the intersection of technology and finance, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities in the accounts payable automation space.
PaperTrl is a comprehensive, end-to-end AP automation solution. PaperTrl is a fully integrated, cloud-based AP automation software solution that helps organizations simplify and streamline the entire AP process from purchasing to payments.
In part 2 of our insightful discussion, we continue our conversation on intellectual property with Bryan Wheelock and Joe Walsh from Harness IP. Join us as we explore fascinating case studies, learning from both the successes and challenges faced by businesses in safeguarding their identities. From the nuances of trademark usage to the pitfalls of overlooking comprehensive searches, we uncover the strategies that can make or break your intellectual property journey. If you're a midsize company navigating the IP landscape or an entrepreneur looking to safeguard your brand, this episode provides practical guidance and actionable insights.
Harness IP is a full-service IP firm and a member of the National Center for the Middle Market. With more than 100 lawyers and IP professionals, they cover the full gamut of IP law while maintaining a deep knowledge of specific practice areas to deliver quick, effective solutions to your most complicated IP problems.
Did you know you can't trademark your copyright, but you can protect your brands and innovations with intellectual property rights?
Join us as we chat with two experts from Harness IP. Bryan Wheelock and Joe Walsh, representatives from the renowned intellectual property firm, share insights into patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. They discuss the importance of protecting unique creations, from inventions to marketing materials, in the competitive middle market landscape. Learn more about why intellectual property is a powerful tool for securing revenue streams and gaining a competitive edge in today's dynamic business environment.
Harness IP is a full service IP firm and a member of the National Center for the Middle Market. With more than 100 lawyers and IP professionals, they cover the full gamut of IP law while maintaining a deep knowledge of specific practice areas to deliver quick, effective solutions to your most complicated IP problems.
Today, we're delving into one of the most crucial sectors of the middle market—manufacturing. Our guest, Mike Williams, Industry Practice Leader for Manufacturing at Chubb, offers valuable insights into the latest industry trends. Prepare for a dynamic conversation that unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and risks confronting businesses in this ever-evolving industry.
Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded P&C insurance company and the leading commercial lines insurer in the U.S. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients.
Join us as we learn from a middle-market business owner and hear the story of building a mid-size organization from his basement in 1991 to today as the largest supplier of outsourced claims. CIS Group is a proud member of NCMM. Michael Stanley, the founder of CIS Group, talks with Doug Farren on his perspective of owning a mid-size company on this episode of The Market That Moves America.
CIS Group empowers insurance carriers and finance companies with superior field operations and data collection. With a track record of conducting over 55 million property inspections and claims across the United States, CIS Group presently caters to the most significant property and casualty insurance companies in the U.S.
Doug Farren, Managing Director of the National Center for the Middle Market provides an in-depth analysis of our most recent research findings on the US Middle Market. Revenue, employment, economic confidence, expansion, capital investment, Gen AI use, and more are all discussed in this episode of The Market That Moves America.
The Middle Market Indicator surveys 1,000 CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite executives of America’s middle market companies on key indicators of past and future performance in revenue, employment, and allocation of cash. The survey also reports middle market company confidence in the global, U.S., and local economies and identifies key business challenge areas. The survey was designed to accurately reflect the nearly 200,000 U.S. businesses with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion, the lower and upper limits of middle market annual revenue. The survey is designed and managed by the National Center for the Middle Market. The data shared in this episode was fielded in June of 2023
In this episode, we sit down with John Drake, President of Drake Cooper and discuss advertising and brand recognition for middle market companies. Drake shares his insight on how to make your brand memorable, how marketing can improve your ROI, the natural advertising advantage mid-size companies have, and how to utilize it.
Drake Cooper, founded in 1978 is an employee-owned advertising agency. They work with clients from around the country and specialize in working with mid-size brands by tailoring their services to be of maximum value to organizations of 10M-1B.
On this episode of The Market That Moves America, Doug Farren talks with Darren Mowry and Laney Marx of Google Cloud about how middle market businesses can leverage cloud usage to drive growth. Darren and Laney share their expertise on ways that middle market businesses can be strategic as they look to integrate.
Google Cloud accelerates every organization's ability to digitally transform its business. Google Cloud delivers enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology - all on the cleanest cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.
As one of the world’s largest financial services companies, VISA helps middle market companies manage their own digital transformation in the payments space through collaborations with partners in fintech. Leigh Radtke, Vice President of North America Product at Visa Business Solutions, discusses ways middle market businesses can capitalize on digital solutions to maximize their business performance.
VISA Business Solutions, a division of VISA, helps connect businesses to a secure, global network of platforms, products, and services—no matter where you are on your business journey.
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, businesses are looking for ways to streamline their operations and improve customer experience. In this episode, we sit down with Max Eliscu, Founder of Viewpost, and discuss the benefits of moving away from physical checks to adopting electronic payment methods. Max shares his insights on the future of commercial payments and how middle market businesses can stay ahead of the curve.
Viewpost streamlines payments for companies and provides a free online portal for vendors to view payment history and remittance information.
Middle market companies continue to express concern about customer engagement and relationships as well as their own talent management capabilities and culture. What should middle market leaders be doing to adjust these issues and how has technology and digitizing the customer-employee experience enhanced the success of a real estate company located in the outer banks? Listen as NCMM's managing director Doug Farren talks with Clark Twiddy of Twiddy & Company Vacation Rentals and Real Estate Sales.
As we start to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, middle market companies continue to express concern about customer engagement and relationships, as well as their own talent management capabilities and culture. How do middle market companies create and position their own brand effectively to both attract and retain customers as well as employees? Come find out in our discussion with Julie Hamilton of +Intention.
Buying or Selling a Business might seem like an easily repeatable process for those with lots of resources and capabilities, but how do companies plan to operationalize and execute these deals in order to maximize value? Listen to our discussion with Dietrich Partners' founder and executive chair, Celia Dietrich, to learn more!
How does a successful middle market CEO think about culture and the use of digital technologies to drive growth? The National Center for the Middle Market sat down with PDC Machines CEO, Kareem Afzal, to find out.
How do companies in the lower middle market with $10 - $50 million in annual revenue need to respond when buying or selling a business? Elliott Holland, Managing Director at Guardian Due Diligence, sits down with the National Center for the Middle Market to share his expertise on both sides of deals in the middle market.
Reflecting on 2020 and looking at the year ahead - is the worst behind us? Hear what leading economist Dan North of Euler Hermes has to say on this episode of The Market That Moves America.
Leaning on her deep understanding of companies in transition, Jennifer Fondrevay joins Doug Farren and the National Center for the Middle Market to share what business leaders have done to lead their organizations through the the uncertainty of 2020 and how these lessons can help others grow.
Now more than six months into the pandemic, NCMM welcomes AchieveNext CEO, Nick Araco, to share what he's seeing from CEOs and CHROs and how they're planning to lead their companies forward into 3Q 2020 and beyond, plus what those with a strong "immune system" in managing through the pandemic have in common.
Pivoting throughout the life of a company can mean the difference between growth and shuttering your doors. Hear how one company has been able to focus on its core strengths while adjusting to changes in market demands.
Larry Inks, Clinical Associate Professor in Management and Human Resources at The Ohio State University joins Thomas A. Stewart to discuss how the future of the workplace changes and stays the same as the pandemic continues and companies weigh the return to the physical office space.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light not only challenges but opportunities for middle market business owners. Hear from our guest guest John H. Brown, founder of Business Enterprise Institute, Inc. to find out what you can do right now to grow and protect your business.
The National Center for the Middle Market's Thomas A. Stewart welcomes ApartmentData.com's Rudy Mui and John Severance to share how they've used the power of data and digital transformation have changed their industry and bring in new efficiencies and opportunities.
As much of the country moves to a work-from-home setting, middle market companies mustn't overlook the risks of malevolent opportunists targeting the new home office. We welcome Ohio State Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Emre Koksal who shares how you can protect your company from incoming threats.
As the COVID-19 pandemic crisis sweeps the nation, companies are looking for ways to cut costs and free up cash flow during uncertainty. Tom Stewart of the National Center for the Middle Market welcomes Expense Reduction Analysts Principal Consultant Paul Zaleski to talk about the oft forgotten 20% of spending or "tail spend."
It's a new normal for companies across the world. Now that COVID-19 has pushed so many employees home, how can middle market companies make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible while managing everything else going on? We welcome Jessica Lipnack to the podcast to share decades of expertise studying virtual teams and collaboration you can put to use immediately to help your team thrive.
When firms have big-company problems without the big-time budgets, where do they go to get support? The National Center for the Middle Market's Thomas A. Stewart and Doug Farren welcome Jack Lavin, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to hear how his organization works to help mid-sized companies in the region.
Jeff Eldersveld from the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team joins NCMM Managing Director Doug Farren to talk about an often forgotten player in the middle market: professional sports teams. And just like many other middle market companies, they're working to bring data analytics into the business to create the ultimate game-day experience.
In what's become an annual tradition at NCMM, Dan North, Euler Hermes' chief economist for North America, joins Thomas A. Stewart and Doug Farren to talk about what middle market executives can expect in the year to come.
NCMM Executive Director Thomas A. Stewart welcomes George Calfo and Russell Sanders to talk about our latest research and how middle market executives can prepare for coming business transitions.
Nextrade Group Founder and CEO Kati Suominen joins Tom Stewart to talk about the impact technology is having on global trade and what middle market companies can do to take advantage of the increasingly available advances coming their way.
Dr. Gleb Tsipursky joins the Market that Moves America to bring up the strategic errors that cost organizations and careers. Whether it's going with your gut or relying on hard data, leaders have to make the right decisions when it counts. Hear about best practices to avoid bad decisions.
Professor Isil Erel of The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business joins NCMM Executive Director Thomas A. Stewart to talk about her research on non-bank lending and what it might mean for middle market companies.
Data analytics is a hot issue for businesses today. Ohio State data expert Ralph Greco joins NCMM executive director Thomas A. Stewart to discuss how middle market companies can join in and keep up with the growing importance of data analytics.
We welcome David DeLong, Ph.D. to share tips on how middle market companies can address the workforce shortage and knowledge loss that comes with it.
Ever wonder how to find out-of-the-box ideas using the best new research and innovating minds? Professor Deborah Mitchell of The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business joins NCMM Managing Director Doug Farren to talk about this year's Fisher Invitational where MBA students from around the country helped one middle market company find solutions for their current business concerns.
Growth Institute co-founder and CEO Daniel Marcos joins Thomas A. Stewart to share his insights on scaling companies and how that differs from simply "growing." Learn how you can achieve scaling successes in this episode of The Market that Moves America.
Imagine having your family involved in all your big decisions. That's the reality of middle market companies that are family owned and operated. We're talking to family business advisor John Messervey, an expert on keeping things civil--and making the right choices for the good of the business.
Rhythm Systems Business Growth Consultant and Culture Expert Cathy McCullough joins Thomas A. Stewart to talk about the need for leaders to balance culture with strategy, and giving employees the freedom to make decisions and grow. Listen in for four key areas leaders need to focus on for growth and success.
Hear from one of the people with an ear to middle market CFOs around the country. Nick Araco of the CFO Alliance joins Tom Stewart to talk about the interesting year ahead and how to empower your company's leaders to make decisions that align across disciplines.
The U.S. economy has grown for more than 116 straight months. But can it continue on that trajectory for much longer? Hear what Euler Hermes economist Dan North has to say on this episode of The Market That Moves America.
As unemployment drops, middle market employers are fighting to fill job openings with right set of skills. NCMM's Tom Stewart talks with the Toledo Chamber of Commerce to learn how companies in Northwest Ohio are tackling the labor shortage.
While disruption may be the new norm in business, it doesn't have to be associated with the fear that often comes with it. Our guest Jennifer Fondrevay talks to Tom Stewart about how to ease your company--and your talent--through big changes.
Managing Director Doug Farren sits down with CBUS Retail's Anne Marie Thomas to find out how mid-sized retailers fare in today's economy and talk about the recent report they partnered on for NCMM.
The National Center for the Middle Market Executive Director Thomas A. Stewart welcomes Incept CEO Sam Falletta who shares the structure of what's driven Incept's strategy and driven growth.
The National Center for the Middle Market Executive Director Thomas A. Stewart sits down with The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Professor Leiblein to talk about the findings of the recently released Strategic Planning report from NCMM.
What's it take to disrupt the commoditized world of shipping and logistics? Brad Hollister talks with NCMM's Thomas A. Stewart to get to the bottom of how SwanLeap has become the fastest growing company in America.
Senior Ohio State lecturer John Schaffner joins National Center for the Middle Market Managing Director Doug Farren to share his thoughts on what really makes a good team and consider how growth is defined.
Thomas A. Stewart and Catapult Growth Partners' CEO Doug Johnson talk professional services, what it takes to build a brand and what's important when attracting and retaining customers. Tip: Start with knowing what you're good at.
Steve Perkins, GrantThornton National Managing Director of Technology, talks with the National Center for the Middle Market about what middle market companies can learn to grow with technology and what to avoid if they want to thrive in the ever-changing sector.
Signature Consultants has been growing at three times the industry rate and has doubled in size since 2010. Learn their secrets to growth and what drives their culture as EVP Geoff Gray and CCO Mark Nussbaum talk with National Center for the Middle Market Executive Director Thomas A. Stewart.
The National Center for the Middle Market's report "The DNA of Middle Market Growth" featured three types of growth DNA that lead successful growth in the middle market. One type of growth DNA is the "Investor." Executive Director Tom Stewart talks with Don Daseke, chairman and CEO of Daseke Inc. about the investments he's made to grow from $30 million to $1.5 billion in revenue in just under a decade.
Sarah Sladek is a best-selling author and CEO of XYZ University. An expert in how to drive stronger engagement with younger generations, Sladek joins Executive Director Thomas A. Stewart to talk about the difference age makes (or doesn't make) in today's workplace.
National Center for the Middle Market Managing Director Doug Farren sits down with BrewDog USA CEO Tanisha Robinson to talk about how BrewDog has found rapid success in the United States and how others might follow.
National Center for the Middle Market Executive Director Tom Stewart joins Dr. Ian Sheldon, The Ohio State University Professor and Andersons Chair of Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Policy to talk about how trade and tariffs affect agriculture in Ohio and the United States.
Tom Stewart, Executive Director of the National Center for the Middle Market, sits down with Ed Kleinguetl, partner at Grant Thornton, to talk about the importance of cultural synergy when dealing with M&A.
Doug Farren, Managing Director of the National Center for the Middle Market, sits down with Bob Grote of The Grote Company to talk about experiences with M&A, and some tips for beginning the process.
Tom Stewart, Executive Director of the National Center for the Middle Market, and Doug Farren, Managing Director of the Center, sit down with Dan North of Euler Hermes, a leading economist. They discuss current economic trends and outlooks and how those might affect the market.
NCMM's Tom Stewart talks M&A with Joe Feldman, an M&A consultant of 'Joseph Feldman Associates' about surprises during the M&A process.
NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart and special guest Phil Renaud from the Risk Institute discuss how the middle market can navigate and avoid risk.
Businesses of all sizes are affected by cybersecurity. How can middle market companies ensure they are secure? The NCMM gets the scoop from Joey Muniz, Technical Solutions Architect at Cisco Systems.
The NCMM discusses M&A in the middle market with special guest George Calfo, Managing Director at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey.
The National Center for the Middle Market looks back on 2017 and shares their forecasts for the middle market in 2018.
Orangetheory Fitness is changing the way people think about exercise and well-being. NCMM Managing Director Doug Farren speaks with Founder Ellen Latham on how this middle market company is changing the fitness world.
How can middle market companies use digital tools to transform ways they connect with customers and beat their competition? The NCMM examines its latest research report on digitizing the customer experience with Jeff Sharritts, Senior Vice President of Cisco's U.S. Commercial Sales.
A better interview process can eliminate the shortage of talent that middle market companies report. NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart interviews Kathleen Quinn Votaw, Founder and CEO of TalenTrust on how to middle market companies can improve this process.
Learn how Lodge Cast Iron is cooking up innovation and growth after 100+ years of business. NCMM Managing Director Doug Farren has a conversation with Mark Kelly, PR and Ad Manager at Lodge.
How anxious are your employees about their financial well-being? NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart examines how financial anxiety can impact business. Includes special guest, Brian Nelson Ford, Financial Well-Being Executive at SunTrust Bank.
NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart kicks off Manufacturing Week with a profile on Overhead Door. Special guests include Overhead Door's CMO Joe Dachowicz, CFO John Wilson, and Jeff French, Head of Manufacturing at Grant Thornton.
NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart goes behind the globalization story of Highlights with CEO Kent Johnson.
How can diversity improve middle market company performance? NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart learns this and more from Managing Director of Out Leadership, Stephanie Sandberg.
Live from the Fisher College of Business Summer Series. NCMM Managing Director Doug Farren sits down with Jeremy Aston, Senior Director at Cisco, about how middle market companies can start their journey to digital transformation.
Whether you're selling a business, scaling it up, or looking for a successor, every executive has to deal with transition. NCMM executive director Tom Stewart discusses leadership transition with Allie Taylor of Orange Kiwi.
American businesses struggle to find the talent they need - especially in the Middle Market, where growth is the strongest. Listen as NCMM's Tom Stewart discusses the middle market's workforce challenges with Marek Gootman and Martha Ross, fellows of the Brookings Institution.
The retail industry is changing, but one middle market specialty apparel company continues to grow. NCMM Managing Director Doug Farren gets the story from HOMAGE.
The National Center for the Middle Market sits down with Anil Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, about how academia is supporting the middle market.
Live from the 2017 Greater Cleveland Partnership Middle Market Forum. NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart and Managing Director Doug Farren sit down with Boxed.com CEO Chieh Huang about how he is disrupting the wholesale industry.
New research from the NCMM shows that the best middle market suppliers tend to be the largest and fastest-growing middle market companies. These suppliers focus on fewer rather than more customers. As a result, they develop deep, collaborative customer relationships. NCMM Managing Director Doug Farren discusses these findings with contributing researcher Thomas Goldsby, Professor of Logistics at the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart examines how middle market companies unnecessarily tie up their cash, and as a result, miss out on opportunities when they arise. Special guest Rob Tague, Managing Director, Transaction Services, Grant Thornton LLP.
Cybersecurity is the protection of information and systems from attack, damage, and unauthorized access. Cyber criminals aim their attacks at sensitive data of organizations stored on computers and in the cloud. When sensitive data is exposed, it puts the firm at risk of extortion, serious business disruption, data loss, and possible litigation. There is a clear need in the middle market for more enhanced cybersecurity. NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart talks about this issue with Vishal Chawla, Principal in Grant Thornton’s Business Risk Services and Dmitry Kuchynski, Security Principal/Global Security Advisory Services at Cisco Systems.
By studying the middle market’s approach to and perceptions of working capital management, and by comparing those data to practices among publicly traded entities, the National Center for the Middle Market and its research partners have identified and defined a major opportunity for companies to optimize working capital management and free up what can potentially amount to hundreds of millions of dollars in additional cash on hand. NCMM Executive Director Tom Stewart sits down with Jason Cagle, Head of Sales for Treasury & Payment of SunTrust, to discuss the findings.
This upper echelon of middle market companies, or Growth Champions, follows a clear blueprint for growth. Key strategies are based on a group of distinguishing characteristics, including strong management culture, exceptional talent management, sharp customer focus, broad geographic vision, and innovation. Take a closer look at these capabilities and how they enable exceptional growth for the Growth Champions of the middle market.
The National Center for the Middle Market presents its pilot episode. Executive Director Tom Stewart and Managing Director Doug Farren explain what exactly the middle market is and why it matters.