PODCAST · business
The Market That Moves America
by National Center for the Middle Market
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 get a new perspective from middle market leaders and stakeholders on current trends and emerging issues, allowing us to see the full picture and get an inside look into the market that moves America.
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114
Rethinking Succession in the Middle Market: The ESOP Journey of Drake Cooper
What happens when a company decides its next chapter should belong to its employees? In this episode, Doug Farren sits down with John Drake, president at advertising agency Drake Cooper, to explore the agency’s transition to a 100% employee-owned ESOP. They discuss continuity, talent attraction, employee engagement, and why employee ownership can create stronger alignment between culture, performance, and long-term growth.To learn more about Drake Cooper, visit their website: https://drakecooper.comTo read NCMM's case study on Drake Cooper's ESOP journey, visit: https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/case-studies/drake-cooper
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113
People Are the Strategy: Building High-Performing Cultures in the Middle Market
In this episode, Doug Farren sits down with Laura Cooke of Positive Foundry to explore why talent management has shifted from an HR function to a core business strategy. They discuss how middle market companies can build high-trust cultures, develop manager effectiveness, and navigate the challenges of a multigenerational workforce. Laura also shares her perspective on AI's role in the workplace and why human connection remains irreplaceable in learning and development.To learn more about Positive Foundry, visit: https://positivefoundry.com/
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112
Building Resilience in a World of Constant Risk
What separates companies that weather disruption from those that fall behind? In this episode, Justin Boardman of Chubb joins NCMM’s Doug Farren to explore how resilience is becoming a defining capability for middle market organizations. From the rise of cyber risk as a board-level priority to the growing importance of business continuity planning, the discussion highlights how leaders can prepare for the unexpected. Learn why agility, proactive planning, and integrated risk strategies are critical to staying competitive in today’s environment.To explore Chubb's Middle Market Insights, visit this link.
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111
Tradeoffs That Move America
Host Doug Farren of the National Center for the Middle Market sits down with Jerry Grisko, CEO, and Brad Lakhia, CFO of CBIZ, to unpack new research on how middle market leaders make the hard calls that shape performance.Drawing on NCMM's recent survey of 400 middle market businesses, they break down the four decision-making mindsets that emerged from the results and what leaders protect (or sacrifice) when pressure hits.You’ll hear where ROI is showing up (especially in technology), understand why clarity and reliable data drive decision-making, and why “growth matters most” even as profitability often wins when tradeoffs get real.You can read the full report here: Middlemarketcenter.org
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110
What's Driving Business Thinking Now? An Economist's Take on Tariffs, Rates, and Labor
Economic headlines can be noisy—but the data tells a clearer story.Join NCMM’s Doug Farren and Wells Fargo economist Jackie Benson as they connect Q4 2025 Middle Market Indicator results with national economic trends. The discussion covers how middle market companies are navigating tariffs and labor force constraints, why growth has remained resilient, and what business leaders should keep an eye on as interest rates and policy dynamics evolve in 2026.
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109
Shaping the Future of Business Education: A Conversation with Fisher's Interim Dean
In this episode, Doug Farren sits down with Interim Dean Aravind Chandrasekaran to explore how The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business is redefining business education through experiential learning, industry partnerships, and forward‑looking curriculum design. They discuss the critical role of research centers like the National Center for the Middle Market, which has a long and storied connection to Fisher, in bridging academic insight with real‑world challenges facing mid‑sized companies.
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108
Scaling Smart: How Emerging Middle Market Firms Turn Uncertainty into Growth
This episode spotlights lower/emerging middle market companies—fast‑scaling businesses tackling “big‑company” challenges with limited resources—through a candid conversation on working capital, digitization and AI, supply chains, risk, and resilience. Edward Galvin of Visa and Rob Poliseno of Chubb share practical takeaways for 2026, from building clear digital innovation and cybersecurity plans to succession readiness amid generational ownership shifts, plus how to leverage trusted advisors to translate today’s volatility into tomorrow’s momentumTo read Visa's Emerging Middle Market report, visit this linkTo explore Chubb's Middle Market Insights, visit this linkMiddlemarketcenter.org
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107
The Market That Moves America: Year-End Insights
Join Doug Farren, Executive Director of the National Center for the Middle Market, as he reflects on the state of the U.S. middle market in 2025 and previews what’s ahead for 2026. This episode covers key economic trends, insights from the Center’s research, and a preview for the upcoming 15th year, including new reports, partnerships, and programs. Discover how middle market companies, and NCMM, are navigating challenges, embracing resilience, and preparing for the future.For more about NCMM, please visit our website at: middlemarketcenter.org
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106
Private Equity's Growing Role in the Middle Market
In this episode of The Market That Moves America, Doug Farren, Executive Director of NCMM and Andrew Korz, Senior Vice President of Investment Research at Future Standard, explore how private equity and private credit are shaping growth for U.S. middle market companies, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting key trends. Learn why operational value creation—not cost-cutting—is driving success in today’s evolving economic landscape.Future Standard, formerly FS Investments, is a global alternative asset manager that invests in private equity, credit, and real estate, focusing on the U.S. middle market. The company's mission is to deliver differentiated performance for its institutional and private wealth clients by connecting them to hard-to-access private market opportunities, challenging the status quo, and innovating in its investment solutions.
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105
Navigating Global Supply Chain and Economic Uncertainty
In this episode of the NCMM podcast, we sit down with Dr. Mike Knemeyer, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at The Ohio State University, and Jeremy Jansen, Head of Global Originations for Wells Fargo Supply Chain Finance. Together, they explore how middle market firms are adapting to ongoing supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, and shifting trade policies. From short-term tactics like inventory front-loading to long-term strategies around diversification, financing tools, and global resilience, this conversation sheds light on how businesses can turn volatility into opportunity.For more on this topic, check out the Wells Fargo report From factory to checkout: The supply chain story you didn’t know you were living.
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104
Navigating Technology and Talent in the Middle Market
In this episode of The Market That Moves America, Minyi Su, Head of Marketing at Bluemercury and Fisher College of Business alum, joins us to share how a premium beauty retailer is adapting to rapid change. We discuss the evolving role of brick-and-mortar stores in a digital-first world, the ways AI is enhancing—not replacing—human connections, and the importance of innovation in meeting shifting consumer preferences. Minyi also offers candid insights into the challenges of attracting and retaining top talent, balancing supply chain pressures, and fostering agility in a mid-sized company. From consumer behavior trends to practical leadership lessons, this conversation highlights how middle market firms can stay resilient while putting the customer experience at the center.
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103
How AI is Changing Customer Connections
In this episode, Doug Farren is joined by Roger Bailey, Associate Dean of Executive Education and Centers at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, to explore how AI is reshaping customer-centricity. We discuss why putting customer value at the center of business decisions drives profitability, how AI is transforming both qualitative and quantitative research, and what these changes mean for mid-sized companies.From practical examples of AI in action to strategies for maintaining authenticity in a digital-first world, this conversation offers a roadmap for leveraging technology without losing sight of what matters most — the customer.
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102
Building an AI Ready Workplace
In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of AI in the modern workplace with Stephanie Donahue, Practice Leader at Avanade. As tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and agent-based systems gain momentum, the pressure is mounting for middle market companies to modernize responsibly. Stephanie unpacks how businesses can build a strong digital foundation, shift organizational culture, and empower employees through intentional change enablement. With real-world insights and a future-focused lens, she explores what it means to prepare for a hybrid workforce of humans and intelligent agents.
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101
Building Climate Resilience in the Middle Market
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.
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100
People First: Talent Strategy at a Middle Market Retailer
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.
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99
Navigating Uncertainty: Strategies and Trends Across the Middle Market
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.
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98
How Digital Payments Are Transforming the Lower Middle Market
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.
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97
2024 End-Year Middle Market Indicator
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.
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96
Looking Ahead: Middle Market Trends and Projections for 2025
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.
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95
Exploring Canada's Middle Market: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path to Growth
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.
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94
Unlocking Hidden Value: Leveraging Intellectual Property for Middle Market Company Growth and Success
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/
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93
Growth Drivers: People, Risk, and Technology in the Middle Market
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.
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92
Cultivating Talent and Culture in the Middle Market
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 [email protected].
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91
2024 Mid-Year Middle Market Indicator
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
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90
Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Black-Owned Middle Market Businesses
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
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89
Empowering Ohio's Middle Market with the CEO Forum
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.
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88
Driving Innovation in Payments: Insights from Veritex and Visa
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.
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87
Navigating Global Business and Supply Chain Management in the Middle Market
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.
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86
Looking Back on a Decade of Leadership with Anil Makhija
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.
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85
Empathy: The Key to M&A Success in the Middle Market
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.
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84
Diverse Voices in the Emerging Middle Market
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.
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83
Year-End 2023 MMI Insights
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.
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82
The Transformative Impact of Digital Payments
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.
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81
Trademarks in the Middle Market: Uncovering Hidden Value and Assets
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.
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80
Unlocking the Power of Intellectual Property of Mid-Size Companies
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.
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79
Manufacturing Insights: Navigating Challenges and Innovations
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.
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78
Perspectives From NCMM's First Member
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.
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77
Middle Market Indicator Readout: Trends and Emerging Issues
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
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76
The Power of Great Advertising
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.
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75
Google Cloud talks Middle Market
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.
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74
Maximizing Business Performance Through Digital Transformation
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.
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73
Innovative technology in the commercial payments sector
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.
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72
Digitizing the Touchpoint Experience
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.
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71
Utilizing Brand to Increase Customer Engagement
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.
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70
Maximizing Value in New Businesses
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!
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69
A Case Study in Culture and Growth
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.
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68
Acquisitions in the Middle Market
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.
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67
Economic Expectations in 2021
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.
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66
The Pandemic Playbook
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.
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65
What Now? How Middle Market CXOs Are Ending 2020
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.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 get a new perspective from middle market leaders and stakeholders on current trends and emerging issues, allowing us to see the full picture and get an inside look into the market that moves America.
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National Center for the Middle Market
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