Selecting a Banking Provider: What Truly Drives Middle Market Decisions?

By Megan Seitchik

Middle market companies ($10MM-<$500MM in annual sales) face increasingly complex financial and operational environments...

$660

4th Quarter 2025 Economic Pulse Report

The Barlow Research Economic Pulse Survey is an invitation-only economic survey administered online or via fax, fielded for two weeks during the first month of each quarter. A stratified sample based on four US regions and nine sales volume categories is used. The results are weighted by regions and sales volume categories using the most current business population counts.

After the Fraud Alert: What Small Business Owners Wish Banks Knew

In this episode, Rachel Ness, Small Business Analyst, talks with two small business owners, Dmitriy Peregudov of Gift Baskets Overseas and Kenneth Smith of Rocken Graphics, about their experiences with banking-related fraud at their large (assets >$50B) primary banks. They will explain what happened and how their bank helped; as well as how that response —or lack of response —affects their banking relationship. They will also provide insight into how banks can better educate small businesses about fraud prevention tools.

M&A Playmaker: Elevate Your Role from Commercial Banker to Strategic Advisor

Middle market business owners don’t need another product; they need a plan. In this episode, learn how bankers can shift from service providers to trusted advisors with concrete plays for future plans conversations and turning advice into bankable opportunities.

$660

3rd Quarter 2025 Economic Pulse Report

The Barlow Research Economic Pulse Survey is an invitation-only economic survey administered online or via fax, fielded for two weeks during the first month of each quarter. A stratified sample based on four US regions and nine sales volume categories is used. The results are weighted by regions and sales volume categories using the most current business population counts.

$375

Talking Tariffs with Business Clients

Tariffs are more than headlines—they’re reshaping how your business clients operate, from sourcing to pricing to managing risk. In this environment, your role as a strategic advisor is more important than ever. Join Barlow Research for the next session in our Be the Banker Series, a program built to help bankers lead high-value client conversations that deepen relationships and deliver results. This webcast focuses on the real-world implications of tariffs for businesses across sectors—and how you can help your clients navigate the complexity with clarity and confidence.

Bundled, Brilliant, or Both?: Breaking Down Business Essentials from U.S. Bank

In this episode, we sit down with Shruti Patel, Chief Product Officer for Business Banking at U.S. Bank to explore the launch of Business Essentials—a new suite designed to simplify banking and payments for small business owners. We dig into the strategy behind the bundle, what sets it apart in a crowded market, and how it reflects the evolving needs of today’s entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn more.

$660

2nd Quarter 2025 Economic Pulse Report

The Barlow Research Economic Pulse Survey is an invitation-only economic survey administered online or via fax, fielded for two weeks during the first month of each quarter. A stratified sample based on four US regions and nine sales volume categories is used. The results are weighted by regions and sales volume categories using the most current business population counts.

Inside Business Banking: Strategy That Drives Results

In this episode, Andrea Moore from Barlow Research and Matt Smith from Veritex Community Bank dive deep into the world of business banking strategy—exploring what it really takes to compete and win in today’s evolving financial landscape. Together, they unpack how banks can not only build strong strategies, but also execute them effectively by aligning with their unique strengths, culture, and customer base.

Banking on Small Business: Comerica’s Innovative Strategy

In this episode, Sandy Hanson, Managing Partner and Small Business Program Director talks with Omar Salah, EVP, National Director of Small Business at Comerica. Listen to learn about Comerica’s strategic evolution in small business banking, highlighting key initiatives like the Comerica SmallBizCo-Op program and digital investments such as Zelle for Small Business and Comerica Maximize. Omar shares the impact of these initiatives and touches on the bank’s vision for the future of small business banking.

$660

1st Quarter 2025 Economic Pulse Report

The Barlow Research Economic Pulse Survey is an invitation-only economic survey administered online or via fax, fielded for two weeks during the first month of each quarter. A stratified sample based on four US regions and nine sales volume categories is used. The results are weighted by regions and sales volume categories using the most current business population counts.

$660

4th Quarter 2024 Economic Pulse Report

The Barlow Research Economic Pulse Survey is an invitation-only economic survey administered online or via fax, fielded for two weeks during the first month of each quarter. A stratified sample based on four US regions and nine sales volume categories is used. The results are weighted by regions and sales volume categories using the most current business population counts.

The Power of Account Officers: How Responsiveness and Accessibility Shape Bank Perceptions

In this episode, Sarah Kietzman, Middle Market Research Analyst, talks with Mark Prosser, President of Cardinal Container Corp. Together, they discuss how Account Officers play a critical role in shaping a business’s perception of whether or not their primary bank is easy to do business with.

Transforming Small Business Payment Acceptance

In this episode, we discuss Tap to Pay, an exciting new option for small businesses to accept in-person, contactless payments. Our guest, Laura Orcutt, Senior Vice President and Director at Bell Bank, shares insights into the bank’s rollout of this feature, why it’s a game-changer for small businesses, and the future of payment trends. The conversation is hosted by Vidya Vishal, Director of Digital Business Banking at Barlow.

$660

3rd Quarter 2024 Economic Pulse Report

The Barlow Research Economic Pulse Survey is an invitation-only economic survey administered online or via fax, fielded for two weeks during the first month of each quarter. A stratified sample based on four US regions and nine sales volume categories is used. The results are weighted by regions and sales volume categories using the most current business population counts.