Cheers, Beers & Connections ACG Brings Finance Leaders Together at Hangar 24 Brewery

What an incredible evening at the ACG Cheers & Beers Mixer at Hangar 24 Brewery in Irvine!

Tariffs Take Center Stage A Challenge for U.S. Business

One of the most pressing and widely discussed topics of the evening was the impact of tariffs on American business. For both middle-market companies and larger corporations, tariff policies are significantly shaping operational strategies and global partnerships.

Executives shared how rising tariffs on imports particularly from China and other key markets have forced many firms to reevaluate their supply chains, pricing structures, and sourcing relationships.

The uncertainty surrounding trade policies has created increased cost pressures and slowed expansion for many U.S. manufacturers, distributors, and exporters.

For middle market companies, these challenges are often even more pronounced. Without the financial cushioning that Fortune 500 companies enjoy, they face tighter margins, greater difficulty passing costs onto consumers, and fewer options for diversification. This makes strategic financial planning and global agility more critical than ever.

Across the board, leaders agreed: navigating tariffs in 2025 and beyond will require innovation, smart dealmaking, and a collaborative approach between banks, advisors, and business owners. The ACG mixer served as a perfect space for these urgent conversations to begin and continue. The energy was high, the brews were cold, and the conversations were next level. I had the chance to connect with so many remarkable bankers and financial professionals from leading institutions like BMO, Western Alliance Bank, U.S. Bank, JP Morgan, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and several other powerhouse firms. It was truly a room filled with some of the most influential minds in finance, commercial lending, and middle market growth.

The Power of the ACG Community

The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) continues to be a vital engine for middle market business success. With over 14,500 members across 30+ chapters, ACG provides a professional ecosystem where dealmakers, investors, consultants, and corporate growth leaders come together to share expertise, form partnerships, and power the next generation of business.

Locally, ACG Orange County remains a cornerstone for strategic networking and deal flow. Their events, like this mixer, go beyond socializing they create platforms where ideas are exchanged, deals are born, and key economic topics like tariffs and supply chain disruptions are tackled head on.

Hangar 24 A Perfect Venue for High Impact Conversations

Set in the dynamic setting of Hangar 24 Brewery, the event blended professional ambition with a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees sipped craft beers, discussed lending strategies, and talked through real challenges facing their industries from economic volatility to market entry barriers.

The relaxed setting encouraged open, candid conversations that are sometimes difficult to have in boardrooms. It also reminded everyone that powerful connections often start with a simple introduction over a pint.

Why Events Like This Matter More Than Ever

In today’s fast moving business environment, staying informed and connected is everything. Events like the ACG Cheers & Beers Mixer are more than social gatherings they're forums for economic insight, strategic alignment, and community building.

For middle market professionals facing the dual pressures of rising tariffs and capital tightening, access to a network like ACG provides not just support but solutions.

A special thank you to my guest Andrew Cordero for joining me at this exceptional event. It's always a privilege to be surrounded by forward-thinking professionals who are shaping the future of finance, And hats off to ACG Orange County, TMA SoCal, and the OC Bankruptcy Forum for organizing another unforgettable event. Looking forward to what’s next on the calendar and to many more conversations that matter.