Planning for Summer: Slowdown or Surge

The right strategy starts before the season does.

Summer can mean very different things depending on your industry. For some businesses, it’s a time of increased demand and rapid growth. For others, it’s a natural slowdown as customers, clients, and decision-makers step away.

According to Kelly Smith, VP, Cleveland Market Manager & Senior Lender at Croghan, the difference between successfully navigating those shifts and struggling through them comes down to preparation.

“Businesses that understand their seasonality and plan for it are the ones that stay in control,” Smith explains. “It’s not just about reacting when things change. It’s about anticipating what’s ahead.”

In the Cleveland market, professional services such as legal, accounting, and consulting firms often see activity slow during the summer months. Education-related businesses and some manufacturing operations may also experience a dip as schedules shift and projects pause.

On the other hand, industries like construction, skilled trades, transportation, and hospitality tend to surge. Warmer weather, increased travel, and seasonal demand create opportunities—but also add pressure.

“Growth is exciting, but it can strain your resources if you’re not prepared,” says Smith. “We often see businesses underestimate what they need in terms of working capital, staffing, or equipment to support that growth.”

One of the most common challenges is confusing profitability with liquidity. A business may be performing well on paper but still face cash flow constraints when expenses like payroll, inventory, or vendor payments increase. That’s where early planning becomes critical.

At Croghan, commercial lending conversations are centered around taking a holistic view of the business. That includes understanding cash flow trends, identifying upcoming needs, and aligning the right financial tools to support them.

For some businesses, that may mean establishing a line of credit to manage seasonal fluctuations. For others, it could involve financing equipment purchases or planning ahead for inventory expansion.

“Our goal is to be a strategic partner,” Smith says. “We want our clients to come to us early, ask questions, and work through scenarios together before challenges arise.”

That partnership extends beyond transactions. It’s about helping business owners think through the details they may not have time to focus on day to day—like whether they have enough capacity to meet demand, how quickly they’re paying vendors, or what unexpected costs could impact operations.

“Sometimes it’s about asking the tough questions,” Smith adds. “But those conversations are what help businesses stay on track and continue growing.”

If your business is preparing for a busy season or bracing for a slower one, the right financial strategy can make all the difference. Croghan’s team is here to help you plan ahead, stay flexible, and move forward with confidence, no matter what summer brings.

Connect with our Commercial Lending Team.