By Bob Baker, Owner of Baker Garrington
As the year comes to an end, I’ve been thinking a lot about the people we’ve met and the relationships we’ve built. One thing I never take for granted is trust. Whether you’re a client, a broker, a partner, or someone we simply had a great conversation with this year, I want to personally say thank you.
We don’t see what we do as “transactions.” We see it as helping good people run strong businesses. That mindset is what guided us through 2025, and it’s what will lead us into 2026.
What We Saw in 2025
Across many of the industries we serve: oilfield services, trucking, staffing, manufacturing, government contractors, and more — 2025 brought challenges that tested even the strongest companies. A few themes showed up again and again:
- Slower customer payments and extended pay cycles
- Higher operating costs, especially for fuel, labor, and equipment
- Economic pressure delaying projects
- Banks tightening lending and credit access
- More back-office strain as companies tried to handle growth with the same small teams
- Demand for more transparency, speed, and flexibility
What stood out most was that businesses wanted partners who were dependable, flexible, and willing to listen. They needed solutions built around how they operate, not how a lender prefers to operate.
That is where we focused our energy this year.
How We Supported Businesses in 2025
I’m proud of the way our programs helped companies stay steady, grow, and take pressure off their day-to-day operations. In a year where many teams were stretched thin, we worked hard to be a partner they could rely on.
A few of the ways we supported businesses:
- Flexible factoring structures designed around each company’s workflow, not “one size fits all.”
- The On The Go Fuel Card, giving trucking and service companies steadier cash flow and more control at the pump.
- Talipay, helping businesses automate AP, approvals, and Quick Pay programs to reduce back-office work and get subcontractors paid faster.
- Factor+ equipment financing for clients who needed trucks, trailers, or equipment to expand and take on new contracts.
We don’t push products. We listen to what you need and try to build something that fits. That’s been the heart of our relationships, and it’s why we’re so thankful for the partnerships that grew this year.
Looking Ahead: What Growing Companies Will Face in 2026
As we move into 2026, businesses are preparing for another year of uncertainty, opportunity, and competition. Based on what we’re seeing, companies looking to grow will likely face:
- Pressure on cash flow as customers slow payments or extend terms
- A need for more reliable working capital to take on bigger contracts
- Rising labor and equipment costs that require smarter planning
- More demand for Quick Pay or early pay programs from subcontractors
- Back-office bottlenecks that slow down growth
- Credit risk concerns, especially with new customers or large invoices
The companies that succeed in 2026 will be the ones that keep cash flow predictable, simplify operations, and build strong, trusted partnerships with vendors, lenders, and their own customers.
How We’ll Help You Start 2026 Strong
Our focus for 2026 is simple:
Make it easier for businesses to operate, grow, and get paid.
We’ll continue to support companies with:
- Flexible funding options that work with your payment cycle
- Fuel cards and expense tools that help reduce day-to-day pressure
- Talipay automation to cut down on manual AP work and speed up approvals
- Quick Pay programs that keep subcontractors committed and happy
- Equipment financing for businesses ready to expand
- A personal, relationship-first approach that makes sure you never feel like just a number
If you plan to grow next year, we want to help you do it without added stress, worry, or financial strain. One conversation can make a big difference in how you start the year.
A Final Thank You as We Begin the New Year
I truly appreciate the trust you’ve given us this year. None of this works without strong relationships and good people working together. I’m excited for what 2026 will bring, and I look forward to meeting more of you, learning about your plans, and helping your business reach its goals.
Thank you again. We appreciate you and everything you bring to our success.
Bob