Truist commercial banking leader talks about what's driving growth in Columbus

Business Journals

6 days ago

Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., defying broader economic headwinds and emerging as a hub for innovation, logistics, and workforce talent. The region is projected to add more than 700,000 residents by 2050, with a diverse economy — anchored by sectors like health care, construction and advanced manufacturing — fueling that momentum. At the heart of this growth is a vibrant business community.
Doug Muszynski, Central Ohio market president at Truist and 36-year Columbus resident, has witnessed the city's evolution and has a front-row seat to today's forward momentum. Since taking the reins in 2023, Muszynski has significantly grown Truist's Commercial Banking team in Central Ohio to serve as a strategic partner to businesses navigating both opportunity and complexity across the region.
In this Q&A, Muszynski shares what makes Columbus a destination for investment, how Truist shows up differently for its clients and why now is a pivotal moment for the region.
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Columbus has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. What factors do you believe contribute to this exceptional growth?
Doug Muszynski: Columbus benefits from a rare combination of assets. It starts with geography — our central location makes us a natural logistics hub, especially as supply chains continue to shift. We've also seen catalytic investments by Fortune 500 companies in recent years as they select Columbus for major battery plants and semiconductor facilities, which are drawing new businesses and talent to the region. Add to that our strong higher ed presence — Ohio State University and others are fueling research and workforce pipelines — and it creates a compelling environment for innovation and long-term growth.
With that growth comes growing pains. What are some of the challenges local businesses are facing today?
Muszynski: The current economic environment has brought uncertainty for local owners who are weighing the potential impacts of tariffs, reduced government spending and other factors on their business. Today, costs from materials and labor to transportation remain volatile and middle market companies in particular, are feeling the squeeze. Inflation has also changed the game for a lot of businesses and it's forced them to rethink everything from pricing models to expansion strategies. That's where I see Truist stepping in — not just as a lender, but as a strategic advisor to help our clients navigate the changing landscape.
How are Columbus' business leaders responding to those challenges?
Muszynski: Automating rote tasks is front and center as companies aim to unlock time for employees to focus on strategic, long-term initiatives that drive growth. What's exciting is how Columbus is positioned to lead on this front. Our proximity to Ohio State University's innovation ecosystem is a huge advantage —companies have access to R&D talent and emerging tech that helps them stay competitive. I'm having more and more conversations about how to finance this type of change and make sure it aligns with business goals.
As local companies look to scale, how should their leaders lean on their banking partners and what can they expect?
Muszynski: What sets us apart at Truist is our ability to meet clients wherever they are in their growth journey. We have deep industry expertise across sectors like building products, health care and food and beverage, and we bring tailored solutions to the table — from customized capital structures to cash flow optimization. But beyond the products, we focus on relationships. We take the time to understand our clients' businesses, their goals and their challenges. That allows us to show up not just with capital, but with insights and care. And in a market like Columbus, where things are moving quickly, that kind of partnership matters.
Why Columbus, why now
Columbus isn't just growing — it's evolving. With its mix of infrastructure investment, innovation and community spirit, the region is becoming a model for balanced growth. Truist is proud to be part of that story, helping local businesses scale with purpose and resilience. This isn't just a moment of growth — it's a moment of transformation, and Truist is here to help shape what comes next.