As an international business development professional, I started my career with PNC Bank, where I learned about risk management and financial analysis. I had a direct experience reading and interpreting corporate financial statements in the context of credit risk mitigation. I used my academic statistical research skills to automate the Cycle Times Report process, saving the department’s time and resources.
Later I joined hands with one of my friends, starting the company Apedes LLC. In it, I’m responsible for business development, marketing, and vendor relations. Putting in significant efforts and time, the company achieves a consistent 15-20% annual growth rate. I successfully filled for the multiple trademark registrations with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). By introducing new product lines and growing our customer base, we could expand our reach across various countries.
While growing Apedes LLC, I worked as a Branded Program Associate for Food Export USA Northeast, ensuring compliance with the Market Access Program (MAP). I quickly made my way to the Branded Program coordinator and later transitioned into the Liaison role. I trained new employees on compliance with MAP regulations and understanding of the business our clients were in. As a business owner, I understood the struggles Food Export participants faced navigating the federal programs; this ability allowed me to bridge the business and government perspective and serve our participants at a much more personal level.
I represented Food Export USA Northeast at the International Trade Show in UAE and Focus Trade Missions to China, Kuwait, and Vietnam. These opportunities allowed me to see the international markets firsthand and learn from foreign buyers and FAS USDA in-country representatives; I learned the difference between the US and International consumers and their purchasing behaviors (triggers)… During those international trips, I was fortunate to meet more than a few business owners and company representatives who were generous to share their knowledge and expertise. This experience allowed me to serve our clients better as I shared what I learned about the markets and provided advice based not only on theory but on practical experience.
As a liaison, I effectively managed five-state territories with more than 400 business accounts (I achieved 120% of the annual sales goal by the mid-year point). With the utmost dedication to work, I helped Food Export USA continually exceed their yearly growth. A lot of my success was due to my ability to establishing and managing relations with domestic and international customers in Europe, South America, South East Asia, and the Middle East. I have worked with clients in different industries (from seafood to export management companies selling the full assortment of consumer packaged goods) and continuously engaged myself in export marketing plans to produce the best Food Export USA Northeast results.
I saw the break between the necessary know-how and capabilities of many Food Export clients and the fundamental needs to be successful in exporting. I tried my best to connect them while working for the organization. When I left Food Export due to a geographical relocation, I decided to continue to offer my services to those companies that still required my help.
Being an independent consultant allows me to share my knowledge and offer services to small business owners who are not quite ready to take on the world of international trade. I have a team of dedicated contractors that support the marketing and advertising services my company provides.
BH International Marketing and Business Consulting is offering US-based companies interested in starting their international expansion or growing already established markets. We help with market research, Market Access Program (MAP) registration and administration, marketing, and brand development (within the scope and compliance with MAP).