I’m setting up this page to introduce myself, and talk about my experiences in USA export management and distribution. In 1984, after having imported ìgrey marketî cars from Europe for a few years, I helped found XL Group, an export management and master distribution wholesaler. This company helps other businesses grow their sales by promoting, marketing and selling their products or services in export markets. I recognize that the needs of these companies are unique. So, I implement an international marketing program with the objective of doubling the sales for any size manufacturer. In addition, XL Group buys products from its client manufacturing vendors and exclusively exports them through its distribution channels under branded or private label programs.
The weakness of the US Dollar provides the greatest catalyst to consider exporting. Every month, imports in the US are $60 billion higher than exports. I hope to encourage manufacturers to export more in order to narrow the gap.
Because of my fluency in several languages, I’m able to provide a combination of international marketing expertise and export distribution knowledge. I offer export business development solutions clients find unquestionably valuable. I build my business on trust relationships with my manufacturing and distribution partners. My work involves helping manufacturers with quick penetration into the foreign markets. It also includes bridging the gap of payment terms between the manufacturer and the customer as no-one likes to pay for the time that the product floats on the ocean. To support these programs, the distributors are being visited on a regular basis. Therefore I travel to these markets extensively to keep the distributors up to date with the latest information and help their own sales and marketing efforts.
I completed the ìExportî certification program presented by the US Department of Commerce and am an associate member of the District Export Council of North Texas. I am an entrepreneur with hands-on experience in international business, marketing and master distribution operations. Every newly signed up ìclient vendorî is a new project or startup as far as I’m concerned. Consequently, a customized program is established to feature the products’ strengths in which a minimum of 20% annual growth is expected.
I’ve worked in many industries. Some examples are: medical and health, windfarms, engineering services, consumer goods, organic soil amendment, food ingredients. I’m fluent in English, Spanish, French, Flemish / Dutch and speak Italian and German.
I was born in Izegem, Belgium, grew up in a bilingual household and went to Flemish and French speaking schools, where I also learned English and German. After college I moved to Dallas, Texas in 1977 to complete graduate school. I earned an MBA degree in International Management in 1980, from the University of Dallas.
My objective is to apply my strategic and export experience in international business development to help a business owner towards increased sales involving export management and distribution.
You’ll find much more helpful information and free tips about USA export management and distribution at the USAExportBlog.com