Transatlantic Titans

How do you go from a single-parent household in Istanbul to building a global brand in the United States? Onur Pekpazar, President of OMAC USA, reveals the raw truth about cultural adaptation, the American market, and the resilience required to win.In Episode 6 of 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗦, host Manny Schoenhuber sits down with Onur Pekpazar to deconstruct his journey of building OMAC USA. Onur doesn't sugarcoat it—he discusses the early challenges of working in the US, the importance of networking when you have no connections, and why R&D and leadership are the two pillars of a lasting business.If you are looking to break into the US market or want to understand the mindset of a "Titan," this episode is for you.____________________00:00 Introduction to Onur Pekpazar's Journey01:02 Early Life and Challenges in Istanbul05:07 Education and First Steps in the U.S.10:07 Building a Career in the U.S. and Germany20:01 Establishing OMAC and Expanding into the U.S. Market31:51 Navigating OEM Projects and Market Opportunities35:28 Understanding Global Revenue and Market Dynamics39:05 Strategic Location: Why Houston?42:55 Cultural Adaptation in Global Business46:53 Differentiating in a Competitive Market49:28 Branding Strategies Across Different Markets52:50 Common Pitfalls for European Companies in the US58:04 Challenges Faced and Leadership in Crisis01:02:17 The Importance of R&D in Business01:03:35 Vision for the Future: Building a Global Brand01:07:45 Key Success Factors for Entering the US Market01:10:53 Building Partnerships and Networks for Success01:14:43 Cultural Insights: Navigating American Business01:17:34 Mentorship and Learning from Successful Leaders01:19:31 Embracing a Win-Win Mentality in Business01:20:06 Connecting with Onur: Open to Collaboration01:25:38 Final Thoughts: Taking Action and Seizing Opportunities____________________𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗢𝗡𝗨𝗥🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onur-pekpazar/ 📧 Email: o.pekpazar@omacshop.com𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBaxlXNsXqu395c3vftkbWQ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/📧 Email: manny@masteringmarketentry.com👍 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 - if you enjoy this content🔔 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘 - for more strategies on how Europeans make it BIG in America⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific business situation.

Many European companies underestimate how differently the US market operates—and that's a costly mistake.In this episode of 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗦, Greif-Velox CEO Sebastian Pohl shares how building a dedicated US management team and local operations can be the key to long-term success. Discover why the biggest driver of growth is not just selling more, but truly understanding customer needs, adapting to regional standards, and establishing trust—fast.____________________00:00 Introduction to Transatlantic Titans01:55 Sebastian Pohl: Background and Company Overview03:56 Company Structure and Employee Dynamics05:36 Work Culture and Employee Engagement09:10 Company History and Legacy11:56 Revenue Insights and Customer Base15:07 Mittelstand: The Hidden Champions of Germany18:24 Entering the US Market: Strategy and Timing20:35 US Operations: Sales and Service Focus26:21 Geographic Decision-Making and Business Growth31:37 Revenue Contribution from the US Market32:45 Competition and Strategic Positioning34:31 Cultural Engagement and Overcoming Differences36:45 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the US39:03 Advice for European Companies Entering the US Market41:29 Common Mistakes of European Companies in the US45:11 Building Brand and Reputation in the US47:36 Lessons Learned from Market Entry Strategies48:51 Future Outlook and Growth Vision50:15 Success Factors for European Companies in the US52:25 Key Partnerships for Success53:38 Cultural Shock and First Impressions56:09 Texas Lifestyle and Cultural Experiences57:51 Inspirational Figures and Business Insights59:28 Connecting with Sebastian and Final Thoughts____________________𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗡🔗 LinkedIn: https://de.linkedin.com/in/pohlseb📧 Email: s.pohl@greif-velox.com𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBaxlXNsXqu395c3vftkbWQ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/📧 Email: manny@masteringmarketentry.com👍 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 - if you enjoy this content🔔 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘 - for more strategies on how Europeans make it BIG in America⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific business situation.

Many Dutch and other European companies think "big" but fail because they don't do their homework. In this episode of 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗦, Spack International CEO Koen Zuyderwijk breaks down the exact blueprint for successful U.S. expansion—and the common mistakes that sink even the best brands.Episode Highlights:✅ Market Entry Homework: Why preparation is 90% of the battle.✅ Dutch vs. American Resilience: Adapting to the speed of U.S. business.✅ Boots on the Ground: Why you can't lead a U.S. expansion from a laptop in Europe.✅ The Resilience Factor: Why American business culture demands a "never give up" mindset.🚀 Ready to take your brand global? Hit play.____________________00:00 Introduction to Koen Zuyderwijk02:53 Transitioning to CEO in the U.S.08:25 Starting Spack International11:36 Understanding the U.S. Market18:02 Challenges in Supply Chain Management22:31 Navigating Regulations in the Food Industry25:15 Competing in the U.S. Market28:07 The Importance of a Local Team33:48 Bringing European Management Styles to America35:32 Cultural Connections Through Sports39:46 The Core Four: Challenges in the U.S. Market44:20 Lessons Learned from Entering the U.S. Market49:35 Future Outlook and Growth Strategies50:20 Success Factors for European Companies in the U.S.59:26 Rapid Fire: Quick Questions with Koen01:00:59 Partnerships and Collaborations for Success01:04:35 Superpowers and Skills for Business Growth01:06:07 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights____________________𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗞𝗢𝗘𝗡🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koenzuyderwijk𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBaxlXNsXqu395c3vftkbWQ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/📧 Email: manny@masteringmarketentry.com👍 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 - if you enjoy this content🔔 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘 - for more strategies on how Europeans make it BIG in America⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific business situation.

Expanding your business into the United States is a milestone for any European company, but navigating the American banking system can be a complex—and often expensive—challenge.Join host Manny Schoenhuber for an in-depth conversation with Aryan Dokht, Senior Vice President at Comerica Bank. In this episode of 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗦, we dive into commercial lending, international market trends, and the pivotal role of banking in cross-border trade to break down the financial strategies every international entrepreneur needs to know.Aryan pulls back the curtain on how U.S. banks structure their fees and why the "sticker shock" many European businesses experience is often avoidable with the right planning. ____________________00:00 Introduction to Aryan Dokht and His Background05:17 Comerica Bank's Role in Supporting European Companies08:20 Understanding the European Clientele and Their Needs12:41 Navigating the U.S. Market Entry Process15:03 The Importance of Relationships in American Business18:17 Banking Operations and Geographic Reach20:33 The Check Culture in the U.S.28:39 Understanding FDIC Insurance and Bank Security32:14 Challenges for European Companies in U.S. Banking39:41 Credit Scores and Their Importance46:37 Cost of Banking Services in the U.S.51:09 Cultural Differences in Business Practices53:44 Common Mistakes Made by European Companies01:02:14 Trends Shaping the Future for European Businesses01:06:42 The Core Four: Key Challenges and Advice01:10:07 Lessons Learned for First-Time Entrants01:13:20 Future Outlook for European Companies01:16:25 Success Factors for Thriving in the U.S. Market01:19:20 Rapid Fire Questions with Ariane Dock01:20:31 Final Thoughts and Personal Interests____________________𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗥𝗬𝗔𝗡🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryan-dokht-5112054📧 Email: aadokht@comerica.com𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mannyschoenhuber?si=fZ7gtfmhBx2xboF4🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/📧 Email: manny@masteringmarketentry.com👍 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 - if you enjoy this content🔔 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘 - for more strategies on how Europeans make it BIG in America⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific business situation.

How do you transition from a 20-year career as a professional skier to mastering the high-stakes world of U.S. real estate?In this episode of 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗦, host Manny Schoenhuber sits down with Sven Kueenle, Founder & CEO of Rockfish Capital, to break down the mindset and strategies required for European leaders to win in the American market.Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader, Sven’s journey offers a masterclass in overcoming doubt and scaling big in the USA.____________________00:00 Introduction to Sven Kueenle01:47 From Professional Skier to Real Estate Investor07:17 Transitioning to the US Market10:56 Establishing Rockfish Capital15:58 Business Model and Investment Strategy21:26 Cultural and Operational Insights26:19 Vision and Future Goals31:59 Challenges and Competitive Edge33:29 Navigating Legal Challenges in Real Estate36:01 Comparing Real Estate Markets: Germany vs. Texas37:50 Overcoming Challenges in the U.S. Market42:20 Vision for Growth in the U.S. Market43:52 The Core Four: Key Partnerships for Success46:18 Cultural Insights: Doing Business in America48:58 Future Trends in Real Estate and AI53:22 Exploring New Markets Beyond Texas54:46 The Entrepreneurial Mindset in the U.S.58:31 Giving Back: The Impact of Charity Work____________________𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗩𝗘𝗡🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sven-kueenle-61068b202📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svenkueenle/?hl=en📧 Email: sven@rockfish.capital𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBaxlXNsXqu395c3vftkbWQ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/📧 Email: manny@masteringmarketentry.com👍 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 - if you enjoy this content🔔 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘 - for more strategies on how Europeans make it BIG in America⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific business situation.

Establishing a presence in the American market requires more than just capital—it requires trust. In this inaugural episode of 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗦, Daniel Dittmar, CEO & President of HEYCO Werk USA Inc., shares his blueprint for navigating the complexities of US manufacturing.From site selection and greenfield projects to the cultural nuances of American leadership, Daniel provides actionable insights for European companies looking to scale in the USA. ____________________00:00 Introduction to Daniel Dittmar01:45 Daniel's Journey to the U.S.04:35 Transitioning Through Various Roles08:24 The Impact of COVID-19 on Career10:41 Current Role at HEYCO16:00 Cultural Differences in Commuting18:14 Overview of HEYCO and Its Operations25:33 Workforce Flexibility and Decision-Making27:19 Cultural Understanding in Leadership29:40 Attracting Talent: Cash vs. Benefits31:38 Transatlantic Business Insights34:20 Flexibility vs. Regulation in Employment37:30 Site Selection for Manufacturing42:38 Navigating the Site Selection Process48:25 Building vs. Leasing: Strategic Decisions53:14 Navigating Greenfield Projects with Strong Partnerships57:04 Cultural Differences in Business Practices01:00:02 Lessons Learned01:01:48 Future Outlook and Growth Strategies01:02:51 Success Factors for European Companies in the US01:04:34 Rapid Fire Questions01:06:02 Reflections on Surprises and American Habits01:08:36 Trends Shaping the Automotive Industry01:11:06 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights____________________𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗟🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dittmar-4532461a📧 Email: daniel.dittmar@heycousa.com𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@MannySchoenhuber⁩  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/📧 Email: manny@masteringmarketentry.com👍 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 - if you enjoy this content🔔 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘 - for more strategies on how Europeans make it BIG in America⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific business situation.

Ready to scale your European business in the United States? 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗦 is the essential resource for European business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals entering the U.S. market for the first time or growing their existing U.S. business operations – but aren’t quite sure where to start or how to navigate the complexities of the American market.Join host Manny Schoenhuber and his guests as they break down the legal, financial, and cultural strategies you need to thrive in the United States.In each episode, we’ll bring you expert insights and real-world strategies to help you make informed decisions about your U.S. market strategy. We’ll cover:✅ Overcoming U.S. legal & regulatory hurdles✅ Navigating taxation, banking, and finance✅ Mastering American business etiquette✅ Real success stories from Europeans making it BIG in America✅ Challenges and pitfalls to avoid along the wayWe’ll feature top-tier guests who will share their first-hand experiences and advice to help you thrive in the U.S. market.Thank you for joining us on this journey – we can’t wait to see how you make it BIG in America!👍 Like - if you enjoy this content🔔 Subscribe - for more strategies on how Europeans make it BIG in America🎥    / @mannyschoenhuber  ⚠️ Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific business situation.