Export Strategy
Talking Trade
The Talking Trade Podcast is put on by WisBusiness and co-hosted by Sandi Siegel, President of M.E. Dey & Co. and Ken Wasylik, Managing Director of E.M. Wasylik Associates. Talking Trade covers topics across a variety of business disciplines such as export strategy, featuring a new guest each episode to share their expertise.
Talking Trade with Sam Rikkers, COO at WEDC
In the latest “Talking Trade” podcast, WEDC Chief Operating Officer Sam Rikkers discusses tariffs, export trends and how the agency helps Wisconsin businesses reach international markets.
“Mexico, as Wisconsin’s second largest trading partner, is a place that we go back to quite regularly,” he said. “And that’s because our Wisconsin companies, when they’re looking to expand their markets, they’re looking at our neighbor to the south as a place of just tremendous opportunity.”
Talking Trade with Sarah Helton, Michael Best Strategies
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Michael Best Strategies Partner Sarah Helton discusses the impact new tariffs may have domestically and on major U.S. trading partners.
Helton, the firm’s practice group chair for government procurement and trade, says President Trump’s newly enacted tariffs on steel and aluminum and other goods have created a “period of uncertainty” for the international trade landscape.
Talking Trade with Tom Kallman, President and CEO of Kallman Worldwide, Inc.
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Kallman Worldwide President and CEO Tom Kallman touts the prestige of U.S. medical products on the global stage.
The interview was recorded during the recent Arab Health trade show in Dubai, where Kallman Worldwide has been organizing U.S. participation since 1995. At the time, the show included 27 American businesses — including major players such as Johnson & Johnson and GE Medical — and that’s grown to more than 400 in the 2025 conference.
Talking Trade With Ben Miller of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Ben Miller of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin touts the opportunity for dairy exports to reach new markets.
Miller, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations for the dairy business promotion group, shares insights on Wisconsin’s specialty cheese and other dairy products being shipped to markets around the world. While Canada and Mexico are the top export destinations, Miller says the group sees “a lot of growth” and opportunity in places like South Korea and China and elsewhere in Asia.
Talking Trade with John Min, Chief Economist at Monex USA
In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” Monex USA Chief Economist John Min shares insights on the U.S. economy as well as global trends. Monex USA is an international payment services business specializing in foreign currency.
“For the last two years, many of my colleagues and fellow industry experts and market watchers, we’ve been expecting the U.S. economy to enter a recession … I also expected a recession last year,” he said, but noted newly adjusted models predict “another solid year” domestically in 2025.
Talking Trade With Fredrik Udd, Founder and Managing Partner of Explore Markets
In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” Explore Markets Founder and Managing Partner Fredrik Udd discusses opportunities for doing business in Poland and other parts of Europe.
Explore Markets, based in Poland, offers market research, supply chain help, export readiness assessments and other services. It works with international companies expanding operations in central and eastern Europe, as well as the Nordic nations.
Udd touts the strength of the Polish economy, calling it a “powerhouse” for Europe in business, politics and defense.
“It’s the land of business opportunities in Europe … development in Poland over the past 20, 30 years has been just fantastic and it’s really mindblowing to see what Poland has achieved during these years,” he said.
Talking Trade With Nick Baker, Managing Director of FTI Consulting
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” FTI Consulting Managing Director Nick Baker says trade tensions with China are “guaranteed” to escalate going forward.
Baker, a licensed customs broker with the Washington, D.C.-based advisory firm, weighs in on the impacts of ongoing tariffs on Chinese goods. He predicted trade conflicts between the United States and China would continue to rise.
“The primary question is, how quickly, to what extent, and whether these are broad-stroke measures or more targeted,” Baker said.
Talking Trade with Mickeala Carter, FTI Consulting
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” consultant Mickeala Carter offers insights on the next U.S. farm bill and ag export trends.
“When you’re thinking about agricultural exports and what that means for our farmers here, a lot of that now is due to U.S. ag output growing faster than domestic demand for a lot of products, and some of those products include those of importance to Wisconsin, like dairy products, meats, vegetables,” said Carter, senior director of government affairs for FTI Consulting.
She attributes a rise in international exports to rising incomes and growing populations in other countries, connectivity through the internet and more. This has come after U.S. exports in 2018 and 2019 had a “bit of a decline” related to retaliatory tariffs enacted by other countries, according to Carter.
Talking Trade with Robert Bishop, AgTrade USA
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” AgTrade USA CEO Robert Bishop offers insights on the global livestock market.
Bishop, who is also the president of the Livestock Exporters Association, discusses the latest developments related to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu.
“The main country we’re concerned about right now is Turkey, they’ve cut us off because of it,” Bishop said, highlighting an October visit from a Turkish delegation that’s meant to “show them that bird flu really doesn’t affect the type of cattle that we export.”
Talking Trade with Randy Romanski, DATCP
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski puts a spotlight on this year’s World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.
“It’s a big deal, and we are so happy and proud to host it here in America’s dairyland,” Romanski said, adding “it’s estimated to be about 56,000 people in attendance, including about 3,000 international visitors from about 100 different countries.”
The event includes a trade show featuring speakers on genetics, equipment and animal health, and also highlights an emerging focus of sustainability. Romanski also notes about 600 different businesses are taking part in this week’s expo.
Talking Trade with James Iverson, ABI Research
The latest episode of “Talking Trade” features insights from ABI Research analyst James Iversen, who discusses a recent survey of U.S. and German manufacturers.
“German and U.S. manufacturers, they have a very similar investment priority when it comes to deployment of new technology … They kind of hope to achieve the same if not very similar goals when they do end up deploying these new technologies,” he said.
The survey found the top issue faced by both German and U.S. manufacturers is minimizing product defects, Iversen said, while American businesses are putting a greater emphasis on network security issues than German companies.
Talking Trade with Brian Dranzik, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Director Brian Dranzik discusses an ongoing expansion project aimed at improving cargo shipping.
“We’re well on our way to groundbreaking hopefully at the end of this year,” he said, adding the cargo facility will have capacity for five 747-class aircraft at any given time. “Which hopefully will provide some relief for those who are moving cargo freight from Wisconsin and northern Illinois.”
“A lot of interest, I think, from domestic and international carriers,” he said. “I think it’s just going to come to the point where it’s a ‘if you build it, they will come’ scenario, hopefully. That’s the track where we’re on right now.”
Talking Trade with Judith Pryor, Export-Import Bank of the United States
The latest episode of “Talking Trade” features banking insights from Judith Pryor, first vice president and vice chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Board of Directors.
“We’re considered sort of the bank of large exporters, right, the high-dollar items, and we do quite a bit,” Pryor said. “In fact, last fiscal year we supported over $8.5 billion in finance throughout the world.”
Still, she notes 80% of its transactions are with American small businesses. As one example, Pryor highlighted Mathews Archery in Sparta, Wis., which the bank has helped export $22 million over the past decade.
Talking Trade with German Deputy Consul General in Chicago Gabriela Bennemann
In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” German Deputy Consul General in Chicago Gabriela Bennemann discusses the close trade relationship between the Midwest and Germany.
She highlights the role of Germany’s consulate in the region, ranging from cultural work and services to promoting international trade in partnership with the German American Chamber of Commerce.
“We as a consulate are best equipped to support the activities of the chamber on a political level,” she said. “Helping with negotiations, negotiating memoranda of understanding, or any such thing. So we work hand-in-hand.”
Talking Trade with Rob LoBreglio, Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co.
In this special edition of “Talking Trade,” Ken Wasylik travels to Sendai, Japan to interview Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company co-founder and CEO Rob LoBreglio, who discusses his experience establishing a craft beer operation in Japan.
“We ended up transplanting the name here, even though it’s in English and we’re in Japan,” LoBreglio said in an on-site interview at the Madison company’s brewery in Sendai within the country’s Miyagi Prefecture. “And you know, now I am happy. I was not sure about that decision, but now it seems like people are reacting well to it. It’s becoming somewhat iconic.”
Talking Trade with Kurt Bauer, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce President and CEO Kurt Bauer discusses export challenges for companies in the state and how they’re addressing them.
“We are still seeing a hangover effect from COVID, supply chains for some are still tangled,” he said. “But most have solved that problem. Most of our members are telling us that they have resolved supply chain challenges. Inflation, however, I still blame on COVID.”
The interview also covers tariffs and global shipping lane disruptions linked to conflicts in the Middle East as well as geopolitical instability linked to the war between Russia and Ukraine and tensions between China and Taiwan.
Talking Trade with Tim Sullivan, Carroll University
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Carroll University School of Business Dean Tim Sullivan touts opportunities for U.S. businesses to reach foreign markets.
Commenting on a report showing just 5% of American companies do business at the international level, Sullivan said he’s “shocked” that more businesses aren’t taking advantage of that opportunity.
“Five percent is extremely low … You look at the size of the overseas markets, it’s just flabbergasting that it’s that low, that as Americans we just really don’t concentrate on these abundant and very accessible markets around the world,” he said.
Talking Trade with Michael Best Strategies Partner Sarah Helton
In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” Michael Best Strategies Partner Sarah Helton weighs in on recently announced extensions to tariffs on Chinese imports, arguing the move is motivated by “both politics and strategy.”
“This was the first concrete action that the Biden Administration has taken related to the 301 tariffs, outside of calling for comments from public stakeholders, outside of just continuing the tariffs and the exclusions in place,” she said.
Talking Trade with Dean Haen, Port of Green Bay
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Port of Green Bay Director Dean Haen discusses the business climate in northeastern Wisconsin and an ongoing expansion project.
“We’re serving the industries of agriculture, construction and manufacturing, so as they need raw materials, the port serves as the conduit for those commodities,” he said, noting the port ships petroleum products, diesel, ethanol, liquid asphalt, limestone, salt, coal, iron, aluminum, forestry products and more.
Talking Trade with Sahr Lebbie, Global Lite Refinery
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Global Lite Refinery CEO Sahr Lebbie discusses how he launched a palm oil refinery in Sierra Leone from his corporate base in Milwaukee.
He shares details on the history of the business, as well as challenges he overcame on that journey.
Talking Trade with Alan Gogbashian, UK Consul General in Chicago
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” UK Consul General in Chicago, Alan Gogbashian, shares insights on the post-Brexit global trade landscape and other trends.
Trade between the United States and the UK is on the rise, he notes, as “the economic relationship is thriving” between the two nations.
Gogbashian weighs in on the ripple effects of the UK leaving the European Union, noting uncertainty following the move in early 2020 has largely died down. He argues companies “now have the certainty they need,” pointing to various frameworks for “creating certainty and clarity” around international business.
Talking Trade with Michael Sekula, InPro Corporation
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Michael Sekula of InPro Corporation discusses global supply chain challenges and how companies are navigating them.
Sekula is Vice President of Global Supply Chain Management and Safety for the Muskego-based company, which provides architectural products for commercial buildings.
“There are a couple wars going on, there’s the Red Sea issue going on, and from an export and import perspective, it’s difficult,” he said. “But flying around to various countries … I was just in Europe, and I was just in Dubai, and in the end, you know, there might be those things going on but all they want to do is do business.”
Talking Trade with Jackie Bojor of the FRD Center in Bucharest, Romania
In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” Jackie Bojor of the FRD Center in Bucharest, Romania, discusses opportunities in the region for Midwest companies.
Bojor is the director of business development for the Factor Regional Development Center’s Bucharest location. The advisory firm offers consulting, market research and other services focused on entering new markets and mergers and acquisitions.
“As U.S. officials have recognized recently, Romania is a regional pillar of stability, energy security and economic development,” Bojor said, adding the country has a “very strong” industrial manufacturing sector that continues to grow.
American-made vehicles, aircraft, electrical machinery and equipment are among the most in-demand products in the Romanian market, she explained.
Talking Trade with Dennis Yen-Feng Lei, Director General of the Tapei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Director General Dennis Yen-Feng Lei of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago discusses U.S.-Taiwan trade relations.
Lei focuses on trade relationships between Taiwan and Midwest states in particular, noting the country recently signed economic agreements with leaders in Michigan and Indiana, as well as educational memorandums of understanding with Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota.
“We have a very promising future, our office is trying to increase more Taiwanese companies here, and also ask more American companies to invest in Taiwan,” he said.
Talking Trade with Rick Graber, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic
In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Rick Graber discusses the political landscape around the Russia-Ukraine war and how the conflict is affecting European economies. Graber, the former state Republican Party chair and current leader of the Bradley Foundation, says he differs from other Republicans who question why the United States is getting involved by providing aid to Ukraine.
“I think there is a legitimate American interest, and I think the United States and the Biden Administration should have stepped up sooner, more quickly and more aggressively than they did,” he said.
Talking Trade with Ognadon "Eddy" Djagou, Djaagou-A Export
In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” Djaagou-A Export founder and CEO Ognadon “Eddy” Djagou discusses his food and beverage business and U.S.-Africa trade. Djagou launched the company in 2017, and since then has been exporting agricultural products from the United States to African countries, with a focus on West Africa.
Djagou says many American companies don’t have that same level of access. But he notes the average person on the continent is relatively young and African markets are expanding rapidly.
Talking Trade with Tim Sheehy, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” MMAC President Tim Sheehy discusses his 31-year tenure with the Milwaukee chamber and the importance of business exports. Sheehy said one of his most important accomplishments while leading the MMAC has been helping more Wisconsin governors and mayors to understand the competitive global environment for corporate investment, as well as related opportunities.
“One of the things I’ve learned from the countless trade missions that I’ve been on to Canada, South America, Mexico, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, is that every day those regions are getting up and competing for capital investment and jobs,” Sheehy said.
Talking Trade with Wendy Pease, Rapport International
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Rapport International owner Wendy Pease shares insights on the translation and interpretation industry. Pease discusses how technologies such as Google Translate have influenced this work.
“When that first came out, we said ‘Oh, is Google Translate going to put us out of business?’ And it hasn’t,” she said. “It’s actually raised the demand for good translation, because now people understand that you can communicate across languages, and that there’s a way to do it appropriately.”
Talking Trade with Primadi Soerjosoemanto, Asian Insiders
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Asian Insiders Partner Primadi Soerjosoemanto shares insights on business opportunities in Indonesia. As the world’s fourth most populous country, Indonesia has a growing economy that’s attracting investment from many global companies, Soerjosoemanto explained.
Soerjosoemanto said policies advanced by the country’s government have drawn investment from around the world. As examples, he pointed to a recent law that allows more foreigners to work and live in Indonesia, as well as a new work permit for entrepreneurs.
Talking Trade with Jason Culotta, Midwest Food Products Association
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Midwest Food Products Association President Jason Culotta discusses supply chain challenges, impacts on pricing and more. Certain metals used in can manufacturing have been in short supply in the United States, he said, which impacts the Midwest canned food industry. The region supplies most of the U.S. canned vegetable supply, from sweet corn to green beans.
“We beat everyone in the world on quality, but on price … normally with labor it’s not an issue actually, surprisingly, compared to the foreign competition,” he said. “But this packaging issue, with the steel for the cans, has put us at a bit of a disadvantage.”
Talking Trade with Ian Coxhead, Senior Research Fellow for the Institute of Developing Economies
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” co-hosts Sandi Siegel and Ken Wasylik interview Ian Coxhead, senior research fellow for the Institute of Developing Economies in Tokyo, Japan, about trade policy and Asian economics.Coxhead, a former host of the show, shares his perspective on China’s economy, noting its central economic role for other nations in Asia.
“Before the global financial crisis, China was doing great with all of these policies and efficiency gains. Since about 2010, a lot less growth. And this year, much, much less growth in the Chinese economy,” Coxhead said.
Talking Trade with Damon Holter, Croix Valley Foods
In the latest edition of “Talking Trade,” Croix Valley Foods owner Damon Holter discusses the company’s history, successes and plans for future expansion. Holter highlights the company’s efforts to reach international customers after realizing “the competition in the grocery industry is really cutthroat,” with relatively small margins. After being approached by a distributor in Canada, the company turned to buyers in the hardware and home improvement industry, Holter explained.
Talking Trade with Canadian Consul General Aaron Annable
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Canadian Consul General Aaron Annable shares the latest figures illustrating Canada’s trade relationship with Wisconsin.
According to Annable, 174 Canadian companies currently operate in the state, employing more than 22,000 Wisconsin workers. Annual trade between Canada and the state reached $14.7 billion in 2022, marking a 13 percent increase from the prior year, he said.
Talking Trade with Chris Wojtowicz, Small Business Development Center
In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” international trade consultant Chris Wojtowicz of the Small Business Development Center highlights resources available to companies in the state. Wojtowicz touches on support offered by local chambers of commerce, economic development officials and state agencies such as DATCP and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp, and discusses the role of trade compliance experts for companies looking to reach international markets, noting the current trade landscape is becoming more complex.
Talking Trade with Heather Ranck, Director of the Rural Export Center
In the most recent episode of Talking Trade, Ken Wasylik and Sandi Siegel chat with Heather Ranck, Director of the Rural Export Center, part of the US Department of Commerce. Ms. Ranck highlights resources available to rural companies that export or want to start exporting. According to Ms. Ranck, “There are three main barriers to exporting for rural exporters: knowledge, connections and confidence,”.
Talking Trade with Jackie Carter, Port of Milwaukee Director
In the latest episode of Talking Trade, Ken Wasylik and Sandi Siegel chat with Jackie Carter, Director of the Port of Milwaukee. Ms. Carter explains that the Port of Milwaukee is the second largest port on the Great Lakes system, and describes some of the various commodities that come through the Port.
Talking Trade with Buckley Brinkman, CEO of Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity
In the latest episode of Talking Trade, Ken Wasylik and Sandi Siegel sit down with Buckley Brinkman, CEO of the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity. Brinkman highlights the ExporTech program which helps Wisconsin companies develop an export plan for their products in 90 days. Companies that go through the program gain about $1million in sales on average, according to Brinkman.
Talking Trade with Terry Dittrich of MI Group
In the latest episode of Talking Trade, MI Group Senior Advisor Terry Dittrich outlines the path forward for rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine. Terry believes that major funding is “probably about 6 to 12 months out”, as long as the war in Ukraine continues to subside.
Talking Trade with Pawan Bhatnagar of Kasvu Consulting, Asian Insiders
In the latest episode of Talking Trade, Pawan Bhatnagar of Kasvu Consulting and Asian Insiders highlights the resilience of the Indian economy. Global offshoring, digitalization, and energy transitions are three major trends that will contribute to India’s projected GDP growing by more than double from $3.5 trillion to $7.5 trillion by 2030.
Talking Trade with Rebekah Sweeney of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
In the latest episode of Talking Trade, Rebekah Sweeney of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association discusses 2022 dairy export data, highlights increased sales in LATAM, and shares her opinion on economic forecasts for 2023.
Talking Trade with Asia Society Policy Institute Vice President Wendy Cutler
In the latest episode of Talking Trade, Ken Wasylik and Sandi Siegel chat with Wendy Cutler, Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute. Wendy discusses recent tariff exclusions for several hundred products that have been extended for another 9 months.
Talking Trade with Steve Wallace of the Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company
In this episode of Talking Trade, Ken Wasylik and Sandi Siegel sit down with Steve Wallace, President of the Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company. Listen in to hear Steve discuss the challenges associated with growing the Milwaukee-based business on an international scale.
Talking Trade with Andy Rothman of Matthews Asia
In this episode of Talking Trade, Ken Wasylik and Sandi Siegel chat with former diplomat Andy Rothman of California firm Matthews Asia. Andy highlights the benefits of US engagement with China believes the initially bumpy transition from strict Covid protocols will ease next year.
Talking Trade with Mark Dodsworth, Managing Director of Europartnerships
In this episode of Talking Trade, Ken Wasylik and Sandi Siegel speak with Mark Dodsworth, Managing Director of Europartnerships. Mark is based in the UK and explains how the country has been impacted heavily by the pandemic, invasion of Ukraine, and Brexit. Mark also highlights some areas of opportunities for US companies going into the UK.
Talking Trade with Mike Dankler, Principal of Michael Best Strategies
In this episode of Talking Trade, Sandi Siegel and Ken Wasylik speak with Mike Dankler, Principal of Michael Best Strategies. Mike covers the Section 301 tariffs on China and why he believes there may be “some tariff-liftings to come”, as well as other governmental topics relating to international trade.
Talking Trade with Bruce Glaub, Trade Acceptance Group
In this episode of Talking Trade, Sandi Siegel and Ken Wasylik speak with Bruce Glaub, Principal of Trade Acceptance Group, outlines the benefits of export credit insurance. Listen in to learn how important it is to have export credit insurance when selling and shipping goods internationally.
Talking Trade with Mark Rhoda-Reis of DATCP
In this episode of Talking Trade, Sandi Siegel and Ken Wasylik speak with guest Mark Rhoda-Reis from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Mark shares the latest figures on Wisconsin agricultural exports in what may be a record-setting year.
Talking Trade with E.M. Wasylik Associates Managing Director Ken Wasylik
In this episode of Talking Trade, Ken Wasylik discusses his approach for reaching new international markets. Listen in to learn Ken’s first steps to international development, positive takeaways from the pandemic, supply chain issues, and inflation.
It Appears We Are Late To the Market - The Global Marketing Show
The Global Marketing Show hosted by Wendy Pease, President of Rapport International, discusses new trending international business topics in every episode. Check out Ken’s appearance on the podcast, discussing his approach on how early-stage exporters should decide which international markets to enter.
https://www.rapporttranslations.com/the-global-marketing-show/late-market
Webinars
Market Research - A Key Element of a Successful Market Launch
In this webinar hosted by Global Chamber, Ken Wasylik highlights the importance of market research as an initial step to export development. Listen in to hear Ken’s thoughts on why research is an essential initiative to global expansion, as well as the three key questions to ask when deciding which markets to enter.