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.

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00:00 Introduction to Onur Pekpazar's Journey
01:02 Early Life and Challenges in Istanbul
05:07 Education and First Steps in the U.S.
10:07 Building a Career in the U.S. and Germany
20:01 Establishing OMAC and Expanding into the U.S. Market
31:51 Navigating OEM Projects and Market Opportunities
35:28 Understanding Global Revenue and Market Dynamics
39:05 Strategic Location: Why Houston?
42:55 Cultural Adaptation in Global Business
46:53 Differentiating in a Competitive Market
49:28 Branding Strategies Across Different Markets
52:50 Common Pitfalls for European Companies in the US
58:04 Challenges Faced and Leadership in Crisis
01:02:17 The Importance of R&D in Business
01:03:35 Vision for the Future: Building a Global Brand
01:07:45 Key Success Factors for Entering the US Market
01:10:53 Building Partnerships and Networks for Success
01:14:43 Cultural Insights: Navigating American Business
01:17:34 Mentorship and Learning from Successful Leaders
01:19:31 Embracing a Win-Win Mentality in Business
01:20:06 Connecting with Onur: Open to Collaboration
01:25:38 Final Thoughts: Taking Action and Seizing Opportunities

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𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗢𝗡𝗨𝗥
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onur-pekpazar/
📧 Email: o.pekpazar@omacshop.com

𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBaxlXNsXqu395c3vftkbWQ
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 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.

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00:00 Introduction to Transatlantic Titans

01:55 Sebastian Pohl: Background and Company Overview

03:56 Company Structure and Employee Dynamics

05:36 Work Culture and Employee Engagement

09:10 Company History and Legacy

11:56 Revenue Insights and Customer Base

15:07 Mittelstand: The Hidden Champions of Germany

18:24 Entering the US Market: Strategy and Timing

20:35 US Operations: Sales and Service Focus

26:21 Geographic Decision-Making and Business Growth

31:37 Revenue Contribution from the US Market

32:45 Competition and Strategic Positioning

34:31 Cultural Engagement and Overcoming Differences

36:45 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the US

39:03 Advice for European Companies Entering the US Market

41:29 Common Mistakes of European Companies in the US

45:11 Building Brand and Reputation in the US

47:36 Lessons Learned from Market Entry Strategies

48:51 Future Outlook and Growth Vision

50:15 Success Factors for European Companies in the US

52:25 Key Partnerships for Success

53:38 Cultural Shock and First Impressions

56:09 Texas Lifestyle and Cultural Experiences

57:51 Inspirational Figures and Business Insights

59:28 Connecting with Sebastian and Final Thoughts

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𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗡
🔗 LinkedIn: https://de.linkedin.com/in/pohlseb
📧 Email: [email protected]

𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBaxlXNsXqu395c3vftkbWQ
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 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.
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00:00 Introduction to Koen Zuyderwijk
02:53 Transitioning to CEO in the U.S.
08:25 Starting Spack International
11:36 Understanding the U.S. Market
18:02 Challenges in Supply Chain Management
22:31 Navigating Regulations in the Food Industry
25:15 Competing in the U.S. Market
28:07 The Importance of a Local Team
33:48 Bringing European Management Styles to America
35:32 Cultural Connections Through Sports
39:46 The Core Four: Challenges in the U.S. Market
44:20 Lessons Learned from Entering the U.S. Market
49:35 Future Outlook and Growth Strategies
50:20 Success Factors for European Companies in the U.S.
59:26 Rapid Fire: Quick Questions with Koen
01:00:59 Partnerships and Collaborations for Success
01:04:35 Superpowers and Skills for Business Growth
01:06:07 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights

____________________

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗞𝗢𝗘𝗡
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koenzuyderwijk

𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBaxlXNsXqu395c3vftkbWQ
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 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.

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00:00 Introduction to Aryan Dokht and His Background

05:17 Comerica Bank's Role in Supporting European Companies

08:20 Understanding the European Clientele and Their Needs

12:41 Navigating the U.S. Market Entry Process

15:03 The Importance of Relationships in American Business

18:17 Banking Operations and Geographic Reach

20:33 The Check Culture in the U.S.

28:39 Understanding FDIC Insurance and Bank Security

32:14 Challenges for European Companies in U.S. Banking

39:41 Credit Scores and Their Importance

46:37 Cost of Banking Services in the U.S.

51:09 Cultural Differences in Business Practices

53:44 Common Mistakes Made by European Companies

01:02:14 Trends Shaping the Future for European Businesses

01:06:42 The Core Four: Key Challenges and Advice

01:10:07 Lessons Learned for First-Time Entrants

01:13:20 Future Outlook for European Companies

01:16:25 Success Factors for Thriving in the U.S. Market

01:19:20 Rapid Fire Questions with Ariane Dock

01:20:31 Final Thoughts and Personal Interests

____________________

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗥𝗬𝗔𝗡
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryan-dokht-5112054
📧 Email: [email protected]

𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬
🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mannyschoenhuber?si=fZ7gtfmhBx2xboF4
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 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.

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00:00 Introduction to Sven Kueenle
01:47 From Professional Skier to Real Estate Investor
07:17 Transitioning to the US Market
10:56 Establishing Rockfish Capital
15:58 Business Model and Investment Strategy
21:26 Cultural and Operational Insights
26:19 Vision and Future Goals
31:59 Challenges and Competitive Edge
33:29 Navigating Legal Challenges in Real Estate
36:01 Comparing Real Estate Markets: Germany vs. Texas
37:50 Overcoming Challenges in the U.S. Market
42:20 Vision for Growth in the U.S. Market
43:52 The Core Four: Key Partnerships for Success
46:18 Cultural Insights: Doing Business in America
48:58 Future Trends in Real Estate and AI
53:22 Exploring New Markets Beyond Texas
54:46 The Entrepreneurial Mindset in the U.S.
58:31 Giving Back: The Impact of Charity Work

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𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗩𝗘𝗡
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sven-kueenle-61068b202
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svenkueenle/?hl=en
📧 Email: [email protected]

𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBaxlXNsXqu395c3vftkbWQ
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 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.
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00:00 Introduction to Daniel Dittmar
01:45 Daniel's Journey to the U.S.
04:35 Transitioning Through Various Roles
08:24 The Impact of COVID-19 on Career
10:41 Current Role at HEYCO
16:00 Cultural Differences in Commuting
18:14 Overview of HEYCO and Its Operations
25:33 Workforce Flexibility and Decision-Making
27:19 Cultural Understanding in Leadership
29:40 Attracting Talent: Cash vs. Benefits
31:38 Transatlantic Business Insights
34:20 Flexibility vs. Regulation in Employment
37:30 Site Selection for Manufacturing
42:38 Navigating the Site Selection Process
48:25 Building vs. Leasing: Strategic Decisions
53:14 Navigating Greenfield Projects with Strong Partnerships
57:04 Cultural Differences in Business Practices
01:00:02 Lessons Learned
01:01:48 Future Outlook and Growth Strategies
01:02:51 Success Factors for European Companies in the US
01:04:34 Rapid Fire Questions
01:06:02 Reflections on Surprises and American Habits
01:08:36 Trends Shaping the Automotive Industry
01:11:06 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights
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𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗟
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dittmar-4532461a
📧 Email: [email protected]

𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗬
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@MannySchoenhuber⁩ 
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyschoenhuber/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyschoenhuber/
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 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 way

We’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.