On September 8, 2022, I joined an influential group of leaders in Seattle for a conference focused on expanding opportunities in the South Korean market. The event was hosted by Greater Seattle Partners in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Port of Seattle, Coupang, Amazon, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
South Korea consistently ranks among Greater Seattle’s top three trading partners, with more than $80 billion in trade over the past decade. This conference was designed to help small and medium-sized businesses understand how to grow through exporting — with a special focus on Korea’s fast-growing market.
My Role on the Seller Success in Korea Panel
As CEO of Ravenox, an American manufacturer and retailer, I was honored to participate in the Business Roundtable: Seller Success in Korea. Alongside leaders from Coupang, Mamenta, and Payoneer, I shared insights from over a decade of experience building Ravenox into a trusted U.S. brand and navigating international sales channels.
I emphasized the importance of combining manufacturing expertise with retail strategies to scale effectively in global markets. For businesses looking to enter or expand in Korea, I highlighted strategies around compliance, brand trust, and customer engagement.
Insights from Global Trade Leaders
The conference also featured remarks from leaders across government and business.
(l-r) Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Washington State Rep. Cindy Ryu, US SBA Administrator Isabelle Casillas Guzman, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, Washington Commerce Director Lisa Brown, and Ambassador of South Korea to the US Cho Tae-yong spoke during the morning plenary session at an SBA-sponsored conference on export opportunities in US-Korea trade in Seattle.
Officials underscored how exporting strengthens communities by creating jobs and expanding opportunities for small businesses. They also emphasized the unique role of Washington State, the most trade-centric economy in the U.S., in connecting entrepreneurs to international markets.
Why Exporting Matters
Exporting is more than a path to new sales. It helps businesses diversify risk, create international partnerships, and fuel job growth locally. For Washington State, Korea represents a natural partner, one with deep economic and cultural ties to the Pacific Northwest.
As both a veteran and entrepreneur, I believe small business owners should be empowered to explore these opportunities. By accessing the right resources, from export development programs to financial tools, small businesses can grow sustainably and position themselves competitively in the global economy.
Looking Ahead
This panel reinforced my commitment to supporting U.S. manufacturing, retail, and entrepreneurship at both the local and international level. Whether advocating for small business in Washington, engaging policymakers, or exploring new markets abroad, I remain focused on helping entrepreneurs succeed in an interconnected world.