Expanding internationally can be a very lucrative endeavor if done with sufficient knowledge and preparation. Most company executives will not know even the right questions to ask. The foreign jurisdictions have more pitfalls than you can imagine. Be informed and prepared by true international experts.
Ricardo (Ric) Hubler is the Director of Global Business Growth, Global Commerce Metro Atlanta Chamber. Ric joined the Chamber’s Global Commerce team in January 2007, and is responsible for programs to increase international trade by helping local companies expand their businesses to international markets. He assists local small and medium-sized companies that are looking to expand internationally by helping them to identify new markets and investment opportunities outside the United States and putting them in touch with the proper resources, both locally and internationally. He partners with the local consular community and state and federal agencies along with economic development agencies, consulting firms and financial institutions around the world to accomplish this goal.
Ric was previously with the Home Depot, where he earned his Six Sigma Green Belt while working in the company’s audit leadership program. Ric led various business improvement projects across several areas of the company including merchandising and marketing, human resources, information technology, finance and store operations, including in Mexico. He also worked in business development and brand protection for the company’s fast-growing services division.
Ric was a member of the inaugural class of Georgia State University’s Global Partners MBA program, where he earned his international MBA and membership into the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society. He also holds a masters of international management degree from the Universite de Paris, Pantheon-Sorbonne and a certificate from COPPEAD Graduate School of Business of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Ric received his bachelor of arts from Tulane University and additionally speaks Spanish and Portuguese. Ric Hubler’s Segment
Hair Parra is Vice President International Development Wing Zone has been on the international development side of the food industry for more than 28 years. The Venezuelan native has been heavily involved with franchise brands such as Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s and Benihana, in addition to running his own consulting company. He has been with Wing Zone since its inception in 1991 and serves as the company’s vice president for international development. Hair Parra’s Segment
David A. Balos, President of Middle Market Banking has had 23 years of banking experience, all of it at Chase and its predecessor organizations. David was formerly the Market Manager for two regions in Michigan before accepting the position to lead the Atanta maket in May 2009. David joined NBD Bank, a legacy organization, in 2986 as a Financial Analyst. In 1989, he moved to Credit Administration and held various positions before starting his lending career in a legacy Middle Market banking group. David’s tenure also includes eight years of Capital Markets experience, including experience in loan synidcations, high yield bond origination and private placements. In 2001, David rejoined the Middle Market and has held various management positions leading up to his prior role as Market Manager in Michigan.David holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from Oakland University and a Master’s of Science in Finance from Walsh College. He was an active member of the Michigan community; including board memberships on Leadership Macomb, The Anton Art Center, and Automation Alley. David Balos’ Segment
