7/12/2010

ASTE Trade International, LLC

""I don't know how to express my feelings about the support given by Small Business Development Center. I was always given a superb assistance whenever I needed to develop my business ever since I got the first training back in June 2009 and so on.""

In its first year of existence, ASTE Trade International, LLC has experienced amazing growth and success. In just 12 months, the company has done more than 60 export transactions and has established ongoing relationships with at least 9 clients in Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan. ASTE has exported construction materials, tools and equipment, computer equipment, and chemicals. Its clients are primarily private contractors who currently serve the U.S. government overseas. ASTE’s founder, Tuncay Esitmez, attributes his success to the trust he inspires in his clients. Tuncay’s strong ethics, good business practices and vast amount of experience in government purchasing translate into repeat business. Tuncay treats its clients with a positive attitude: "DIFFERENCE, WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN." He explains that by truly caring about his client’s needs and having their best interest in mind has helped the development of solid business relationships. Most of Tuncay’s experience comes from working for the U.S. Air Force in Turkey for more than 27 years. In his career with the Air Force he held many positions. He worked in the Fire Department as a Firefighter, Driver, Rescue man, and Asst. Chief Operations/Training. He also acquired the DOD Fire Instructor III and DOD Fire Officer II certifications. He then worked for the Contracting Squadron where he started as a System Administrator and retired as a Supervisory Contract Administrator (Plans and Programs Flight Chief) with a Level II Certification (DOD Contract Administrator II). After retiring in October 2008, Tuncay came to the United States and decided to start his exporting business. At that time, he sought the assistance of the Small Business Development Center at USF. He attended multiple seminars, worked with Certified Business Analyst Mario Iezzoni to set up the company and understand taxation issues, and worked with Certified Global Business Professional Maria Clara Yepes on international trade issues. In Tuncay’s words "I don't know how to express my feelings about the support given by Small Business Development Center. I was always given a superb assistance whenever I needed to develop my business ever since I got the first training back in June 2009 and so on." Tuncay and his company are a great example of how small businesses can take advantage of opportunities in foreign markets. The SBDC at USF is proud to assist local companies that want to go global. Tuncay can count on the support of the SBDC for many years to come as his business continues to grow.