Interviewing "E" Award Recipients

​The Presidential "E" for Exporting Award is the highest federal recognition to U.S. companies for success in exporting. Recipients are companies across the United States that help drive economic development in their communities through their innovative pursuits in selling abroad.  

With the application period for the next E Award open, we feature two recent Oregon E Award recipients, and their views on what the award means to their business. 

"E" Award recipients Skylar Hall, Vice President of Marketing and Client Relations at AIMCO and Russ Monk, Director of Operations at High Impact Technology (HIT) discuss their experiences regarding working within the fields of exporting and international business. 

1. What was your intent in applying for the E Award? 

Skylar Hall: I was recommended to apply for the award by a few people I work with on the Commercial Services and Business Oregon teams. They brought the award to my attention because we have been exporting for years and our sales have substantially increased within the last 5 years from exporting. 

Russ Monk: To receive the award is a long path; it requires four years of export growth. However, along with the help of our U.S. Commercial Service and Embassy teams, we felt that the pedigree and prestige of the award can be a crucial asset in bringing our company to the forefront of international trade and add to the storytelling that we need in order to promote our business.

2. What does the E Award mean to you? 

Hall: It validates that we are on the right track. It can be a big risk exporting and it was a very big risk when we decided to become a manufacturer and export Internationally 25 years ago. It is always a great feeling when you are awarded as long as you take the moment to enjoy and celebrate and not look for the next big thing / sale - I was very adamant about our team going to D.C. to receive the award, give ourselves a hug and take a moment to really enjoy this success. It was such a special moment for our team, and we really enjoyed the whole experience. In addition, because everyone on our team has a helping hand, we also celebrated back in our headquarters in Portland Oregon, hosted a catered lunch and of course no party in the sales field is a party without some competition! We decided to have a corn-hole competition where the winners of the series won prizes from the top three markets we export to: Denmark, France and Spain.

Monk: The "E" Award–huge honor for a little company. We were the first Oregon company in 20 years to win it, so it was a big honor for us, and the fact that we get to put the 'President's Export of Excellence Award' on all our literature, our cards, our websites; anytime I reach out internationally, and I have that pedigree, it enhances my offering right out of the block and potential customers see that. It's a big honor to have that at the forefront of our marketing and storytelling.

3. What is the importance of exporting and working within global markets to your business? 

Hall: It has been substantial for our business, and we would not be as successful as we are today if we didn't have it. By really focusing on exporting and exporting initiatives our business has seen sales increase in the last five years. A lot of our top customers are located in Europe. 

Monk: Our protection technology in the sector of defense primarily works with many armed forces overseas. Our main goal of protecting the lives of civilians and militants across the world make exporting an undeniably critical step in our business and making sure that people receive the security and defense that they need.

4. What were some challenges you faced in expanding exports, and how did you overcome them? 

Hall: Some challenges are cross-culture communication, language, culture, holiday shutdowns, sense of urgency, price, tariffs, price verse value/quality and time change. In addition, we like to meet our customers in person and really emphasize the value in that connection but that can also add additional cost. Understanding what Global means. In the beginning, it was a customer/manufacturing facility in a specific country, and all participants were located at that location. Today, you may be dealing with 5-10 different Engineers in 5-10 different countries working on a project that is in another country so balancing all of these cultures in one room which may even be a virtual room. 

Monk: There is a long gestation period of shaking hands between companies. Being able to navigate exporting your product amidst geopolitical issues and wars can be challenging as a small company. Understanding what not to do is a critical part of business; not knowing all the cultural aspects and drivers of different countries are barriers when it comes to communication. However, guidance from embassy and Department of Commerce teams have been a huge help in this process.

5. What were some successes you experienced while working in exporting? 

Hall: Because I grew up in this world (family business), I am so grateful for being surrounded by cultures from all over the world at a young age. This has helped me both professionally and personally as I'm able to communicate to a wide range of cultures, establishing rapport rather quickly and I really feel the most comfortable when I'm in the minority. 

Monk: The rewarding part is befriending your business partners, experiencing their culture, history, flavors, and foods that come with working in exporting–to be able to learn that as we do business together. 

6. What advice would you give to those seeking to build a strong export growth track record? 

Hall: Don't give up. It will be challenging. Study your competition and their channels to the market. Remember, you are an ambassador of your country when you are visiting a foreign country. Be kind and please be respectful.

Monk: It takes longer as a smaller business to grow, so patience is critical. Know the roles of different federal agencies; the Department of Commerce, banks, navigating federal programs–these are all resources that small businesses can utilize. You can't be anywhere in the world, so target where you want to grow your business towards, learn the culture of your global market, and be perseverant. 

Background: The "E" Award, established by Executive Order of the President, recognizes organizations and persons that have made significant contributions in promoting United States exports globally. Winners of the award are permitted to utilize the blue and white banner and display the signed by the Secretary of Commerce and signed, by the authority of the President, certificate of commendation. 

The application period for the next "E" award is open through January 21, 2025. For further details, visit www.trade.gov/eawards.

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