James (Jim) Stewart
President
86 Kingsgate Road, #G101
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Tel: (503) 639-7655
jstewart@stewart-
international.com
James (Jim) Stewart has been working in the International Business Sector since 1980 including employment at Nestle Foodservice, ConAgra (Lamb-Weston, Inc), J.R. Simplot Co., Viking International, Inc. (foodstuffs trading company), Nippon Express (USA), Inc. (freight forwarder) as well as Stewart International, L.L.C. As such, Mr. Stewart has a wide range of experience from operations to marketing and everything in between. In addition, Mr. Stewart lived, studied and worked in Japan for eight years becoming fluent in Japanese. He has also traveled extensively in other parts of Asia including Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia and has done business with customers in South America, Europe and India.
Professional Experience
2001 - Present
President, Stewart International, LLC (Portland, Oregon)
Working with both J. R. Simplot Co. of Boise, Idaho and Market Makers, Inc. of Tokyo, Japan as shared clients. Servicing Taiwan, the Philippines and Guam exclusively for J. R. Simplot while coordinating Simplot programs with Market Makers in Japan. Also working to develop additional client base for Market Makers. Working to develop additional business for Stewart International as consultant/advisor to companies either considering expansion into international business or those needing help coordinating their international efforts.
2000 - 2001
International Sales Mgr., J.R. Simplot Co. (Boise, Idaho)
Responsible for helping coordinate the transfer of business after the sale of Nestle Potato Business Unit to Simplot. Worked with customers in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Had a six month contract to aid in the transition. Helped coordinate extensive product label changes and set up customer service structure for all former Nestle accounts.
1999 - 2000
Business Development, Nestle Foodservice, Potato (Moses Lake, Washington)
Manager - Export Business Unit
Maintained existing Frozen French Fry business into Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore; was able to add customers in the Philippines and Indonesia; processed claims; traveled to different overseas markets to explore potentials; coordinated pricing to maintain consistency; worked with restaurant chains to establish programs in various markets including Wendy's, Burger King and McDonald's; worked with Customer Service Representatives to improve response and foster close relations with customers.
1993 - 1999
President, Stewart International, LLC (Portland, Oregon)
Set up and coordinated the distribution of dry and frozen restaurant supplies to Wendy's, Burger King and A&W Restaurants in the Pacific Rim; developed a computer based order processing/documentation system enabling electronic transfer of documents to the forwarder; worked to develop new overseas markets for this consolidation/distribution service; worked with those promoting reform in the steamship line industry; represented several food service manufacturing companies in Asia; worked to market an anti-rust paint in Asia; communicated daily with customers in at least ten countries.
1982 - 1993
Export Manager/Operations, Viking International, Inc. (Portland, Oregon)
Export Manager
Traded in various products handled by Viking International; primary areas of responsibility were Frozen French Fries and both dry and frozen consolidation shipments to restaurant chains; experienced with fresh produce, frozen and canned foods, frozen fish and building materials; coordinated and communicated with National Potato Board, Oregon Potato Commission and federal agricultural agencies including USDA, FDA and FAS; communicated daily with overseas and domestic trading partners. Operations Manager
Oversaw all operations activities including supervising two people in operations/traffic; provided contract administration; provided marketing and sales data for review by traders; maintained forecasting data to assist major vendor with production planning; acted as shipment coordinator and liaison for this vendor; covered for other traders while they were travelling or on vacation; maintained document flow for both exports and imports; produced documentation as needed; processed claims; coordinated processing of payable and receivable invoices with the accounting department and provided cash flow forecast; acted as interpreter for Japanese visitors; coordinated visits of and acted as guide for Japanese visitors.
1981 - 1982
International Shipping, Nippon Express U.S.A., Inc. (Portland, Oregon)
Coordinator Prepared export documentation for both air and ocean shipments; made sales calls on prospective customers; quoted freight rates; trained new personnel; picked up, packed and otherwise prepared cargo for shipment; picked up and delivered household goods.
Education
Reed College, Portland, Oregon
B.A., Art, 1977
Built and operated an art foundry to produce a body of work in cast bronze satisfying the Reed College thesis requirement. Received a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to return to Japan to continue research in Traditional Japanese Metal Crafts.
Tokyo National University of Fine Arts & Music, Tokyo, Japan
MFA, Metal Casting, 1980
Was the first American to receive a graduate degree in Metal Casting.
Professional Affiliations
· Board Member, Pacific Northwest International Trade Association, Portland, Oregon
· Member of PNITA since 1990. Activities include co-chairmanship of the Agriculture Committee and, since 1994, member of the Executive Committee.
Summary of Qualifications
· Committed team player.
· Committed to excellence in customer support.
· Able to achieve a balanced view between overall picture and details.
· Able to construct and maintain operating systems regulating activities and paper flow.
· Familiar with a wide range of products including food, agricultural, electronics and metal fabrication.
· Experienced with both marketing and logistics management
· Familiar with distribution systems throughout Asia.
· Have traveled to and done business in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Guam.
· Experienced with setting up sales plans for a wide range of company sizes and regions.
· Fluent in Japanese and moderately capable in German.
· Have strong written and communication skills honed over 22 years in international business.
· Skilled with Windows 98/2000, Office 97/2000, Word Perfect, Quattro Pro, and others.
Summary of Accomplishments
· Created computer based contract and documentation systems.
· Created a computer based order entry system for consolidated shipments.
· Worked to eliminate trade barriers on foodstuffs with both U.S. and foreign regulatory agencies.
· Developed lucrative business relationships with clients. Managed several top restaurant chain accounts.
· Opened up new markets for food products.
· Experienced overseas traveler.