Edmonds Exporting Business Utilizes SBA Resources to Expand
By 1997 Richard Brinton already had a successful corporate career, working primarily in sales and marketing and product management. Through his work he had traveled to several countries and developed business relationships with many overseas contacts. With international experience under his belt, Brinton decided he was ready for a change, to work for himself and become more independent. In 1997 Brinton founded BBD International, an exporting business selling construction parts and equipment including pierce nuts and high-pressure waterjet parts. Brinton found success as an exporter by developing and maintaining individual relationships, choosing to work with people he could meet in person and build trust with. As business grew, Brinton looked to expand his contracting into new areas.
Brinton attended an export seminar hosted by the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), an SBA Resource Partner offering no-cost one-on-one business advising. Through the SBDC Brinton met with Ellie He, a certified business advisor specializing in international trade, and received the guidance he needed to secure ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) registration, allowing BBD International to enter new markets and expand their business.
Working with He and obtaining ITAR registration allowed Brinton to secure new military contracts with the South Korean government. However, during the COVID pandemic of 2020 Brinton was challenged with a sudden drop in overseas business. Through working with his SBDC business advisor, Briton learned about SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and was able to secure the funds needed for his business to survive the shutdown until commerce and communication lines opened up again. Since 2020 BBD International has experienced a 300% increase in business, most of which gets reinvested into future growth. Brinton shares the knowledge he has accumulated during his 25 year career with others by consulting other exporters interested in following in his footsteps. In May of 2022, Richard Brinton was honored as SBA’s Washington Small Business Exporter of the Year.
“The advice I give to people is that you really need to reach out. There are a lot of people out there that can help. The SBDC is very valuable to me, I look at it as my first point of contact in trying to get an answer or find a direction to go.”