America: Open for Business

Hosted by Cameron Heffernan

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Jun 2026

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About the show

This is "America: Open for Business," where we talk with high-growth Entrepreneurs and Leaders, who have found success in one of the world's most important markets.

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26 recent

June 3, 202623 min

Strengthening Canada-U.S. Maritime Manufacturing and Trade With Mike Butler

Michael "Mike" Butler is the CEO of Coastal Gateway Port, a British Columbia-based port and maritime infrastructure company advancing sustainable port development, marine logistics, shipbuilding, and industrial supply-chain initiatives in Western Canada. He has publicly represented Coastal Gateway in discussions about Canada–U.S. infrastructure collaboration, Pacific trade, advanced manufacturing, and shipbuilding capacity. Under his leadership, Coastal Gateway has promoted proposals for clean shipbuilding, port modernization, and long-term investment in Canadian marine infrastructure. Mike also serves as a public media contact for the company's recent announcements and industry initiatives across North America. In this episode: North America's maritime future depends on more than ships — it depends on whether Canada and the U.S. can rebuild the industrial partnerships that power trade, defense, and manufacturing resilience. As global competition intensifies and supply chains become more vulnerable, how can both countries strengthen maritime manufacturing and trade together? From Mike Butler's perspective as a maritime infrastructure leader, the answer lies in treating shipbuilding, port development, and industrial capacity as a shared Canada-U.S. priority. He explains that long-term contracts, sustainable financing, and cross-border public-private partnerships are essential to rebuilding the facilities, workforce, and supply chains needed for stronger maritime trade. The main impact is a more resilient North American manufacturing base that can support defense readiness, create good-paying jobs, and reduce dependence on overseas shipbuilding. Butler also highlights the importance of allied cooperation through NATO and AUKUS-related opportunities, as well as the need to align government support with private-sector investment. In this episode of America: Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Mike Butler, CEO of Coastal Gateway Port, to discuss strengthening Canada-U.S. maritime manufacturing and trade. They explore cross-border shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and allied industrial capacity. Mike also talks about financing, workforce development, and long-term maritime partnerships.

May 6, 202630 min

Breaking into the US Market and Winning as a Global Company With Adrian Kinnersley

Adrian Kinnersley is the Co-founder and CEO of In2America, a company that helps international businesses launch, expand, and scale into the U.S. market through compliant employment and operational solutions. He is also CEO of twentyAI, a specialist recruitment and talent advisory firm focused on technology and data-driven businesses across the U.S. and Europe. With firsthand experience building and scaling companies internationally, he brings deep expertise in U.S. market entry, talent strategy, and navigating complex regulatory environments for high-growth global organizations. In this episode: Expanding into the U.S. market is often seen as a major growth milestone — but it comes with layers of complexity that many international companies underestimate. From navigating state-by-state regulations to building a competitive hiring strategy, the path is rarely straightforward. So what does it really take to break into the U.S. market and succeed? Adrian Kinnersley, a seasoned expert in global expansion and U.S. market entry, explains that success starts with understanding just how fragmented and nuanced the U.S. system truly is. He emphasizes that companies must rethink their approach to hiring, compliance, and operations, especially given the differences across states and the high cost of talent. He also underscores the importance of using flexible entry strategies like EOR and PEO models to reduce risk while testing the market. Ultimately, businesses that invest time in understanding these complexities are far better positioned to scale effectively. He adds that failing to plan for compliance and cost variations can quickly derail growth. By taking a strategic, informed approach, companies can avoid common pitfalls and build a strong foundation for long-term success. In this episode of America: Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Adrian Kinnersley, Co-founder and CEO of In2America, to discuss how global companies can successfully enter and scale in the U.S. market. They explore navigating complex state regulations, building effective hiring strategies, and avoiding costly compliance mistakes. Adrian also shares advice on creating a strong on-the-ground presence to drive growth.

April 1, 202635 min

From Europe to the US: How Founders Can Scale Faster and Smarter With David Rose

David Rose is the CEO of US Expansion Partners, a firm that helps European technology companies launch, manage, and scale their operations in the United States. He brings over 20 years of leadership experience across Fortune 500 companies, high-growth firms, and venture-backed startups, with multiple successful exits. Having served as CEO three times, he has deep expertise as a startup operator and advisor. David has also participated in leading startup events such as Google Demo Day and TechCrunch Disrupt. In this episode: Breaking into the US market is often a critical step for European startups aiming to scale — but what actually determines success once they enter the market? Many founders assume that raising capital is enough, yet expansion introduces new challenges around customers, competition, and positioning. So what does it really take to succeed in the US? David Rose, a seasoned startup operator and advisor, explains that European founders succeed in the US by first aligning with the right investors and validating product-market fit locally. He emphasizes that many founders fail by targeting the wrong venture capital firms or assuming their success in Europe will translate directly. He highlights the importance of storytelling in US fundraising, where investors often back the founder as much as the business. Ultimately, success comes from combining focused investor targeting, strong positioning, and real market validation. He also stresses that founders need to spend time in the US, engaging directly with customers before scaling. In this episode of America: Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan is joined by David Rose, CEO at US Expansion Partners, to discuss how European startups can scale faster and smarter in the US. They explore how to identify the right investors, avoid common expansion mistakes, and validate product-market fit before scaling. David also shares advice on building traction and navigating the US fundraising landscape.

March 4, 202642 min

An Aussie Success Story in America With Julie Lawrie

Julie Lawrie is the Co-founder and CEO of Amplifyo, an AI-powered marketing platform that helps businesses scale smarter and faster by automating strategy, campaign creation, and content aligned with business goals. She brings over 20 years of marketing and strategic planning experience across both Australia and the USA, with deep expertise in helping small and medium-sized businesses grow. Julie has over a decade of corporate governance experience and holds business and marketing qualifications. Under her leadership, Amplifyo combines responsible AI with human expertise to make effective marketing accessible and impactful. In this episode: Breaking into the American market is a bold move for any international founder. The opportunity is massive, but so are the risks, competition, and unknowns. What does it really take to turn an overseas startup into a thriving US success story? Julie Lawrie, a seasoned marketing strategist and international founder, believes the key is getting on the ground and testing assumptions in real time. She explains that no amount of desktop research can replace face-to-face meetings, in-market conversations, and firsthand exposure to customer behavior. She highlights the importance of clearly defining ideal customer profiles before entering a new region and using AI to scale strategy without sacrificing nuance. The result is faster traction, smarter positioning, and stronger investor confidence. By combining disciplined research with adaptive marketing systems, she was able to accelerate growth while reducing costly missteps. She also emphasizes building local teams and partnerships early to strengthen long-term momentum. In this episode of America: Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Julie Lawrie, Co-founder and CEO of Amplifyo, to talk about expanding from Australia into the US market. They explore how SelectUSA helped shape her market entry strategy, why on-the-ground research outperforms remote expansion, and how AI-powered marketing accelerates growth. Julie also shares practical advice for international founders navigating US fundraising and location strategy.

July 24, 202448 min

The A Player Advantage: Cultivating Elite Talent and Scaling Up Success With Rick Crossland

Rick Crossland is the CEO of A Player Advantage, a firm specializing in high-performance coaching and recruitment, and the author of The A Player. He is an internationally recognized expert and thought leader in talent development, best known for his work developing and recruiting teams of A Players across a wide variety of industries. As a certified Scaling Up Coach, Rick helps midmarket companies boost their business strategies, enhance execution, and increase cash flow. He has been published in leading business publications, including Inc., Entrepreneur, and Fortune. In addition to his writing and consulting work, Rick is a dynamic speaker who loves to captivate audiences with his unique A Player approach. In this episode… What separates a mediocre business from a high-performing one? How can companies transform their teams and strategies to achieve exceptional growth and profitability? The key lies in cultivating elite talent and implementing a robust business framework. What practical steps can leaders take to ensure their teams and strategies are top-notch? According to Rick Crossland, a renowned expert in business coaching and talent optimization, the secret to success is building a team of A Players and employing the Scaling Up methodology. He highlights that having over 90% A Players — those in the top 10% of their industry — can transform business performance and culture. This approach not only drives higher profitability and smoother operations but also prepares businesses for successful exits at a premium value. Rick underscores the importance of rigorous coaching and strategic planning, which help maintain high standards and continuous improvement within the team. In this episode of America Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Rick Crossland, CEO of A Player Advantage, to discuss the secrets behind cultivating elite talent and Scaling Up success. They explore the importance of having a high percentage of A Players, the impact of effective coaching, and the significance of strategic planning in achieving business excellence.

July 10, 202440 min

Straight Talk on Labor, Profit, and Business Strategy With Greg Crabtree

Greg Crabtree is a Partner at CRI Simple Numbers, a firm dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs in optimizing business performance through proven financial strategies and quarterly tax planning. An accomplished speaker, author, entrepreneur, and financial expert with over 40 years of in-depth experience, Greg pioneered a metric for measuring labor efficiency and benchmarks for company and individual performance. He is the author of Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! and its sequel, Simple Numbers 2.0, which extends his principles for turning businesses into wealth-building engines. In addition to his publications, Greg has contributed to Verne Harnish's Scaling Up and chairs the EO Wharton Executive Education Program. In this episode… Many businesses struggle with finding the right pricing strategy and optimizing their labor force to stay competitive and profitable in today's volatile economic landscape. Understanding these key elements is crucial for any business aiming to thrive in uncertain times. How can companies strike the right balance and navigate these challenges effectively? According to Greg Crabtree, a globally recognized financial expert, the key lies in understanding your market niche and having a targeted pricing strategy. He highlights that businesses must adapt by either growing into their management structures or making necessary cuts to avoid inefficiencies. By leveraging the power of appropriate pricing and addressing labor dynamics, companies can enhance their profitability and thrive even in turbulent times. This approach not only improves financial health but also positions businesses to seize opportunities in a fluctuating market. In this episode of America Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Greg Crabtree, Partner at CRI Simple Numbers, to discuss strategic business management. They talk about labor efficiency, the significance of proper pricing, and the benefits of transparency in B2B services.

June 26, 202434 min

Harnessing the Power of Brain Science for Organizational Success With Anna Birch

Anna Birch is the visionary Co-founder of Polaris Institute, which aids high-performing teams and individuals in managing and embracing impactful change. She is an acclaimed entrepreneur, executive facilitator, and experiential trainer with a profound grasp of organizational dynamics and human change. Anna leverages neuroscience and her extensive background in facilitating group dynamics to foster deep understanding and transformative experiences. Her insights have reshaped businesses from a range of industries to scale and innovate successfully. As a leader, she is committed to helping executives redefine their operational systems and narratives for clarity and growth. In this episode… Are you curious about how neuroscience can revolutionize your business strategies? How can understanding the human brain lead to sustainable change and improved performance within your team? According to Anna Birch, a renowned expert in organizational dynamics and human change, the key lies in leveraging neuroplasticity to create lasting behavioral shifts. She highlights that true change comes from small, manageable steps that build new habits over time. This approach, grounded in neuroscience, enables individuals and teams to overcome resistance to change, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In this episode of America Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan speaks with Anna Birch, Co-founder of Polaris Institute, to discuss how neuroscience can transform your business. They explore how micro-steps can lead to significant behavioral changes, the role of self-care in effective leadership, and strategies for overcoming resistance to change in new markets. Tune in to discover practical insights and actionable strategies to harness the power of neuroscience for your business.

June 19, 202427 min

Strategic Market Entry: E+E Elektronik's US Journey With Matthew Nemeth

Matthew Nemeth is the Managing Director at E+E Elektronik's US subsidiary, where he oversees the introduction and expansion of the company's high-quality environmental sensors in the American market. Since January 2021, he has led the US team to greater market penetration by highlighting the brand's European manufacturing, accuracy, and product reliability. Matthew is adept at recognizing niche market opportunities and strategically positioning E+E Elektronik's sensors to industries requiring robust and precise environmental measurements. With over 20 years of experience in factory automation, Matthew brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a track record of growth through enhanced awareness and application-based selling. In this episode… Entering the US market is challenging for any international company, especially in the competitive tech industry. What strategies can help ensure success and establish a strong brand presence in such a vast and diverse market? According to Matthew Nemeth, a seasoned expert in market expansion and automation technology, the key lies in building brand awareness and providing reliable, high-quality products. He highlights that many European companies may be well-known at home but are often unknown entities in the US. Matthew emphasizes the importance of a strategic, targeted approach to marketing, leveraging unique selling points like in-house manufacturing and superior customer service to differentiate from competitors. This method not only helps in gaining initial traction but also in sustaining long-term growth and customer loyalty. In this episode of America Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan speaks with Matthew Nemeth, Managing Director at E+E Elektronik, to discuss their strategic market entry into the US. They explore the challenges of building brand awareness from the ground up, the critical role of high-quality environmental sensors in automation, and the competitive landscape of the US market.

June 12, 202440 min

Mapping Out a Direct-To-Consumer Victory With Ross Worden

Ross Worden is the Founder and CEO of Conquest Maps, a manufacturing and e-commerce brand specializing in high-quality map products. With a background in industrial design, Ross turned his passion for travel and design into a successful business venture. Conquest Maps started out as a simple Etsy shop and evolved into a successful business, earning a place on the Inc. 5000 list three times. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Ross and his team manufacture and sell customizable travel maps that celebrate life experiences and connect people through shared adventures. In this episode… Breaking into the direct-to-consumer market can be a challenge for any entrepreneur. What does it take to transform a homegrown idea into a thriving business with a global reach? How do you navigate the ups and downs while maintaining the passion and drive to succeed? According to Ross Worden, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator, breaking into the DTC market starts with a deep-rooted purpose and unwavering determination. Leveraging local partnerships and investing in quality materials are key strategies to maintain control and ensure excellence. This strategic approach has allowed his business to scale while adapting to market demands. Ross also emphasizes the value of continuous learning and creativity in marketing, which has been crucial for driving growth and engagement. In this episode of America Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Ross Worden, Founder and CEO of Conquest Maps, to discuss the journey of building a successful direct-to-consumer brand. They talk about the challenges of scaling from a small operation to a fully integrated business, the innovative product development process, and why staying inspired in marketing is essential.

June 5, 202433 min

How Sonatafy Is Reshaping the Nearshore Software Landscape With Steve Taplin

Steve Taplin is the CEO of Sonatafy Technology, a leader in nearshore software development and services with a focus on leveraging top talent in Latin America. With a background at IBM and experience in private equity, Steve has over 30 years of experience in technology, having founded more than 30 companies. He's an authoritative voice in software services, specializing in custom software for operational improvement and growth. Steve contributes to Forbes and Entrepreneur, sharing insights on business and technology, covering an array of topics from tech trends to cultivating progressive company cultures. In this episode… The nearshore software development market is rapidly evolving, with companies seeking innovative solutions to meet their software needs. What makes a company stand out in this competitive landscape? How do they ensure quality, cultural fit, and employee satisfaction while leveraging top talent? According to Steve Taplin, a pioneer in custom software development, the key lies in hiring full-time, bilingual engineers who work within the same timezone as their clients. He highlights that this approach not only improves communication and collaboration but also ensures that engineers feel valued and are more productive. By focusing on cultural alignment and competitive compensation, Steve emphasizes that employee satisfaction leads to lower attrition rates and higher quality outcomes for clients. In this episode of America Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Steve Taplin, CEO of Sonatafy Technology, to discuss the transformative impact of nearshore software development. They explore the benefits of employing full-time engineers, the critical role of cultural fit in outsourcing, and the promising future of Latin America's IT industry. Tune in to learn how Sonatafy is setting new standards in the nearshore software landscape.