Westbound Podcast by OERTZENGroup

What role does the right banking partner really play when companies expand internationally? In this episode, we sit down with Nadine Vaughan , Director of Commercial Banking at BMO U.S. , to explore why banking is far more than products and pricing, especially for European companies doing business in the United States. What we cover in this episode Banking as a Strategic Partnership Nadine explain...

In this episode, Matthias Oertzen sits down with Dennis Wagner, CEO of Bestar Steel Group , to explore how he built a thriving U.S. business from scratch and what European leaders need to understand when entering the American market. Dennis’s journey began with an internship in Detroit, where he first encountered U.S. industry dynamics. One early defining moment: he copied the entire Thomas Regist...

The travel industry is transforming—new markets are emerging; traveler expectations are shifting, and technology is redefining how we plan and experience journeys. In this episode, we sit down with Katrin Koenig, Chief Commercial Officer at Delta Vacations, a Delta Air Lines company, to explore how her team is leading the way toward a more connected, tech-driven future. Katrin is responsible for d...

In this episode of Westbound , we’re joined by Dietmar Exler , Chief Operating Officer of AMB Sports & Entertainment , for an inspiring conversation that bridges the worlds of automotive innovation and live entertainment. Dietmar walks us through his impressive career trajectory—from his early days at DaimlerChrysler , to leading Mercedes-Benz North America as CEO, and ultimately making a bold...

OUT NOW - We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring you the 6 In this episode, Matthias Oertzen is joined by Michael Ansorge of OCULUS Surgical, Inc., a global leader in ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical equipment. With a strong commitment to advancing eye care technology, OCULUS is at the forefront of vitreoretinal surgery innovations, helping medical professionals around the world improve patient o...

We are thrilled to share the 15th episode of the Westbound Podcast! In this episode, @Matthias Oertzen sits down with @Dr. Timo Sandritter, Chairman, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of Rippleworx, a cutting-edge performance management platform rooted in unlocking human potential. Timo brings his wealth of experience collaborating with elite athletes and organizations to uncover fascinating s...

We are thrilled to share the 14th episode of the Westbound Podcast! In this episode, @Matthias Oertzen dives into the world of Transaction Services and M&A with CPA, Wirtschaftsprüfer, and Steuerberater @Frank Breitenfeldt. Together, they explore the complexities of financial due diligence, a critical step in any M&A Transaction. The discussion sheds light on how German and other European...

We are thrilled to share the 13th episode of the Westbound Podcast! ! In this special episode, @MatthiasOertzen dives into the world of U.S. market entry and empowering German- speaking businesses to succeed in the U.S. with industry expert @Matthias Koehler. This episode is packed with insights about how to navigate the complexities of the U.S. market and achieve your business goals. Learn about...

We are thrilled to share the 12th episode of the Westbound Podcast! In this special episode, @Matthias Oertzen dives into the world of Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) with industry experts @Michael Breen and @Robert Haag. This episode is packed with insights about Insperity, a leading PEO firm, and why companies should consider partnering with one. Insperity was founded in 1986, has gro...

We are thrilled to share the 11th episode of the Westbound Podcast! Join us as our host @Matthias Oertzen presents our German guest, Tobias Sternbeck, the CEO of @BeaverPaper Group. Tobias, a Berlin native, has a rich background having lived and worked in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. He has devoted his career to the printing industry, specializing in fabric and UV...

We are thrilled to share the 10th episode of the Westbound Podcast! Come along as our host @Matthias Oertzen introduces our Austrian/American guest, @Winston Ziegler, who serves as the Head of Sales for Maritime Cranes in the USA, Central America, and the Caribbean at @LiebherrGroup.   The Liebherr Group is a globally renowned company known for its innovative engineering solutions and diverse port...

We are delighted to present the ninth episode of the Westbound Podcast! Join our host, @Matthias Oertzen, in a compelling discussion with our podcast guest, @Gerhard Schneiders, partner at @RödlandPartnerUSA. Rödl & Partner is a leading global professional services firm, providing integrated audit, legal, tax and business consulting solutions from its 107 wholly owned subsidiaries in 50 countr...

We're delighted to release the eighth episode of the Westbound Podcast!  Your host, @Matthias Oertzen interviews @Martina Stellmaszek and @Juliana Caspari, the Co-Founders of @mesh moms. @mesh moms is a mother's; club that supports families in the Atlanta area through the wonderful - and wonderfully challenging years of early childhood. Join us for valuable insights on starting a business in the U...

We're thrilled to introduce the seventh episode of the Westbound Podcast! Your host, @Matthias Oertzen interviews @Hendrik Dullinger, the VP of Business Development at @EFSPlastics Inc. @EFS-plastics Inc., also known as Environmentally Friendly Solutions, was established in 2007, and brings over 25 years of expertise in recycling post-consumer plastics between Germany and Canada. Join us on a jour...

We are extremely excited to unveil the sixth episode of the Westbound Podcast! Your host, @Matthias Oertzen interviews @Markus Keller, the President of @Murrelektronik. Murrelektronik Inc. is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and distribution of automation solutions. Their products can be divided into four core lines: Power Supplies and Control, Interfaces, Cables/Connectors, and IO...

We are thrilled to announce the fifth Westbound Podcast episode! Your host, @Matthias Oertzen interviews @Sebastian Zelger, the President of @Liqui Moly USA. Liqui Moly is a globally renowned manufacturer of premium quality lubricants, motor oils, additives, vehicle care products, chemical repair tools, service products, glues, and sealants. Join us for an engaging discussion as we explore Sebasti...

In the fourth episode of the Westbound Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of wheels and casters with industry expert @ScottChahalis, President of @Blickle U.S.A Wheels and Casters Inc. Join your host @Matthias Oertzen and learn about the various types of wheels and casters, their unique features, and Blickle’s Value Proposition. Get more insights about business cultures and growth strateg...

Get ready for our third Westbound Podcast Episode where our host, @Matthias Oertzen is engaged in a compelling conversation about @Anke Jahn’s unique personal story and her journey to become the president of Mind Your Culture. Mind Your Culture is a culture-focused business solutions and leadership development firm that equips leaders with insights, tools, and strategies to leverage their company...

Join us for a great conversation with Florin Felesco. He is the Vice President of Human Resources at OTR Wheel Engineering, Inc. OTR Wheel Engineering is a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative off-the-road mobility solutions for well-known OEMs and the aftermarket. Some of the topics include: • OTR Wheel Engineering, Inc • International Manufacturers • Staffing in Human Resource...

From the Siegerland Region in Germany to Tampa , Florida, join us for a great conversation with Uwe Scharfy of Baumer of America. Baumer of America is the world leader in special machines and systems for the foam cutting industry. Here are a few things we covered in today’s podcast episode: • BAUMER of America | Relocation | Taxes • The manufacturing industry • General differences between Germany...

Welcome to the Westbound podcast! Your host, Matthias Oertzen is the Founder and Managing Director of the OERTZENGroup, an international Executive Search and Professional Recruitment firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. Through discussions with European leaders and subject matter experts from different industries, you will learn about their experience trying to establish a footprint on this continent....