Michael Whitmarsh has built an impressive career in international trade, with a focus on supply chain management, corporate development, and global expansion. His journey, driven by a passion for business and exploration, illustrates the profound impact that mentors and continual learning experiences can have on a career.
An international career from the beginning
Michael’s career in international trade began at Weatherford International, where he managed U.S.-based purchasing and global logistics across 21 countries. It was the perfect starting point for a young professional fresh out of the University of Houston, where he earned a double major in Economics and Spanish.
“Being born and raised in Houston, the oilfield industry was a natural calling for me,” Michael explains.
His dual expertise in supply chain and international relations helped him transition into the global scene.
From the outset, Michael’s work exposed him to the complexities of international business, allowing him to combine his love for travel with his skills for business development.
“Once I started doing business across borders, I developed a passion for international trade.”
He continued to gain experience with Holloway, an NOV distributor, where his exposure to global markets solidified his passion and set him on the path to become a leader in the oilfield industry.
Leading Block 4 Oilfield, LLC
Today, Michael leads Block 4 Oilfield, LLC, one of the fastest-growing oilfield companies, with operations in the U.S., South America, and the Middle East. Under his leadership, the company has expanded through strategic sales, acquisitions, and entry into international markets.
“I’ve spearheaded the growth from day one through my understanding of international markets, business development, sales, and marketing.”
His dual expertise in supply chain management and corporate development has allowed him to navigate the complexities of global trade and strategically grow Block 4 Oilfield.
“My career has been two-pronged. My first ten years focused on supply chain, purchasing, and logistics, while the second half has been corporate development, setting up distributors, and entering different markets,” Michael said.
This unique combination of skills has made him an effective leader, capable of taking his company into new and challenging regions around the globe.
The Role of FITTskills and the CITP designation in his growth
For Michael, the FITTskills program and the CITP designation provided the formal education and credentials necessary to elevate his career in international trade. His decision to pursue the FITTskills courses stemmed from his interactions with Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) and Export Development Canada (EDC), two organizations that played a pivotal role in his understanding of international business. Michael explains,
“I knew that FITT, being associated with EDC, was an outstanding organization to seek training and obtain certification from.”
Michael found the FITTskills courses particularly valuable in areas where he needed to strengthen his expertise, such as trade finance. “Finance was the side of trade where I was weaker before the training,” he admitted, but the courses helped him “add a lot of skills to [his] belt.”
His favorite course, Feasibility of International Trade, gave him a deeper understanding of the risks and benefits of entering new markets.
“It provided useful tools in risk analysis and risk management, tools that I use on a daily basis in my position.”
His CITP designation, which he earned through the FITTskills program, also helped Michael distinguish himself as a global trade expert. “I’m extremely proud to have the CITP designation and to present myself as an expert in international trade,” Michael said.
The credential not only proves his expertise but also connects him to a network of professionals who share his dedication to ethical business practices and ongoing professional development.
A world of lessons through global experiences
Michael’s career has taken him to over 20 countries, providing him with rich cultural experiences and an understanding of how different regions approach international trade. He shared some of his favorite stories, such as working in the Middle East, where relationship-building is paramount before discussing business.
“In Abu Dhabi, we would talk about families and personal experiences over tea or eat Mandi on the floor in a traditional manner before business even came up,” Michael recounted. This cultural insight helped him adapt to various regions and avoid the pitfalls of international etiquette.
His experiences in Latin America, Singapore, and the Middle East have taught him to “do as the Romans do” — to adapt to local customs and respect cultural differences. “You’ll pick up on things really quickly,” Michael advised.
He stressed the importance of researching local customs and relying on networks like expat communities or experienced colleagues for guidance when entering new markets.
Inspirational mentorship from an industry leader
A key influence in Michael Whitmarsh’s career has been his mentor, John Samuels III, a legendary figure in the energy and commodities trading industries. Michael met John during his time in the Middle East, and they collaborated on several projects, including commodity trading deals between the U.S. and the Middle East, as well as launching an oilfield rental company in Sharjah, UAE.
John’s incredible career trajectory—starting from humble beginnings in Galveston, Texas, to building a corporate empire with diverse holdings—served as a powerful inspiration to Michael.
John’s vast knowledge of business, his grace under pressure, and his ability to intertwine personal life with professional success left a lasting impression.
“What really impressed me with him is that he has all this knowledge, all this personal life experience… he’s probably the most interesting man in the world.”
John, often referred to as “The Great Gatsby” due to his larger-than-life persona, had a profound understanding of commodity trading and global markets, especially through his role in helping to launch the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange.
For Michael, learning from someone with such a rich blend of business acumen and personal integrity was invaluable.
“He handled everything with such grace… despite all of his accomplishments, he was still so humble,” Michael said.
This mentorship not only shaped Michael’s approach to business but also deepened his passion for international trade and global markets.
Among his many accomplishments, Michael is particularly proud of establishing the first international distribution hub as an NOV distributor in Dubai.
“I performed all the market intelligence prior to entering the market, found the lowest-cost ports, staffed the company, and adapted the policies to local cultural and legal requirements.”
This project not only positioned his company as a master stocking distributor for the Eastern Hemisphere but also highlighted his strategic expertise in global business development.
Michael also sites his work with the Canadian Trade Commissioner’s office and EDC as motivating factors in his career development. These organizations helped him navigate international markets, meet high-profile players, and secure contracts with drilling contractors in regions like Argentina and Cuba.
Michael’s experience working with these agencies further cemented his passion for international trade and gave him a profound respect for the role government organizations can play in supporting businesses.
Looking to the future
Michael believes his CITP designation will continue to play a pivotal role in his future career.
“The CITP designation will open many doors to opportunities that I may not have otherwise been offered.”
As he continues to grow Block 4 Oilfield and explore new global markets, Michael remains committed to leveraging his expertise and credentials to drive success. Whether it’s through acquisitions, mergers, or strategic partnerships, his future looks bright, fueled by the knowledge and tools he’s gained through the FITTskills program and the CITP designation.
Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.
Adding credibility to experience and expertise with the CITP designation
For those considering taking their business into an international market, Michael has one key piece of advice:
“Understand the tools related to international trade finance. From Letters of Credit to Export Credit Agencies, each tool is extremely helpful to hedge a growth strategy and to best position oneself in a given market.”
With his deep experience, global perspective, and the CITP designation, Michael Whitmarsh is not just a leader in the oilfield industry — he’s a prime example of how education and professional certification can propel a career to international heights.
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