For Ted Lomond, CITP, international trade isn’t an isolated field—it is the progression of a career devoted to business and economic development. His path through high-profile government positions, global market strategy, and the renewable energy sector underscores this path, one that has seen him build powerful relationships that shape regional and international growth.

His early work as Deputy Minister responsible for International Trade and Tourism for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador showed him how trade can strengthen industries and communities alike.

“I worked directly with industry to promote economic development through trade,” he says. It’s a foundation that prepared him for his current role as President and CEO of North Atlantic, an Atlantic-based energy company now moving confidently into international renewable markets.

Expanding industries and horizons

Throughout his career, Ted has had a front-row seat to the growth of companies aiming to expand internationally. His favourite stories often come from watching small, rural businesses flourish either in new markets or locally.

“It was always rewarding to see companies—particularly those from small rural communities—be successful in international markets.”

For example, “One small aviation training company I worked with went on to become a major employer in the region,” he recalls.

Leading the future of clean energy exports

Today, Ted’s ambitious work centers around leading North Atlantic through the global energy transition. His mandate is far from small.

“Right now, I’m leading a regional energy company through energy transition using cost discipline and aggressive diversification into low-carbon product lines such as hydrogen and its derivatives, renewable diesel, and energy efficiency,” he explains.

North Atlantic’s growth strategy includes developing global markets for renewable energy, backed by major infrastructure plans. These include a 320 MW wind farm, a hydrogen generation plant capable of producing 30,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, and a hydrogenation plant that converts hydrogen into a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) for export.

At the same time, North Atlantic has been pursing international expansion and recently completed the purchased the second largest refinery in France at Gravenchon. Operating as North Atlantic Energies, they are now a major player in the downstream oil sector in France and are assessing the potential for green hydrogen produced in Newfoundland and Labrador to replace a portion of the grey hydrogen used at the facility.

Projects of this scale require deep international trade knowledge—from regulatory alignment to logistics, financing, and market analysis. It’s one of the reasons Ted’s background and experience in trade is so valuable in the fast-moving renewable sector.

Prepare well, follow up consistently, and exercise patience

Throughout his career, Ted has seen countless companies pursue international markets, and he’s learned that success rarely comes quickly or easily.

“Determination and patience are required. You need to commit the necessary time and resources to develop new markets.”

He has also often witnessed companies approach trade missions or foreign meetings without doing the groundwork required. “I have been involved in numerous trade missions and too often have seen firms not preparing in advance. Without understanding your potential customer, you are not able to articulate what problem you can solve or the value you can bring.”

Equally critical, he adds, is making the effort to circle back with contacts—even if it’s simply to say thanks.

“I have seen firms not properly follow up with leads. Many times, companies return from international business meetings and fail to reconnect in a timely fashion or even thank potential customers for the meeting. Sometimes the organizers of trade activities contribute to this by focusing on the number of attendees vs. the readiness of participants.”

Applying FITTskills knowledge to his leadership role in the energy sector

When Ted began steering North Atlantic toward international renewable energy markets, the FITTskills program helped expand his perspective.

“I thought the courses were comprehensive and useful given my current role leading a company focused on the successful export of renewable green hydrogen from Newfoundland and Labrador to Europe.”

Because the hydrogen sector is so new, “pricing, offtake durations, transportation routes, and means of conveyance are still in flux,” the courses add value during the formative stages of working in this emerging sector.

He found International Trade Finance particularly useful, in this regard, citing it as his favourite course. “Some of the material was new to me and has been useful as we look at the types of financing that will be necessary for developing new, less carbon-intensive industries.”

Gaining a “common language” with the CITP

In developing markets for clean hydrogen, Ted regularly collaborates with international partners, governments, and export development agencies. Many individuals within these groups hold the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation, and that peer recognition played a role in his decision.

“I see the advantage of having the CITP designation as a means of establishing a common language and approach to the work,” he says.

In addition to creating useful dialogue between contacts, the CITP designation was also indicative of his constant learning mindset: “I am definitely a lifelong learner and enjoy learning new things. I feel the CITP designation is a significant credential and I have a sense of accomplishment having achieved it,” he says.

Looking ahead, he sees the credential as both a professional signal and a strategic tool.

“I think the CITP designation will serve as a sort of shorthand in quickly conveying information about my education and experience. I’m looking forward to engaging the network of other CITP credited individuals working in international trade.”

A leader shaping Canada’s renewable trade future

Guided by strategic insight and a long-standing commitment to economic growth, Ted Lomond has become a driving force in Canada’s transition toward renewable energy. At the helm of one of Atlantic Canada’s most forward-looking export initiatives, he is helping carve out Canada’s place in fast-growing clean-energy markets around the world.

With his CITP designation underscoring the depth of his international trade expertise, Ted continues to build strong global partnerships and set the pace for what Canada’s energy future can look like. There is little doubt he will remain a defining leader in both the trade and clean-energy spheres for years to come.

The post CITP Spotlight: Ted Lomond — President & CEO, North Atlantic appeared first on Trade Ready.

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.

The post CITP Spotlight: Michael Whitmarsh, MBA – President & CEO, Block 4 Oilfield, LLC appeared first on Trade Ready.

When U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Washington with a much-publicized state dinner, the two expressed a warm, collaborative relationship.

After trading friendly jabs about hockey and the weather, the two got down to business and discussed, among several issues, how to streamline trade and border crossings between the two nations.

For many, this signalled a warming trend in trade relations between the Canada and the U.S., which had been cooling over contentious issues such as the rejected Keystone XL Pipeline project.

Canada is no longer the top market for American trade

As allies and neighbours along the world’s longest shared border, Canada and the United States have become inextricably linked over the course of a relationship that spans more than two centuries. Politically, culturally and economically, the two countries remain tied to one another.

For decades, Canada and the U.S. have enjoyed the largest trade relationship in the world. Two-way trade more than tripled in the years since the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement was implemented in 1989.

NAFTA superseded the agreement in 1994, taking trade between the two nations to greater heights, amounting to an impressive $2.4 billion per day in 2014, and supporting almost 9 million U.S. jobs.

Unfortunately for Canada, trade with the U.S. seems to be on the decline. Trade between the two countries totaled an estimated $662.7 billion in 2015, down from US$760 billion in goods and services in 2014.

In November 2015, China surpassed Canada for the first time as the biggest trading partner to the U.S., bumping Canada down to second place.

And China isn’t the only country vying for first place and expanding trade with America. Mexico is steadily gaining ground in trade with their NAFTA neighbour, trading more with the U.S. than Canada did in September 2015.

Impact of blundering energy sector being felt

A major contributor to the recent drop in trade with the U.S. is the floundering energy sector. The U.S. is by far the biggest customer for Canada’s exports in natural gas, oil and hydropower.

In 2010, almost 100% of Canada’s energy exports went to the country’s southern neighbour, a huge chunk of total Canadian exports into the U.S.

This dynamic is in a transitional period due to America’s expansion in their own tight oil and shale gas production, and a forecasted decrease in oil and natural gas consumption in the coming years.

The decision to block the proposed Keystone XL pipeline may also prove to have negative effects on the two nations’ trade in oil going forward.

Still no resolution in the most contentious trade dispute

Another sticking point in Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. has been the ongoing softwood lumber dispute.  The dispute is one of the lengthiest disagreements the two countries have faced in modern history.

About 80% of the global lumber industry is made up of trade in wood from conifers, or softwood. Disagreements over the softwood lumber trade between the two states began in the 1980s and have not since been satisfactorily resolved.

In the latest agreement, implemented in 2006, the U.S. agreed to drop anti-dumping tariffs as long as lumber prices remained at an acceptable level. This agreement was set to expire in 2012, but was then extended for another two years.

Neither country is happy with the outcome, and ongoing issues remain as the deal faces renewal.

Many Canadian industry representatives are calling for another extension of the 2006 deal, while those representing the industry in the U.S. are calling for major changes.

Negotiations between the two countries on this deal are likely to be slow and arduous due to the history of contention on the issue.

After meeting in Washington in early March, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Obama committed to explore all options in order to solve the trade dispute.

Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s International Trade Minister, said:

What we have committed to is to make significant, meaningful progress towards a deal — to have the structure, the key elements there 100 days from now.

U.S. softwood lumber production is on the rise, with more Canadian-owned sawmills located in the U.S. than in Canada due to lower labour costs, higher timber availability, and higher demand.

Low loonie is luring some U.S. business to Canada

The Canadian dollar began a dramatic plunge in January 2016 that brought the currency to its lowest level since 2003, bottoming out at 70 Canadian cents to the U.S. dollar.

The drop in value, though detrimental to consumers purchasing imported products, has also been touted as an opportunity for Canadian businesses doing business with the U.S., from commodities exporters to the tourist industry.

Canadians can benefit from the attractively low loonie by leveraging increased trade and foreign investment from the U.S., and thereby increase their export revenue.

Canadians can also expect more U.S. visitors during the upcoming tourism season, as the country provides a destination that is much more affordable while the loonie is low.

Trans Pacific Partnership agreement may be a non-issue

It’s no secret that the Obama administration is keen to pass and implement the TPP. Canada has gone as far as to sign on to the deal, but has committed to consulting with Canadians and considering all economic impacts before ratifying.

At their most recent meeting in Washington in March, Trudeau and Obama released the following joint statement on the agreement:

“The United States and Canada share the goal of enhancing shared prosperity, creating jobs, protecting workers and the environment, and promoting sustainable economic development.”

Recognizing that the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which links together countries that represent nearly 40 percent of global GDP, would advance these objectives, Canada and the United States are working to complete their respective domestic processes.

However, the Canadian government has been careful in proceeding and committing 100% to the deal due to a significant anti-TPP sentiment in the country.

If the TPP is not ratified before the end of Obama’s term in November, it’s hard to know what the future of the agreement would be, and how trade relations between the two countries would proceed, given that the U.S. presidential candidates are unanimously rejecting the deal.

Fortunately, many have speculated that the trade relationship would not change drastically with or without the signing of the TPP, as previous agreements, notably NAFTA, would still be in effect either way.

What do you think the future has in store for the US-Canada trade relationship?

The post Can improving U.S.-Canada relations save their weakening trade relationship? appeared first on Trade Ready.