F. Reichwein
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Hi everyone,
I have a question about what a good place might be to set up the first North American office of a German company wishing to further its development into Canada and the U.S.
As context:
I am Canadian but have been working in Europe for many years. I have recently been approached by this company wishing to offer me an important business development/management position that quite interests me. I am now being invited to a second interview. The company is into tailoring "Internet of Things" systems for creating next-gen smart buildings: hospitals, schools, skyscrapers, etc. It is pretty well-established, with patents and proven concepts, and has concluded deals with clients accross the world already, but so far, it has only operated out of its German offices and factories, with sales managers going on international prospection/business trips wherever personal meetings were necessary. The company now wishes to set up a permanent HQ office/team in North America.
As preparation for the second interview, I am being asked, among other questions:
"Where on the East Coast or in the Great Lakes region would I set up an office and why?"
Sure I could just wing it - pick any city/town and make a case that it's wonderful for business - but honestly, I admit that I am at a bit of a loss for a good choice of a place. They did tell me there is no need to set up anything in the heart of a big city and that everything would certainly be gradual: first, work from an apartment while a team is being recruited/assembled, then set up a small office, then oversee the construction of more facilities, etc.
Somewhere that makes is equally easy to dispatch someone to New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal or anywhere in-between, I suppose... (that's the initial area being targeted for new clients). In the Western part of New York State perhaps? Or a countryside-ish area somewhere near Toronto? The plan is indeed to engage into business activities in both Canada and the States. Are there matters of taxation or law or business paperwork that make one or the other country more convenient? Again, I am Canadian, but I would not think that work permit and such would be any issue in the context of a company setting up base in the US... or is Canada indeed easier here?
Thanks and regards,
Florian
I have a question about what a good place might be to set up the first North American office of a German company wishing to further its development into Canada and the U.S.
As context:
I am Canadian but have been working in Europe for many years. I have recently been approached by this company wishing to offer me an important business development/management position that quite interests me. I am now being invited to a second interview. The company is into tailoring "Internet of Things" systems for creating next-gen smart buildings: hospitals, schools, skyscrapers, etc. It is pretty well-established, with patents and proven concepts, and has concluded deals with clients accross the world already, but so far, it has only operated out of its German offices and factories, with sales managers going on international prospection/business trips wherever personal meetings were necessary. The company now wishes to set up a permanent HQ office/team in North America.
As preparation for the second interview, I am being asked, among other questions:
"Where on the East Coast or in the Great Lakes region would I set up an office and why?"
Sure I could just wing it - pick any city/town and make a case that it's wonderful for business - but honestly, I admit that I am at a bit of a loss for a good choice of a place. They did tell me there is no need to set up anything in the heart of a big city and that everything would certainly be gradual: first, work from an apartment while a team is being recruited/assembled, then set up a small office, then oversee the construction of more facilities, etc.
Somewhere that makes is equally easy to dispatch someone to New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal or anywhere in-between, I suppose... (that's the initial area being targeted for new clients). In the Western part of New York State perhaps? Or a countryside-ish area somewhere near Toronto? The plan is indeed to engage into business activities in both Canada and the States. Are there matters of taxation or law or business paperwork that make one or the other country more convenient? Again, I am Canadian, but I would not think that work permit and such would be any issue in the context of a company setting up base in the US... or is Canada indeed easier here?
Thanks and regards,
Florian
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