Who We Are
Bonnie Kersch, LCB, CCS, MCS, CES, INCO
Owner
With a passion for simplifying global trade complexities, Bonnie Kersch is an accomplished leader in Global Trade Compliance, bringing extensive experience across industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. Her expertise spans HTS classification, valuation, country of origin determination, anti-dumping and countervailing duties, reconciliation, duty drawback, and responding to government audits, among other critical trade compliance functions. Bonnie’s comprehensive knowledge encompasses both U.S. and Canadian trade regulations, allowing her to navigate and optimize compliance strategies across these key markets.
Throughout her career, Bonnie has successfully led high-performing teams, built trade compliance departments from the ground up, and influenced policy decisions at leading organizations. A skilled communicator and educator, she has delivered training on essential trade topics for organizations like ICPA, NCBFAA, the U.S. Commercial Service, and numerous private companies.
Bonnie holds multiple certifications, including Licensed Customs Broker (LCB), Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Master Customs Specialist (MCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES), and the Incoterms 2020 Certificate, reflecting her commitment to excellence and professional growth in the field of global trade.
Ilja Kogan
Senior Trade Consultant
Ilja is a seasoned expert in global trade compliance, boasting over fourteen years of experience across both logistics and industry sectors.
He specializes in optimizing logistics and customs processes within the European Union and the UK, with a strong focus on global e-commerce supply chains. Ilja is highly skilled in the digitalization of customs workflows, emission calculations for CBAM reporting (particularly for steel and aluminum installations), and providing comprehensive audit support.
Fluent in German, English, and Russian, Ilja also possesses working knowledge of French, Dutch, and Spanish, enabling him to navigate diverse cultural and professional contexts seamlessly. His expertise and creativity make him a valuable partner in navigating the complexities of international trade compliance.
Michelle Frennier, LCB, CCS, CUSECO
Senior Trade Consultant
Michelle brings over 20 years of expertise in global trade management, with a focus on process optimization, including digitizing trade data and auditing by exception, implementing global trade software solutions, and cross-border trade strategies such as Drawback and Free Trade Agreements.
She works with organizations to design tailored training programs that empower teams to understand and implement compliance best practices seamlessly across every transaction.
Whether you’re ready to adopt advanced technologies or need an assessment to automate compliance processes and streamline customs operations, Michelle provides technology-driven solutions to align compliance programs with business objectives.
Courtney Patterson
Trade Consultant
Courtney Patterson is a seasoned Global Trade Compliance Professional with over 8 years of experience in International Trade and Customs regulations. She has cultivated a deep and versatile skill set across a broad spectrum of import and export activities. Courtney has successfully developed and implemented strategic programs and processes that align with global trade objectives and initiatives. She has also created training programs to educate interdepartmental professionals at various corporate levels.Her expertise spans key areas such as free trade program development, value reconciliation management, product classification and database management, completion of trade program risk assessments, creating comprehensive import and export manuals, monitoring trade compliance with customs regulations, overseeing customs brokers, tariff mitigation strategies, and supporting global supply chain and procurement operations.Courtney is a recognized subject matter expert in international customs trade security regulations. She has extensive experience with CTPAT programs and has conducted due diligence to ensure compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, Anti-Money Laundering policies, Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, and other critical regulatory frameworks. By leveraging tools like denied party screenings, she mitigates risks for importers and exporters, ensuring compliance and safeguarding global trade operations.