Thomas Taggart is an experienced Innovation Leader, Product Development Executive, Global Strategist, Startup Advisor & Investor, and Cross-Border Consultant. He received his Bachelor's degree in Science at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and an IMBA in International Business at the University of South Carolina. In addition, he has completed advanced courses in Strategic Business Issues in the European Union at the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. With a long tenure in the industry, Thomas has worked for companies such as Passport, AccenTrade, CaribShopper, UPS, U.S. Department of State, BAE Systems, Strasburger Enterprises, ExxonMobil, Citi, and Maersk Line. He has also committed to teaching and mentoring future innovators as a part-time Instructor at The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute at Georgia State University. Thomas' passion for trade has driven him to help high-growth startups develop new service offerings, improve existing processes, and create profitable business models. He is a certified practitioner in continuous innovation, design thinking, and lean product development, and uses these skills to assist companies in simplifying international shipping and global trade. His goal is to help e-commerce businesses solve the most pressing challenges of getting their products to consumers, whether that's starting, sourcing, selling, shipping, or scaling. His background and expertise make him a valuable asset to the startup ecosystem.