How many times have you picked something up, looked it over and thought, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Most people have wondered how well off they would be if only they’d been the one to come up with that relatively simple, yet appealing, product. But having an idea for a product is just the start—getting the product manufactured, navigating a global supply chain and getting it to market takes expertise, connections, patience, plenty of capital and most of all: perseverance.

Minh Tran is a global entrepreneur that has taken an idea and surrounded himself with the right people to successfully launch his company, EXECUTIVE FAN. Minh is a proud Michigan State alumnus who turned his passion for sports into a rapidly growing international business.

If you love Sparty, or many of those other college logos, you’ll love FanTape™ office tape, duct tape and packing tape. And that’s just the beginning for EXECUTIVE FAN, as they have negotiated license agreements with nearly 100 colleges and universities to bring novel sports products to the U.S. market.

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Case: What is EXECUTIVE FAN and where did you get the idea for the company?

Tran: EXECUTIVE FAN is an innovative manufacturing, marketing and distribution company with a focus on developing high-quality products incorporating licensed logos in the product’s design. The idea of the company came from a couple friends who have a true passion for sports.  We wanted to connect fans to their favorite sports team with unique products that aren’t currently offered in the market.

Case: What are your initial products and plans for future products?

Tran: The first product that we released to the market is called FanTapeTM. FanTape™ is office, packaging and duct tape with college logos printed on the tape in school colors. FanTape™ is a unique way for fans to show support for their favorite college team. Good for gift wrapping, dorm room decorations, book covers, tailgating and much more, uses for FanTape™ are only limited by one’s imagination and creativity.

Case: When did you realize you would need to have a global supply chain?

Tran: When the concept was created, our fans and customers had a very positive reaction and excitement domestically and internationally. Fans out of state and overseas were asking where they can buy our products.  To be competitive and offer the products at a price that fans would be willing to pay, we had to explore overseas production. However, much of our packaging and other components are sourced domestically, and some locally.

Case: What has been the most difficult part of the process so far?

Tran: The most challenging part of doing business with international suppliers is the steep learning curve in other countries. We aren’t always able to be face to face with our vendors, and it’s difficult to coordinate with multiple partners to make sure everyone is on the same page—especially with the language barriers and being in various time zones. But ensuring everyone is on the same page is critical to produce and receive quality products in a timely fashion, so we can keep up with the increasing demand for FanTape™.

Case: Who are your customers?

Tran: Our customers include large grocery chains such as Meijer, Kroger and Giant Eagle. Also, well-known pharmacies like Walgreen and some college bookstores. We partnered with an e-commerce company TeamFanShop owned by FootballFanatics to reach fans that might not yet find it in their local stores.

Case: What support or benefit have you received by using Port Lansing or other area resources?

Tran: Port Lansing made us aware of how the FTZ can help with our company’s cash flow by delaying our duty payments on imported products. It’s also more convenient to clear customs right here in Lansing and not worry about our product getting held up in other ports that are more congested and farther away. The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce also brought different service providers to the table to assist with product designs, logistics and operations. Having experts assisting us allows us to keep our expenses lower and gives more time for my team to be out marketing, promoting and selling our products. It allows us to stay focused during this critical startup phase of our business.

Case: Where will EXECUTIVE FAN be five years from now?

Tran: We want our brands to be well known nationally and internationally and continue to be the leader in producing high-quality and niche sports products that keep our fans connected to their team in ways in which they aren’t today. EXECUTIVE FAN plans to continue our growth right here in the Lansing area.

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EXECUTIVE FAN is an outstanding example of how hard work, good connections and leveraging area resources can turn an idea into a successful global business. International trade has its nuances, but with support of area expertise it can become just another part of your everyday business.

To see FanTape™ and learn more about EXECUTIVE FAN, Port Lansing and other international business services, visit www.executivefan.com and www.portlansing.com.

		Brent Case is vice president of international business services at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Case works with the Capital Region Airport Authority to increase the amount of global commerce being conducted in the Greater Lansing area.