Rebecca Rochon, founder of Pivot & Pilot Creative, has a knack for finding a company’s unique voice and using it to help businesses flourish. Founded in Chilliwack in 2015, Pivot & Pilot helps clients in the food, beverage, and beauty industries to develop authentic brands which connect with their target audiences.
After their initial launch, Pivot & Pilot’s clientele quickly expanded beyond British Columbia. Rochon decided that it was time to open an international office to support clients in the United States. Just as Pivot & Pilot helps other businesses grow, Rochon recognized that stepping into international markets takes a lot of research and strategy. To do it right, she reached out for the professional support and guidance of Export Navigator.
Forging the path
Rochon connected with export advisor, Nick Maclennan. Working together, Nick helped Rochon realize a clear path to maximize Pivot & Pilot’s growth. Rochon had initially planned to expand into Washington or Oregon, close to their B.C. home office, however, Nick encouraged her to consider a location further afield, making it possible to maximize the US market.
Nick steered Pivot & Pilot to Austin, Texas where the market was bursting with businesses that needed their services. With Nick’s direction, Rochon was able to form new connections in the Texas market and capitalize on these relationships to learn more about local market trends. “Nick actively supported us during the most tenuous stages of our market entry,” says Rochon.
In 2022, Pivot & Pilot successfully opened their first international office in Austin, Texas and are now actively working with clients throughout Texas and Florida.
Market Entry Strategy
Understanding local regulations, market trends, and available resources can be overwhelming. Luckily, Rochon had Nick and Export Navigator to help her develop a winning market entry strategy into the USA.
“Nick continues to support our ongoing entry and growth in the southern USA by providing us with connections, grant opportunities, event and tradeshow information, and more,” says Rochon. “We are so excited to work with innovative brands and help our Canadian clients expand into the USA and introduce our American clients to Canadian markets.”
And this is just the beginning. Nick supported the development of a strategic plan for Pivot & Pilot, outlining their growth in the United States. Rochon is now taking what she learned in Texas and strategizing how to enter new markets at the exact right time to make an impact.
With Nick’s advice and the tools and connections, Pivot & Pilot is ready to take on North America. “Knowledge is power – and money saved,” explains Rochon. “Nick’s continued support is hugely appreciated. I would absolutely recommend working with him to anyone interested in exporting their products or services.”
Learn more about Pivot & Pilot Creative here.
