Memoirs of a Trade Facilitator
Memoirs of a Trade Facilitator
The World Was My Oyster
By Thomas P. Kaczur
Contact: TomasaK@protonmail.com
Available at all major book retailers and libraries
This bestselling memoir, loved by readers worldwide.
A Life of Trade and Adventure
Memoirs of a Trade Facilitator embodies the belief that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. As the world turned its focus to Pacific Rim relations, Thomas P. Kaczur pulled back the curtain on international trade.
Through chance encounters and bold decisions, he found himself navigating the Pacific Rim and forging relationships across cultures. Over 26 years, he advised domestic and foreign firms, building a network of friendships, opportunities, and business ventures.
Among his many achievements:
- Earning an Export Trade Certificate of Review from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Being selected as one of twelve advisers to the U.S.-China Housing Strategy Roundtable, the U.S.-China Building Council, and the U.S.-China Housing Initiative.
These milestones led to unforgettable experiences throughout the Pacific Rim. His journey—a remarkable series of events—continues to inspire.
Cattle & Reindeer Meat
While exhibiting traditional dietary supplements at Natural Products West Expo’s, a unique name, Bering Pacific, caught my eye. Meandering over, I introduced myself as a manufacturer’s representative interested in Cattle and Reindeer. I mentioned my interests were two-fold cattle breeding and reindeer antlers.
To my surprise, Bering Pacific is in Alberta, Canada, the Aleutian Islands, and Alaska and that each location raising certified natural cattle, herding Reindeer, processing facilities, and packaged meat to order. An opportunity was opened and I grasped it.
Obviously, I would be off to Dutch Harbor, Alaska. An interesting location, with a very exciting, rustic, and vivid history. Dutch Harbor is located within the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, more precisely on Amaknak Island in the Fox Islands.
A mile-long sliver of land extending from the northeast end of Amaknak Island, making Dutch Harbor a natural port, protecting ships from the from waves and currents of Bering Sea.
Palace of the Golden Horses
Over the years, I visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, many times. While staying at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Selangor, I built strong working relationships with enterprising individuals—friendships that last to this day.
James introduced me to a proposed project: an integrated housing, education center, and cargo-port facility in Malaysia. The goal? Secure financing for port development and a housing complex. This expansion would ease congestion at Kemaman, a major port.
Sogdian Merchants of the Silk Road & Espionage
The key players in Silk Road trade were the merchants of Sogdiana—modern-day Uzbekistan. Sogdian monks helped build vast trading networks from cities like Samarkand and Tashkent to Xi’an, China.
To succeed in distant markets, Sogdian merchants often worked as both traders and translators. This gave them a competitive edge. They exchanged valuable knowledge of silk dyeing, textiles, metallurgy, precious oils, and technology. As facilitators, they wielded great influence over merchant communities far beyond the Silk Road.
They shared trade secrets freely, even with the court of Emperor Justinian. Sogdians had little incentive to remain secretive—Persian border taxes cut into their profits, and they often competed directly with Persian merchants.
Japanese Tea House
Then Kato’s true intent came to light—over lunch. The first clue? His teahouse “invitation.” Open-ended, and just suspicious enough to raise my guard.
He spoke at length about the teahouse culture in Kanazawa. Only about fifty women hold the coveted title of geisha. They perform traditional dances and songs—many unfamiliar to outsiders. Most teahouses are highly exclusive, and entry is by invitation only. Without a referral from a trusted patron or the teahouse itself, the doors stay closed.
We passed the afternoon in conversation and laughter. Kato asked endless questions and shared deep wells of historical knowledge. In hindsight, I wondered: how did we even meet? Was it chance—or by design? Were we shaping a partnership without realizing it? What force was pulling the threads?
Then, out of nowhere, he asked is the movie "The Last Samurai" / Tom Cruise true ?
Lake Baikal
“The Blue Pearl of Siberia/IMAX 3D” documentary. <https://vimeo.com/232041997>
If I am ever asked to identify a project that was most gratifying to me, it was
“The Blue Pearl of Siberia” Production Team and Talent Attachments
John A. Corso, Producer/Director
Lake Baikal is the oldest freshwater lake on Earth—between 20 and 25 million years old—and also the deepest, plunging to 5,315 feet.
The sturgeon’s roots run deeper still, going back 200 million years. As it has for ages, this ancient fish still leaps from the water, announcing its presence. Adults can reach 8 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds. When they jump, they don’t go unnoticed.
If you get the chance, try sturgeon fishing. Anywhere in the world. It’s a thrill you won’t forget.
A Facilitators Conclusion
Bridging the gap between American and Asian business cultures is no small task. Their approaches often clash. Americans may see Asian negotiators as slow or indirect. Asians may view Americans as aggressive, impersonal, and excitable. These differences run deep—rooted in culture, not character. But those who learn to navigate them can build strong, profitable, and lasting partnerships.
Start by knowing your own motives—and then ask: why should the client care? Why should they buy? Your reasons and theirs are rarely the same.
Remember The Art of War by Sun Tzu and A Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi.
Few texts speak as clearly to businesspeople, philosophers, and strategists alike.
Each offers timeless insight into competition, focus, and the psychology of success.
As A Writer for All Seasons
I would be very interested in receiving comments from those having read my book.
Points of contact: TomasaK@protonmail.com