First Export Lands Veteran Owned Company in Greece

Established in 2010, Night Vision Technology Solutions LLC (NVTS), a veteran-owned small business in Jamestown, Rhode Island, designs and manufactures thermal camera systems for the defense and offshore wind industries. While attending a conference in Providence, RI, NVTS CEO Joe Janson, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, learned of the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) and its trade promotion services. 

By using CS counseling, export education, and overseas trade missions combined with the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) small business loan and grant programs, NVTS made its first export sale to the Greek Coast Guard in 2015. The NVTS cameras installed on the Greek Coast Guard ships provided situational awareness to assist with rescuing the thousands of refugees coming into Greek waters on a daily basis.

“We were amazed by the help that we received from CS along the way.” 

While many U.S. small businesses discover their first export markets in either Canada or Mexico, it is important to note that a company’s first export sale may come from a market it did not expect to enter. This transaction provided NVTS the needed boost to transition from a passive exporter to actively seeking and closing global opportunities. In only five years’ time NVTS, with the support of the CS, has expanded its reach into eight global markets and was recognized as SBA’s 2020 Rhode Island & New England Small Business Exporter of the year.

Joe also believes that being a vet has impacted his company’s global success.

“Being a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces helps in all aspects of international business. When speaking with foreign military decision-makers, being a veteran provides instant credibility and trust with members of the technical and procurement teams.”

Company Location: Jamestown, Rhode Island 
Company Website: www.nvtsglobal.com 
Local Office: Providence, Rhode Island  
Trade Specialist: Keith Yatsuhashi - keith.yatsuhashi@trade.gov 
Service: Client Counseling