About Global Trading Resources, Inc.
Global Trading Resources, Inc. (GTRI) was established in 1994 on the fundamental principle of a commitment to first rate customer service. The steadfast drive of the founder (Patti Iverson-Summer), was a holistic philosophy to client needs. GTRI is committed to setting the standard of excellence in customer service and partnership alliances with its patrons. We provide creative solutions to meet and expand your business needs. Our staff includes a majority of the most experienced individuals in the market area. We have over 181 years of collective service on staff. With 3 licensed Customs House Brokers – we keep you up to date on the latest CBP information, government, and market information.
GTRI is active in the International Trade Community having received awards from the Small Business Administration-International Trade Division as Export Advocate of the Year, and from U.S. Customs & Border Protection for Contributions to the Industry. Patti Iverson-Summer is twice past President of the Columbia River Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association as well as past board member of the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Forwarders. She has also served as member of the District Export Council of Oregon and Southwest Washington, which is a position appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, and is a current representative on the Trade Support Network for the development of ACE.
We are strategically located in Portland, Oregon on the West Coast of the USA. Portland is an excellent gateway to the USA due to its lack of congestion and superior rail infrastructure. Portland also enjoys fast Customs and other agency clearances. Unlike the more congested ports we welcome a close face to face relationship with the government agencies in the area, and can offer a complete logistics solution for your inbound cargo.
We have the experience you need and deserve to have in your broker! Contact us today for a rate quote or more information.
We look forward to serving you!
Patti Iverson-Summer – President, Owner
A licensed Customs Broker since 1979, Patti founded Global Trading Resources in 1994 to serve clients shipping needs; specializing in tailoring programs to smaller to mid-size companies. Patti has twice served as the President of The Columbia River Customs House Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association, is a member of the Export Council of Oregon & Southern Washington, the Trade Support Network and is the 2004 recipient of Small Business International Trade Advocate of the Year Award.
David Heiniger – Airfreight Manager
David has worked in the transportation industry for over 25 years, including 15 years in air freight forwarding. He is HAZMAT Certified and specializes in exporting Dangerous Goods and licensable commodities. David has managed specialized logistics projects for clients and also acts as our TSA Security Coordinator.
Romy Hamilton – Accounting Manager
Romy brings over 25 years of professional office experience to our GTRI family. She’s a flexible accounting and office manager with experience working in interior design, architecture and general contracting firms. Romy is highly organized and a great team member. She’s interested in her Hawaiian culture and is a feline lover. CC, our in-house feline, appreciates this!
Sandi Dyer – Senior Transportation Liaison
Sandi has been dedicated to the freight forwarding and Customs brokerage industry for over 22 years. Customer Service is her top priority. She currently processes all of the export shipments as well as specialized services for imports (ocean and airfreight). She also coordinates with our overseas Partners to facilitate her client’s shipping programs.
Sarah High – Brokerage Compliance Specialist
Sarah is a licensed Customs Broker and holds a B.A. in International Business and Economics. Sarah has been with GTRI for over 10 years and enjoys working directly with her customers to help streamline their importing process and ensure compliance.
Sarah also manages the CTPAT program between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Global Trading Resources.
Sofia Vela – Import Specialist
Sofia has worked in the International Trade Industry since 1988 and has highly technical knowledge in Import Security Filing and Manufacture ID procedures and specializes in shipments requiring multiple government agencies (i.e. FDA, USDA, ODOT). Sofia is currently working toward HAZMAT certification.
Jay Jacobsen – Import Account Representative – OR
Born and raised in Portland, OR, Jay is our most recent transfer to the International Trade Industry. Formerly with Frito Lay for 12 years as well as being a Master Florist for 25 years, Jay has completed training through the International Import/Export Institute in Import Procedures and is currently studying for his Customs Brokerage License as well as training with Sandi in Export procedures.
Evelyn Appel-Schaefer – Customs Compliance & Special Projects Manager
Evelyn is a licensed Customs broker with more than 25 years of experience and a special focus on textile and compliance issues. Evelyn’s a past board member and officer of the Columbia River Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association, and has served as an instructor for the association’s “Importing 101” classes. She’s also served on several lobbying trips to Washington DC, to bring focus to our industry, and client’s, issues.
CC – ‘Cargo Cat’
Short for ‘Cargo Cat’ camped on our doorstep over 11 years ago and thinks living in the office is the greatest. She greets new clients with a leg rub and, occasionally, a drooling purr. Her favorite foods are chicken and ranch dressing and she refuses to chase mice.
