October Member spotlight – Radius

What is your business industry category or specialty?
Industry Category: International Business Operations Outsourcing, Software & Consulting Services Specialty: Radius- Global Growth Experts (formerly High Street Partners), is a single-source provider of international business & software services focused on meeting the needs of headquarters-based Finance, HR/Payroll and Legal/Compliance personnel. We specialize in helping companies across all phases of the growth spectrum move into new markets, manage overseas back-office operations, and/or outsource entire global administration functions worldwide. Radius delivers support and expertise through managed services, advisory services and OverseasConnect, our integrated cloud-based software platform, to create solutions that meet the needs of over 600 clients operating in 110 countries around the world.
How do you describe your job to people outside the industry?
Firstly, I tell them how interesting my job is and how much I love it. As Regional Director for the southeast region at Radius, I serve as an ambassador, client partner, and advisor within the international business community. I work with clients and related professionals from early stage/high growth, small-to-medium size and large multinational enterprises across all industries including Higher Education and Non-Profits in helping them to expertly plan, execute, manage, and minimize risks associated with expanding and operating worldwide.
Who are your main competitors and what differentiates you from the competition?
What makes you unique?
In terms of competitors, there is no other firm I’m aware of that provides the comprehensive and overall breadth of services at the speed and consistency that Radius offers under one umbrella. Ironically, two longstanding experienced players in the international expansion services space, High Street Partners and Nair & Co., joined forces to create Radius, which further strengthened our position as a leading provider in our space. With that said, there are other service providers who offer similar services as Radius but not at the global scale and efficiency that we do. Some examples of competitors we sometimes run across are: Big 4 Accounting firms and local service providers in country. We often partner with these firms as well pending on relationships, complexity of country, and perceived value by prospective clients.

How was the business started?
As a former Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner and Finance Executive with hands-on experience growing a telecom startup into a multimillion dollar company through global expansion, Larry Harding envisioned an easier and more efficient way of managing overseas operations, thereby, founded High Street Partners. Today’s Radius, was created with the merging of former High Street Partners and Nair & Co. back in April of 2014 through investors HgCapital, Silicon Valley Bank, and Lloyds.
How many employees does the business have?
Radius employs over 900 employees globally, having grown organically. We have offices across Europe, Latin America, APAC, and USA
How did you end up in Atlanta?
After graduating from University of Florida (aka “Gators”) prior to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA and having visited friends living in Atlanta at the time, I was immediately attracted to the energy, excitement, and infinite personal & professional growth opportunities the city had and continues to offer.
What is your number one business goal over the next year?
To strengthen my position and become top of mind within the Atlanta metro and southeast region international business community by way of cultivating and fostering an integrated platform and model of international business growth.
What is the best advice you have received regarding doing business with the Dutch?
The best advice I have received in doing business with Americans, Dutch and anyone for that matter is to treat people with respect, conduct yourself with the highest level of integrity at all times, communicate clearly, level set expectations, don’t make assumptions, listen more than you speak, be humble, and always do the “right” thing.
Any other personal information you would like to share, e.g. hobbies, special interests, family etc…
Atlanta has been home to me for nearly 20 years, I met my wife here in Atlanta who works for PriceWaterhouseCoopers and happily married now for 14 years. We have one son, Gavin Bechtel, who is a 6th Grader at Whitefield Academy. I volunteer my time as a Board Member and Programs Committee Co-Chair of World Trade Center Atlanta, serve as a Steering Committee Member of Atlanta CFO Leadership Council, and on the Program Committee for ACG Atlanta… I enjoy playing tennis, golf, and helping to coach my son’s Lacrosse and Baseball teams in my spare time.
Contact Details:
John Bechtel | Regional Director Atlanta/SE
Radius – Global Growth Experts
4929 Durley Lane SE Smyrna, GA 30082 USA
Cell: + 1 404 307 6177
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