The first meeting with Hawthorne’s international partners was scheduled for the following week, but preparation began immediately.
Expansion into new markets had never been a simple process. Every country had its own systems, regulations, and business culture. Success required patience, research, and the right alliances.
For the first time, the company would enter these negotiations with a powerful financial partner already at the table.
That changed the dynamic.
I arrived at the office early Tuesday morning to find Marcus already inside the main conference room with several members of the international strategy team. The large screen displayed maps of different regions along with detailed reports outlining economic conditions and infrastructure networks.
He looked up as I entered.
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