Source - Sell - Connect

Bridging the gap between US businesses and Asia partners

Not all businesses are equipped to work with Asia in-house.

We provide the First Link (and sometimes other links along the way) that enables your business with Asia.

The First Link Advantage

Expertise

Teams specializing in product sourcing, manufacturing and logistics, cross-cultural and international partnerships, and linguistic services.

Resources

Over a decade of US-Asia experience, resources, and connections leveraged for your advantage.

Customization

Custom-built plans from bespoke supplier research to long-term cross-border project management.

Source

Sell

Connect

Integration

We integrate with your team and extend your capabilities with technical expertise, cultural and linguistic fluency, and connections in Asia to get the job done.

Support

First Link works as your partner to manage multiple stakeholder expectations and give you US-based management for international projects and accounts.

Convenience

We cut through linguistic and cultural barriers to make working with Asia as easy as working with the neighbor next door.

Latest Posts

The Soft Skills of Working with China: Part 1

Adapted from a presentation we gave to a group of Maryland companies ahead of a trade trip to China organized by the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Sourcing in the Land of Tariff Uncertainty

We’re often asked how we view potential upcoming tariffs and trade tensions with China. We don’t have a crystal ball, but here are some considerations we try to get people thinking about.

Supplier Risks for Small Businesses

Justin speaks with Mike Stoll of ReadySmartGo about ways that small businesses can mitigate supply risks to their business.

Touring Asia Mall with the Second Gentleman and SBA

Justin Lipsky helped arrange a visit for the U.S. Second Gentleman and SBA Administrator at Asia Mall in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

First Link's technical expertise is a real game changer for clients. Their capacity to integrate with businesses and manage sourcing or provide comprehensive project support really takes away the uncertainties of working with Asia.

The leadership at First Link has an in-depth understanding of how to work with Asia that is rare among US companies. Justin's in-country experience and linguistic skills allow him to independently build relationships between US and Asia counterparts and adeptly manage cross-cultural teams.

Justin's time spent living and working in China and his personal ties to the country have given him a keen insight into its language and culture. His competency in formal social etiquette and business etiquette and lived experience in Chinese society make him a valuable asset to any work with China.