Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Theisen-Jones.
Michael, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey started abroad. I grew up in the south of Germany and lived in many different places before moving to the U.S. My wife, an Atlanta-native, and I lived in Berlin for a few years before we decided to move to Atlanta. Leaving Germany was difficult, but also an exciting next step in our lives. The city is completely different and so much more exciting than the one my wife moved away from in the mid-2000’s. We arrived in Midtown three years ago with just three suitcases (Marie Kondo would be proud). I immediately started looking for a job while getting to know our new hometown.
A few months after we arrived, I was hired by the fantastic team at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. In my role, I get the chance to work with companies from all over the region, many of them small and mid-sized businesses. I’m helping them grow here in the region, and I assist them in selling their products and services in other countries. Working with these inspiring business owners has shown me a lot about Atlanta and the people that live and work here. The creativity and innovation I see in every industry no longer surprise me: now, I expect it! I have made great friends, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing this region and the businesses I work with thrive.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The move across the Atlantic definitely came with its challenges. Moving away from family and friends was hard, especially since I’ve always been very close to my family. I was surprised to see that so many Atlantans have moved here from somewhere else – many from abroad. Everyone from neighbors to colleagues has gone above and beyond to welcome us, and that made a big difference. Having a wonderful wife and supportive in-laws at my side makes me feel even more at home here.
Please tell us about the business.
The Metro Atlanta Chamber serves to advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta’s quality of place. Our team focuses on starting, growing, and recruiting companies. We actively foster the region’s innovation and entrepreneurial culture, and we’re committed to being an active voice for the business community. We advocate for a competitive business climate and tell Atlanta’s story around the world.
I’m part of our Global Commerce team, and I assist foreign companies that want to make Atlanta their new home. I also work with companies that want to export their products and services to foreign markets. Atlanta is truly an international city, and we want to make sure that this region is well known around the world.
What makes me proudest to work here is the people. Our team does a great job every day to move this region forward. I’m amazed at how well my teammates build meaningful connections with people in every industry and at every level. Most of my colleagues find the time to volunteer, too, and I’m inspired by their civic engagement and dedication to their communities.
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
I never knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up because I’ve always had so many interests. Thankfully, that curiosity has served me well in both my personal life and career. I credit my parents for encouraging this in me and my siblings (my brother became a great stand-up comedian whose curiosity and observations turn into amazing material). I find that my variety of experiences with different sized companies in various industries and countries has been valuable in working with small business owners. What helps the most, though, is genuinely wanting to understand how other people think and what they value. That interest has been with me my whole life, along with my love of soccer and the guitar, both of which I still enjoy in my free time.
Contact Info:
- Address: Metro Atlanta Chamber
191 Peachtree Street, Suite 3400
Atlanta, GA 30303 - Website: https://www.metroatlantachamber.com/
- Instagram: atlchamber
- Twitter: @atlchamber
Image Credit:
Akshay Gopalakrishnan, Metro Atlanta Chamber
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