Hi, I’m James Thatcher—and yes, I’m the one writing this.

I’m a husband, father, proud Rocket (Go University of Toledo), and a Licensed U.S. Customs Brokerwith 20+ years of experience in global logistics, trade compliance, and international supply chain management. If it moves across a border, I’ve probably cleared it, audited it, or negotiated a better deal on it.

By day, I manage high-volume customs accounts as a Personal Account Manager, solving complex regulatory puzzles and helping Fortune 500 clients stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve. I turn data into decisions and confusion into clarity.

By night, I’m a Cub Scout leader, musician (saxophonist, ukulele player, baritonist, trumpet player, and contra bugle enthusiast), D&D player (and occasional DM), Certified BBQ Judge, and unapologetic sci-fi geek—think Doctor Who, Star Trek, Expeditionary Force by Craig Alanson, Dungeon Crawler Carlby Matt Dinniman, and He Who Fights with Monsters by Travis Deverell—let’s talk.

I play jazz (favorites include The Seatbelts, Tower of Power, Maynard Ferguson, and Dean Martin), explore new tech, and contribute to some of the smartest shows around.

I’m an advisor to the Daily Tech News Show, and a trade consultant for both Politics Politics Politics and The Political Orphanage. When global trade news breaks, I’m often the guy helping to explain it.

Want to collaborate, consult, or just geek out over tariffs, tech, or tabletop games? Visit me at TheTradeNerd.com.