Ace export trader settles company in New Hyde Park
Native New Yorker Edward Kezys, president of North Shore International, Inc., a New Hyde Park-based export trading company, was named the United States Small Business Administration’s 2012 New York State Exporter of The Year.
In making the announcement at Kezys’ New Hyde Park office, SBA’s New York Regional Administrator Jorge Silva-Puras said that Kezys was selected for the honor based on criteria that reviews a company’s increase in sales and growth as a result of exporting creative overseas marketing strategies and encouraging other small businesses to export.
Prior to starting North Shore International in 2004, Kezys left college to join a family friend who had an international business and dealings in South America and Russia. He credits this experience with giving him the foundation and skills to eventually start North Shore International, Inc. He spent a total of seven years working with his friend and then spent another eight years working for an exporter who sold spare parts to Saudi Arabia.
In 2004, Keyzs was ready for a new challenge and launched North Shore International, Inc. The company specializes in exporting spare parts, equipment and accessories for the oil/gas, power generation and telecommunications industry sectors in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
Keyzs said, “Our primary focus is on the Middle East. We even opened an office in Amman, Jordan in 2008 to show our customers that we are committed to them and that we are able to meet their demands. Now, we have six employees in that office.”
Keyzs credits SBA’s Export Working Capital loan program for part of the company’s success. He said, “We started with a $500,000 SBA export line of credit from TD Bank. Now that line is up to $3.75 million and that’s how much we have grown.”
Keyzs went on to say, “Today, North Shore International generates in excess of $9 million by exporting products like heat exchangers, tube bundles, primary and secondary deals for oil storage tanks, turbine parts and alloy pipe, valve and fittings. These items are shipped mostly by air freight then when overseas by container ship.”
SBA Silva-Puras added, “Exporting is vital in making our economy grow. In 2011, New York State exported $83 billion in goods and services overseas. North Shore International, Inc. is a prime example of how small businesses can achieve success through exporting.”
Keyzs originally had an office on Covert Street in New Hyde Park but the warehouse area was not sufficient, so he then found the perfect spot for his warehouse on Imperial Avenue in New Hyde Park. Keyzs and his wife, Rita, live in Douglaston with their three daughters.
Edward Keyzs has truly developed a gem in the midst of the industrial section of New Hyde Park.
