This article is an interview I conducted with Jeffrey Paulsen, Principal of
Paulsen Law Firm PLLC, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It is presented as a series of articles to be presented in this forum.
We touched on just a few different issues and perhaps in the future Jeff will agree to visit again. Here are the first questions:
Gerry: Jeff, we both have conducted business in the U.S. and Canada. Do you see any fundamental differences in how entrepreneurs approach business in each country?
Jeff: Generally, I see very little differences in how entrepreneurs in Canada and the United States approach business. Canada is the largest trading partner of the U.S., and even though we are distinct countries, our economic futures are closely tied to each others’ success. As both countries are based upon English jurisprudence, our supporting legal systems, although different in some respects, share a common basis. Our free market economies and entrepreneurial spirit are closely aligned.
Gerry: Despite free trade agreements, it seems that barriers to cross border commerce still exist. Do you think the politics of trade will ever take a back seat to good market development?
Jeff: I am very hopeful that it will. There is a certain tendency to go into a protectionist mode; particularly when economic times are rough. Plus politicians are measured on how well they protect and represent their own specific constituents; thus often time leading to an I Win- You Lose mentality. With increased business leadership and influence on politicians, I believe that the idea of the greater good of expanding the total economic pie will prevail and lead to Win-Win solutions to market expansion.
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