ROLAND SHRULL Partner, Middleton & Shrull FACC Secretary

Who are you? What is your professional activity? When did you become an FACC Board member?
I am a partner in the law firm of Middleton & Shrull. The law firm concentrates its practice in the area of customs and import/export law. I have been a member of the FACC board since December 1999.

What is your experience with the FACC? How, when, and why did you get involved with the Chamber? How has the Chamber contributed to your professional success in the area?
I first joined the FACC because of my combined interest in the French culture as well as my professional work involvement in international trade. As a member of the FACC, I have had the opportunity to meet with many French and American business people and discuss with them the opportunities and challenges in doing business in France and the US. Since our firm represents several French companies that import into the US as well as American companies that do business in France, the opportunity to discuss the differences in business attitudes, practices and objectives has provided me with a valuable resource for information to subsequently advise our clients on many important issues which can mean the difference between success and failure.

Tell us about a cultural short story you have experienced – i.e. a cultural shock while travelling abroad or adapting to the Boston area.
On my first day attending a session of the World Customs Organization, headquartered in Brussels, I approached the receptionist and introduced myself as well as the purpose of my stay. I attempted to do this in my very best French (which is really with a Quebec accent). The receptionist immediately assumed that I was Canadian and asked me which part of Canada I was from? When I informed her that I was American and not Canadian she seemed to be in shock and yelled out to an assistant “I have a yank that actually speaks a little French here. Can you imagine that?” So much for my efforts at blending seamlessly into the local culture.

What is it you like/dislike/find challenging in working with a French-American community?
An issue that I have found with some French and American business people is the lack of awareness each has of the others’ thoughts. Some processes and methods of doing business and, an intent to implement their own practices without fully understanding and appreciating the differences that might exist between the different cultures are a challenge. The most successful individuals are those who make an honest effort to fully understand the culture and practices of their adopted homeland.