The MRO Americas conference, held April 8-10, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, was a dynamic event for the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul industry. At WTP Advisors, we Brian Schwam and Jim Fyrie were thrilled to attend this premier gathering, engaging with industry leaders and sharing our expertise in Transfer Pricing and IC-DISC. One of our most valuable interactions was with Brett Smouse, General Manager at FirstKem, whose business card we collected during the conference.
FirstKem, based in Greer, SC, specializes in aerospace, industrial, and military solutions, providing critical materials and services to support aviation operations worldwide. Meeting Brett Smouse at MRO Americas offered a great opportunity to explore how WTP Advisors could support their global efforts. Jim Fyrie initiated our conversation, introducing our Transfer Pricing services, which help companies like FirstKem manage their intercompany transactions across international markets with precision and compliance.
Brett shared that FirstKem frequently engages in global supply chains, delivering materials to aviation clients across multiple regions, making financial compliance a key focus. Brian Schwam explained how our Transfer Pricing strategies ensure that cross-border transactions are priced appropriately, aligning with global tax regulations while optimizing profitability. For a company like FirstKem, which likely deals with international suppliers and clients, Transfer Pricing can streamline operations and reduce risks. Brett appreciated the relevance of Transfer Pricing to their business, noting that their global operations had increased the complexity of their financial strategies.
Our discussion then shifted to tax optimization, where WTP Advisors’ IC-DISC services proved highly relevant. Jim Fyrie highlighted how an IC-DISC (Interest Charge-Domestic International Sales Corporation) can help FirstKem lower their tax liability on export income. With their business model involving the export of aerospace and industrial materials globally, an IC-DISC could provide significant tax savings, enabling them to reinvest in their operations or expand their market reach. Brett was intrigued, recognizing the potential of IC-DISC to support their export-focused strategy.
At MRO Americas, we also explored the aviation industry’s demand for reliable materials, a topic Brett was passionate about. FirstKem’s role in providing critical solutions for MRO activities underscored the importance of financial efficiency. Brian Schwam emphasized how Transfer Pricing could support their supply chain by ensuring compliance and aligning pricing strategies with business goals. Brett noted that maintaining cost efficiency while scaling globally was a priority, and our insights offered a clear path forward.
The Atlanta conference provided the perfect platform for this exchange, fostering connections that could lead to impactful collaborations. We discussed FirstKem’s vision for future growth, including their focus on expanding their global presence in the aerospace sector. Brett’s goals aligned well with WTP Advisors’ mission to empower aviation businesses through financial clarity, and we left the conversation excited about the potential to collaborate.
Reflecting on our time at MRO Americas, we’re eager to explore how we can support FirstKem’s ambitions. At WTP Advisors, we specialize in helping aviation companies achieve success through services like Transfer Pricing and IC-DISC. For more on how we can assist, visit www.wtpadvisors.com.
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