Established in 1960, we’ve become a recognized leader in international export services. With over 60 years of proven expertise, we provide comprehensive, customized services in all aspects of the international export process. We guarantee successful results and superior customer service.
Maureen Russell — President & CEO
Starting her career in sales for a building materials company in the 1970s, Maureen Russell’s presence in a male-dominated industry was extremely unusual. Through a combination of determination and business know-how, Russell quickly became a highly successful saleswoman. In 1990, when she purchased R.M. Waite Co., Russell immediately recognized the opportunity to expand the company’s distribution services by offering specialized export services.
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable in the business communities of Asia and Micronesia, Russell has guided R.M. Waite’s highly successful and thriving expansion into the export industry. Determination, in-depth market know-how and a willingness to experiment have been key components in the company’s success. Facing deflating export markets and slowing sales during periodic economic downturns, Russell rose to the challenge of overcoming these hurdles by investigating ways to diversify and strengthen her company’s export markets. For example, Russell did her research and gained intricate market knowledge of the many nuances of U.S.-China trade. The aggressive growth of R.M. Waite is proof of Russell’s tenacity to find creative solutions to her customers’ diverse exporting needs.
Above all, Russell maintains our greatest assets are our customer relationships, the guiding principal of R.M. Waite's continuing success.
Read more about Maureen Russell’s entrepreneurial successes in Exporter Rides Out Economic Swells in Asia by Stephen Brown
Awards and Recognition
100 Largest Women-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area
Women in Leadership Award, 1998-2002, San Francisco Business Journal
Presidential Invitee, 2002 U.S. Dept. of Commerce Conference, Washington, D.C.
Panelist, 2002 China Trade Conference, Oakland, CA
R. M. Waite — Founder
Bob Waite was born and educated in Seattle, a graduate of the University of Washington. Like so many others of his generation, his college education was interrupted by World War II, and after three years service with the Army Air Force, he returned to complete his education, majoring in the field of foreign trade.
Soon he was on his way to San Francisco, regarded then, as now, the hub of export business to the Far East.
Employed by a major trading firm, and based in Guam, Bob traveled extensively throughout the Pacific Rim before returning to San Francisco to establish his own company, R.M. Waite Co., specializing in the sale of American-made building materials throughout Asia.
Bob Waite established the company’s impeccable reputation with both customers and principals, which continues as a lasting influence in the company to this date.