Tom Harrold, a senior partner at Miller & Martin PLLC, stands out as an influential figure in Atlanta’s journey to becoming a prominent international business center.
His extensive legal career and dedication to fostering global connections have reshaped the city’s commercial landscape.
In an interview with Global Atlanta, Mr. Harrold reflected on how the groundwork laid by Governor George Busbee in the late 1970s opened avenues for Japanese and German investments in Georgia, a pivotal moment for Atlanta.
During this period, Mr. Harrold observed that legal counsel for foreign firms in Atlanta predominantly originated from outside the state.
This realization spurred his determination to assert his identity as an international lawyer based in Atlanta, leading to an influx of inquiries from various companies seeking his expertise.
With a bold vision, he established an international practice that would anchor Atlanta’s reputation as an attractive city for global investment.
Recognizing an untapped potential within Atlanta’s legal community, Mr. Harrold co-founded the World Law Group in 1988.
This global network of law firms allowed for collaboration on cross-border projects, enhancing the services offered to international clients.
Meeting at Taiwan’s Grand Hotel, the six founding firms collectively helped establish Atlanta as a hub for international legal services, propelling the city’s international business profile.
Additionally, Mr. Harrold’s role in founding the German American Chamber of Commerce in 1978 exemplifies his commitment to supporting German companies as they ventured into the Southern U.S. market.
His connection with Eike Jordan, one of the chamber’s founders, facilitated crucial introductions for German firms seeking legal guidance.
As these firms navigated the complexities of U.S. law, Mr. Harrold positioned himself as a trusted advisor, significantly contributing to their successful integration into the local market.
This foundation of international relationships made Mr. Harrold an ideal fit for Miller & Martin when the firm sought to expand into Atlanta.
Recognizing Atlanta’s potential to serve its growing international clientele, the firm tapped into Mr. Harrold’s expertise as he joined them in 1998.
Since then, the Atlanta office of Miller & Martin has been instrumental in promoting foreign investment and fostering robust international business relationships.
Beyond his work at Miller & Martin, Mr. Harrold has emerged as Georgia’s de facto international legal ambassador, leveraging his network to position Atlanta as a pivotal gateway for global enterprises looking to penetrate the U.S. market.
With his active involvement in various chambers of commerce and international organizations, he has transformed Atlanta into a desirable destination for foreign investment and corporate collaboration.
However, the city’s rise as a global business hub has not come without its challenges.
Mr. Harrold recounted an early experience when an international contact in Dubai confused Atlanta with Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Promoting the city on a global scale was a daunting task at that time, but persistent efforts from business leaders, including Coca-Cola’s Robert Woodruff and pivotal civil rights figures, gradually established Atlanta’s reputation as a business powerhouse.
Mr. Harrold remarked on the importance of Mayor Hartsfield’s mantra, ‘A city too busy to hate,’ capturing Atlanta’s unwavering spirit of resilience and progress.
This mindset has been crucial for the city in differentiating itself from other Southern cities like Birmingham and Charlotte.
Various factors have also played essential roles in Atlanta’s growth, particularly the development of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which Mr. Harrold emphasized as a game-changer for the city’s connectivity.
Delta Airlines’ international flight routes from Atlanta opened doors to key global markets.
Mr. Harrold highlighted that the establishment of non-stop flights to cities such as Shannon, Ireland, and major German cities such as Munich, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf has been instrumental in attracting businesses from Japan and Europe.
The ability to offer direct flights has been a significant factor in driving foreign investment into Atlanta.
Interestingly, Mr. Harrold noted that the introduction of air conditioning initially made Atlanta a more desirable place to live and work.
Yet, he recognized that the crowning achievement in bolstering Atlanta’s international image was undoubtedly the hosting of the 1996 Olympics, which showcased the city on a global stage.
Looking forward, Mr. Harrold identified several emerging industries poised to drive Atlanta’s continued international growth.
He highlighted the electric vehicle sector, noting substantial investments from companies such as Hyundai and Kia, along with their suppliers, contributing to Georgia’s burgeoning EV ecosystem.
Furthermore, he pointed out Georgia’s rising prominence in green energy, driven by innovations in solar and hydrogen technologies.
The fintech sector also stands out, with Georgia establishing itself as one of the world’s fintech capitals as international companies increasingly set up operations in the state.
Mr. Harrold expressed his optimism regarding Georgia’s outlook, citing strong workforce initiatives like the Quick Start program that provides multi-lingual training, enhancing the state’s appeal to global businesses.
He also acknowledged the proactive efforts of the Georgia Department of Economic Development in attracting foreign investment.
As he envisions the future, Mr. Harrold remains confident that Atlanta and Georgia’s unique advantages, coupled with a welcoming business environment, will continue to draw international investment for years to come.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of exposing young Georgians to global opportunities, encouraging them to travel and experience other cultures to foster appreciation for international careers before returning to contribute to Georgia’s growth.
For more insights or to connect with Mr. Harrold, visit the Miller & Martin website.
image source from：globalatlanta
