15 Years of TABS Inc. – A Journey of Growth, Trust & Transatlantic Success

15 Years of TABS Inc. – Trusted U.S. Expansion Partner

As TABS Inc. approaches its 15th anniversary, we look back with pride and forward with ambition. What started as a mission to help European businesses succeed in the U.S. has grown into a trusted partner for back-office solutions, compliance support, and strategic guidance for international companies navigating the complexities of the American market.

Since our founding in 2010, TABS has had the privilege of supporting over a thousand different clients from around the world, helping them confidently expand to the U.S. With offices in New York, Houston, the Netherlands – and soon, Spain – our team of experts continues to provide hands-on service that bridges business cultures to build a strong foundation for international growth.

Then vs. Now: The TABS Journey

15 years ago, the landscape looked very different. TABS started with a small team, a big vision, and a few pioneering clients ready to take the leap across the Atlantic. Fast forward to today: our portfolio includes companies across multiple industries, from early-stage scaleups to mature international enterprises with U.S. operations.

With an ever-growing team and a strong network of partners, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, pragmatism, and deep expertise in areas like corporate compliance, HR, payroll, tax, and regulatory services.

The Vision Behind TABS

At the heart of TABS Inc. is a belief in partnership. Our founder and president, Jacob Willemsen, envisioned a company that would do more than offer administrative support. He wanted to empower businesses to scale internationally by giving them the structure and clarity needed to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

To mark our anniversary, we sat down with Jacob to reflect on the road so far. Below, you’ll find 15 questions that explore the milestones, challenges, and insights gained over the past 15 years.

15 Questions for 15 Years: A Q&A with Jacob Willemsen

1. What inspired you to start TABS Inc. 15 years ago? And what does TABS mean?

After my time at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York, I initially ran a consultancy business that assisted European companies with their business development in the U.S. I noticed that having a U.S. entity would make doing business with potential clients in the U.S easier. However, many of these European clients struggled with the administrative side of doing business in the U.S. After noticing that my experience benefited these (business development) clients, I also started assisting other European companies with their ‘back office’, companies that I didn’t assist in the business development and ‘go-to-market’ strategies. With this, TABS was born. TABS stands for Trans-Atlantic Business Services, and that’s exactly what we provide – helping businesses ‘in the back office’ successfully cross the ocean into the U.S.

2. What was your original vision, and how has it evolved?

Originally, it was simple: make U.S. expansion easier. Over time, we realized companies didn’t just need help with one step – they needed a full-service, long-term partner who could handle various activities in the ‘back office’; compliance, HR, bookkeeping, tax filings, and beyond. Today, we offer so much more than I initially imagined.

3. What moment made you feel, “We’re really making an impact”?

I’ll never forget when one of our early clients said, “We couldn’t have done it without you.” That was the moment I knew we weren’t just a vendor – we were an essential part of their journey. Launching their company in the U.S. takes their full focus and time. We want to minimize the time that they spend on financial and administrative tasks.

4. What was the first major challenge you had to overcome?

Building trust. European companies needed a partner they could rely on 6,000 kilometers away. We had to prove ourselves daily by being consistent, responsive, and knowledgeable about U.S. business practices.

5. What do you think has been the key to TABS’ long-term success?

It’s a combination: trust, expertise, and people. We are not a one-size-fits-all service. We tailor everything to each client’s situation and genuinely care about their success.

6. What achievement are you most proud of in the past 15 years?

Growing a company that still feels personal, even as we expanded across New York, Houston, the Netherlands, and soon Spain. I’m truly proud of watching our team grow personally and professionally.

7. What have you learned about transatlantic business that you didn’t know when starting?

Cultural nuance is everything. Business practices, communication styles, and expectations differ more than you think. Success depends not only on knowing the rules but on understanding the clients’ mindset. Clients from Sweden are different from those from Spain, and conventional ‘make industries’ that have been in the family for generations require support different from ‘tech scale-ups’ that have just done a round of fundraising from VCs.

8. How has the international business climate changed since TABS began?

It’s more dynamic – and more demanding. Clients expect faster service, digital solutions, and real-time advice. At the same time, regulation, compliance, and trade policies have become more complex. There are many more reporting requirements for governments, banks, and other authorities, while data protection and privacy regulations are becoming more complex. It is a fine line of balancing all of those at the same time while keeping business going for our clients and TABS.

9. What advice would you give your 2010 self?

Stay focused, invest in technology and ‘human capital,’ and trust your gut – but build a stronger team earlier. Success is never a solo journey and is much more fun with a great team.

10. Which TABS service or initiative has had the biggest client impact?

It is not specifically one service that created more impact than another. While assistance with the Corporate Income Tax is perhaps more noticeable, ‘simple’ tasks like mail handling and check depositing are essential too. I truly believe the combination of our back-office services makes us unique. The combination often becomes the secret weapon that helps our clients scale faster and safer in the U.S.

11. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a client?

Stay adaptable and don’t assume. Listen carefully to your client’s current situation and future goals in the U.S. Every client, industry, and situation is different and may require a customized solution for their U.S. venture. The best partnerships come when we listen first and deliver solutions tailored to their needs.

12. What has surprised you the most on this journey?

How fast things can evolve when you have the right people around you. Growth isn’t linear – it’s full of unexpected moments, and the team you build makes all the difference.

13. How do you stay inspired and motivated as a founder?

Seeing the tremendous diversity of clients we work with is exciting, and still, they have at least one thing in common: the American dream of making it big in the U.S. Our clients’ excitement and success keep me motivated. Even when that means that they may phase out TABS after years of partnership, when they have enough volume to have their own back-office operation in the U.S. When a small European company becomes a thriving U.S. operation, knowing we played a role is incredibly rewarding – traveling to European cities and seeing the names of companies that we assist with their U.S. adventure. Plus, my team’s energy and dedication inspire me daily.

14. What’s your vision for TABS in the next 5–10 years?

We want to be closer to our European clients. We’ve seen with our first European office in Eindhoven that clients appreciate it when we’re closer by for account management. Therefore, we will expand our European footprint in the next five years.

Of course, we will monitor expanding our services even further, helping more companies enter and thrive in the U.S. I also want to deepen our digital offerings and continue building a workplace that people are proud to be part of.

While working with technology that keeps us efficient, we offer the unique hand-holding service that clients expect from TABS.

15. How do you want TABS to be remembered at its 30th anniversary?

As a company that stays true to its mission, vision, and values towards our staff, clients, and partners, we are trustworthy, human, expert, and genuinely committed to helping others succeed. I’ll consider it a huge success if we can maintain that spirit while growing.

Milestones & Highlights

Over the years, TABS has evolved from a startup into an international business with a team of dedicated specialists across three countries. We’ve helped over 1.000 companies set up and grow in the U.S. Our work has expanded beyond compliance into a full-service offering, including HR advisory, state registrations, tax filing, and immigration referrals.

We’re particularly proud of the long-standing client relationships we’ve built, some of which have been with us since the early days. The trust and collaboration we share with our clients and partners are the true engine behind our growth.

Looking Ahead

The future is full of opportunities. As we continue expanding our presence and services – including our upcoming office in Valencia, Spain – we remain committed to simplifying U.S. expansion for our clients. Whether you’re a founder exploring your first U.S. hire or an established company facing regulatory hurdles, TABS is here to help.

Read original announcement here.

 

Compliments of TABS – a member of the EACCNY