Success Story: FAO Global

FAO Global Proves an Unconventional Career Can Be a Competitive Advantage

Location: Southern California | Orange County | Huntington Beach

Business Type: International Business Consulting

Small Business Center: Los Angeles Regional VBOC

Assistance Received: Government contracting

California State Assembly District: 72

California State Senate District: 36

Visit FAO Global online

FAO Global was born from a career that never quite fit neatly into a traditional job description. After earning a B.S. in International Business from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Brandon Hughes moved to Beijing, China, where he earned a master’s degree from Tsinghua University and worked with global businesses and the Carnegie Endowment’s Beijing center. He later served in the U.S. Army. 

After his military service, Brandon found himself in Washington, D.C., with a unique combination of international, military, and relationship-building experience, but no obvious career path. 

“Once I recognized that my experiences provided tangible insights to the business leaders I was meeting, the decision to start a consulting company became a no-brainer,” Brandon said. 

That realization led to FAO Group LLC, doing business as FAO Global, in 2017. The company helps U.S. businesses prepare to export and sell internationally while also supporting foreign-headquartered multinational companies navigating the U.S. market. Brandon continued building his expertise, using his GI Bill to earn a joint MBA from Columbia University, London Business School, and Hong Kong Business School and spending three years with JPMorgan focused on international banking before returning to consulting full time. FAO Global’s work has since taken him to nearly a dozen countries. 

One market, however, remained largely unexplored. Brandon had considered government contracting for years but viewed the process as burdensome until a webinar from the Los Angeles Regional Veterans Business Outreach Center, known as the LA VBOC, encouraged him to take a closer look. He then began meeting one-on-one with advisor Dr. Jorge “Chevy” Chavarin. 

“I found the VBOC webinars helpful, but what impressed me most was the dedicated advising. Dr. Chevy provided meaningful guidance and feedback on previous government opportunities I pursued as well as active RFPs I was preparing responses to. Each time I submit, I apply what I learned and make the process smoother and more efficient,” Brandon said. 

The conversations helped Brandon break down some of his assumptions about government contracting. Instead of seeing a series of bids to respond to, he began applying a broader business development strategy built on preparation, consistency, and relationships with the agencies he hoped to serve. 

Brandon put those ideas into practice. He has since completed more than five proposals, with more in development. His expanded outreach has also led to new connections with procurement managers and more direct engagement as opportunities arise. 

The advising reinforced the international consulting capabilities Brandon had already built and gave him the confidence to pursue a market he had previously avoided. 

FAO Global continues helping businesses navigate opportunities across borders, with government contracting part of the company’s growth strategy. 

To learn more about FAO Global and its international consulting services, visit them online. And if you are a veteran entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business, connect with the Los Angeles Regional VBOC to learn about their resources for veteran-owned businesses. 

10/26/2026