Our Story
David G. Harlow Sr.: A Pioneer in Customs Brokerage
David G. Harlow Sr., the founder of ITC Diligence, is a man whose career has been defined by truth, compliance, and a commitment to doing the right thing.
With a decorated military background and nearly 30 years as a licensed customs broker, David Sr. retired at the age of 52, driven by a vision to address the underserved Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) industry in Southern California.
In 2002, he established ITC Diligence with a mission to provide a voice for small to medium-sized businesses and communities ready to expand the FTZ Program. David Sr.’s guiding principle was simple yet profound: “JUST DO THE RIGHT THING.”
David R. Harlow, the current President and CEO, inherited his father’s passion and vision.
Under his leadership, ITC Diligence International has expanded its services and grown its client base, staying true to the core values of integrity, leadership, resilience, commitment, and resourcefulness.
David Jr. continues to uphold the mantra “JUST DO THE RIGHT THING,” leading ITC through challenges and growth, ensuring the company remains a leader in the global trade community.
David R. Harlow: Continuing the Legacy
Our Managers
Jason Poyser, Director of Consulting CCS; CZS
Jason Poyser’s approach to helping ITC clients centers around trust and persistence. "It’s more than the task list," Jason explains. "It’s about being there consistently to support clients and celebrate their success as if it were our own." Whether guiding clients through customs compliance or navigating Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) projects, Jason sees every win as a shared victory.
One experience stands out for Jason as a lesson in perseverance.
A client needed a customs bond aligned with a new warehouse address—a typically straightforward process. However, months of obstacles with Customs delayed the update. After exhausting automated processes, Jason had to engage directly with the Customs bond department through countless emails and calls. "It was a test of patience and respect," Jason recalls.
Eventually, his persistence paid off, and the issue was resolved, allowing the client to move forward with their FTZ operations.
For Jason, honesty is at the core of every interaction. "You can’t pretend to know everything, and it’s okay to admit when you don’t," he shares. "Honesty builds credibility, fosters teamwork, and makes problem-solving a lot more rewarding."
Brenda Vargas, Customs Brokerage Manager
For Brenda Vargas, managing the customs team at ITC is an exciting challenge. “Every day is different,” she shares. "One moment you’re troubleshooting an import issue, and the next you’re coaching a colleague through a complex customs clearance."
The dynamic nature of the work is what she enjoys most. "You meet all kinds of people, build strong relationships, and learn something new every day."
Keeping clients happy, while strictly following compliance rules, requires proactive communication and creative problem-solving.
“I make sure we anticipate issues before they arise, and we offer personalized solutions for every client,” Brenda explains. "It’s about ensuring they feel valued while navigating a complex system."
Looking ahead, Brenda sees automation and AI shaping the future of customs. "Electronic documentation and digital platforms will become the norm," she notes. ITC is already preparing for this shift by integrating advanced software solutions and investing in staff training. “Our team is learning to leverage new tools, which ensures we’re not just keeping up—we’re staying ahead.”
Nicky Lang, Accounting Manager
For Nicky Lang, running ITC’s accounting operations smoothly begins with the right mindset. “I start every day with a positive attitude,” she says with a smile. “It sets the tone for productivity and helps me lead the team effectively.”
A recent project tested her leadership skills and demonstrated the power of teamwork. A key client needed an enormous amount of work completed under a tight deadline, and the brokerage team felt overwhelmed by the task.
“We were really up against the clock,” Nicky recalls. But instead of panicking, she brought the team together, focusing on resilience and breaking the workload into manageable tasks. "We pulled through, meeting the deadline and delivering the project on time."
Leading by example is how Nicky ensures her team stays committed to ITC’s values of hard work and integrity. "I believe in clear communication and setting the right example," she explains.
"When my team sees me staying positive and focused, they know they can rely on me—and that keeps everyone motivated to give their best."
Our Journey
Founding of ITC Diligence
In 2002, David G. Harlow Sr. founded ITC Diligence to fill a critical gap in the Southern California FTZ industry.
His vision was to create a company that provided high quality consulting services and advocated for the industry through the establishment of the first non-profit organization representing the Foreign Trade Zone Program in the region.
Growth and Expansion
From its humble beginnings focusing solely on Foreign Trade Zone consulting, ITC Diligence has expanded its opportunities to include customs brokerage, supply chain solutions, and international trade consulting.
Our growth has been driven by our unwavering commitment to our core values and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry.
Key Milestones
2002: David G. Harlow Sr. founded ITC Diligence.
2005: Launched our Customs Brokerage division, thanks to the trust and support of Prego, Inc.
2020: Expanded our product and service offerings, landing our largest client to date, Central Oceans, LLC.
2022: Opened a new location in Boise, Idaho.
2023: Introduced new services such as international trade insurance, bonded warehouse consulting, and e-commerce brokerage solutions. Additionally, a 3rd vertical was launched: supply chain solutions.
2024: Expanded our global reach with a new hub in Fort Worth, Texas.
Resilience and Resourcefulness
Our ability to go above and beyond for our clients is exemplified in our response to challenging situations. Whether it's navigating compliance issues or managing large-scale logistics projects, ITC Diligence International stands ready to deliver results with resilience and resourcefulness.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, ITC Diligence International aims to continue its growth and expand its market share both nationally and globally. We plan to open new offices, introduce innovative services, and enhance our operations. Our mission remains clear: ““We deliver unparalleled global trade services throughout the international trade community while providing leadership through advocacy for today and tomorrow.”
David R. Harlow’s Vision for the Future:
“As a visionary, I strive to maintain ITC’s relevance and grow our market share to be impactful nationally and globally. Our goal is to scale our operations, introduce new services, and stay true to our foundational values of integrity and commitment.”