Hey Hazem, how are you, my friend? The idiom ''bring to bear'' may be used to mean either ''exert or apply (usually ''pressure'') on something/someone''; or ''put (something) to good use.'' As regards the example you provided, the meaning of ''bring to bear'' is that of the latter one I mentioned (''put to good use''). So, it means that ''It was in the area of marketing that Alan had his business's experience applied/used in a good way.'' Here are some examples so you see the difference between the two meanings for this idiom: 1) ''All his efforts are brought to bear on the new .'' 2) ''If you want a confession from that guy, you're going to have to bring pressure to bear on him.'' 3) "All of one's faculties are brought to bear in an effort to become fully incorporated into the landscape" (Barry Lopez).'' 4) ''I have no other choice but to accept the fact that my medical experience shall be brought to bear in this new job.'' Hope that helps!!!