Imagine achieving success at just 23 years old, in an unfamiliar country, but with a visionary idea.
Born and raised in Ecuador, Gabriel Massuh is a living testament to the self-made entrepreneur. Now an international business leader, Massuh cultivated and harvested success from his early days working in agriculture, later applying his business acumen by emigrating with an innovative idea.
Gabriel Massuh Isaías didn’t start as an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking vision. First, he had to study and apply his knowledge during his first experience outside Ecuador. In the United States, he studied Agronomy at Cornell and Business in Florida. His goal? Achieving the dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
He arrived in Chile in 1993 with the objective of establishing himself in the competitive imported fruit market—an idea that had been on his mind for a while. The fact that bananas aren’t grown in Chile and are simultaneously the most consumed fruit in the country—and in the world—represented a business opportunity that Gabriel Massuh knew how to seize.
Focusing on his home country as a supplier, he has built a company that specializes in importing bananas and other tropical fruits, overcoming numerous obstacles and positioning himself as a prominent leader in Chile and Latin America.
Gabriel Massuh and the Recipe for Success
As the founder of Bagno, Massuh has been instrumental in meeting the demand for bananas in Chile, securing an indisputable leadership position in the local fruit industry.
From a young age, Gabriel Massuh had a clear vision and decided to settle in Chile to leverage the advantage of his home country, Ecuador, one of the world’s largest exporters of bananas.
After moving to Chile, the entrepreneur faced numerous challenges in the business world due to his youth, inexperience, and decision to start in a foreign country. He found that competition was intense and logistics were complex.
“In the beginning, I encountered many doubts and obstacles. Being young and starting from scratch in a new market was not easy. I had to prove my worth and abilities repeatedly in a sector led by people with much more experience,” Massuh recalls about his early steps in business.
Regarding his goals, the businessman envisions a future for Bagno focused on innovation and sustainability. Gabriel Massuh has reaffirmed his environmental commitment by developing compostable packaging and strengthening relationships with local producers.
How to Start a Business Alone
For those looking to start a business in a new country or industry, Massuh emphasizes the importance of having a well-defined vision. According to him, having a clear focus is essential, as it provides the discipline and confidence needed to grow a business.
“It was a difficult path,” he remembers. “Often, my youth and enthusiasm were met with skepticism, and many underestimated my abilities. However, I never gave up on my project.”
Starting a business alone allows you to have complete control over every aspect of the business. According to Massuh, “You have a deep understanding of your customers, suppliers, and employees, which facilitates creating close, personal relationships.”
Additionally, those who start a business independently have the freedom to make all key decisions and enjoy total flexibility in work style and hours. Without partners, there is no division of profits; all revenue can benefit the entrepreneur directly, be reinvested in the business, or attract investors in the future.
Massuh believes that “this can favor your financial independence, although it is essential not to neglect reinvesting in the business to ensure its stability,” he notes.
Entrepreneurship is always a brave and challenging choice. However, the experiences of entrepreneurs like Gabriel Massuh are testimonies to effort, resilience, and above all, vision and passion for business. With a clear understanding of its advantages and challenges, it is possible to make sound decisions and pave a successful path in the business world.
