From the young age of sixteen, living in his hometown in Venezuela with modest savings and bold aspirations, Ramón Pinto knew he wanted to pursue a life of international entrepreneurship. It began as an ambitious teenage venture importing clothing from the United States to sell at home and ignited a passion that would eventually lead him across borders, industries, and continents and to the field of international trade.
A journey shaped by curiosity, ethics, and global ambition
When Ramón later immigrated to Canada, he arrived with a clear sense of purpose: he wanted to build a career in global business the right way. He was drawn to the idea of importing and exporting, but wanted to do so with ethical standards and practices—especially those set by developing countries.
Understanding the often uneven landscape in global economies, he wanted to move products from counties with competitive advantages to developing nations.
By doing this, he could create access to products that weren’t easily made in developing countries, either because these countries had limited production capacity, or because certain products were far more expensive locally.
He could put in-demand items into the hands of common consumers in developing nations. Moreover, he could make a meaningful impact on global markets, a driving force that is still part of his business to this day.
After college, he threw himself into entrepreneurship right away. His first company was an advertising and marketing business, a venture that would introduce him to the paper industry, a field that he is still in today.
Today, his business is SOLUPAPER LLC, and under 14 years of careful guidance and leadership by Ramón it has grown into a trusted global partner with a strong international footprint.
$15 million growth built on relationships and integrity
Ramón speaks openly about the early challenges of building a company, the doubts, the risks, the feeling of being a newcomer in an industry dominated by giants.
“In the beginning, everything seems overwhelming,” he says. Competing with established players, earning supplier trust, and securing capital required persistence and clarity of purpose.
He started with $60,000 in working capital but his willingness to remain focused, trust the process, and learn from every challenge has skyrocketed the company’s growth. Currently, SOLUPAPER has earned over $15 million in sales for four consecutive years, a milestone Ramon credits to a belief in building authentic relationships, mutual trust, and honesty.
“As a newcomer, the challenge wasn’t just about offering quality products, it was about proving that we could be a reliable option. Earning the trust of suppliers was one of our toughest challenges.”
“We had to show that we were serious, that we’d be around for the long haul, and that our business relationships were about more than just transactions. They were partnerships for mutual growth.”
He also believes a commitment to transparency worked wonders. He made sure his business and teams delivered on promises, remained accessible, and were honest about what they could and couldn’t do at each stage.
Using a creative mindset to finance growth
Capital constraints also shaped his leadership. With tight resources in the business’s early years, Ramón took a sustainable approach:
“Instead of taking quick, expensive routes, we focused on sustainable expansion, reinvesting our profits and seeking financing only when absolutely necessary. It wasn’t easy, and many times it felt like we wouldn’t make it, but every financial hurdle taught us to be more resilient and manage our resources efficiently.”
“The key was always keeping the long-term vision in mind, knowing that each sacrifice today would bring us closer to success tomorrow.”
Knowing when and how to grow with cross-border trade: decisions based on data and trends
As the business grew, Ramon realized that his company could not afford to stand still. The industry and market were changing rapidly, so he knew his brand had to adapt to new technologies, consumer trends, and market demands to keep its competitive edge. “We had to innovate continuously, not just in our products but in the way we did business,” he recalls.
One of the most decisive moments in his career came with the decision to expand the company’s product line and explore new markets. Understanding that the company couldn’t stick to what they already knew, he and his teams had to take some calculated risks to keep growing:
“We made decisions based on data analysis and trends, and we weren’t afraid to invest in areas that seemed uncertain.”
‘Today, that vision has allowed us to maintain a solid sales trajectory and continue moving forward despite industry shifts.”
Valuable lessons from a storied career in global trade
With all his years of experience in international business, Ramón has learned many lessons along the way. These include the following:
- Patience is key: Results don’t come overnight, but every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.
- Trust is earned daily: Whether with clients, suppliers, or your team, your reputation is what really sets you apart.
- Never stop learning: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, adapt, and improve.
- Teamwork is essential: You can’t do it alone. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and are committed at every stage of the journey.
Today, after over a decade of experience and steady growth, Ramón can proudly say that what started as a small dream with $60K has paid off in ways he and his valued team couldn’t have imagined.
“As we continue to grow, we remain committed to the same values that guided us in the beginning: trust, adaptability, and perseverance.”
To all the entrepreneurs starting out today, Ramón offers sound advice:
“Don’t give up. The obstacles will be many, but each one brings an important lesson. If you continue forward with passion and dedication, success will come.”
“Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re able to learn from obstacles and keep your eyes on your goals, the future is yours.”
He also has more practical guidance as well:
“Make sure you are as clear as possible about the terms of negotiation, and clarify Incoterms because not everyone knows them.”
Supplying global giants and seeing impact in real-time
One of Ramón’s proudest accomplishments is supplying transnational corporations, such as Smurfit, PepsiCo, and McDonald’s with SOLUPAPER products.
“It feels very good to drop by a supermarket and see products that are packed with material supplied by your company and team.”
Earning his CITP marked a major milestone in Ramón’s already successful career journey
Ramón pursued his CITP®|FIBP® designation to reinforce his credibility and commitment to the highest standards in international trade.
“Being part of such a well-recognized organization, coupled with the extensive experience I’ve gained, marks a major milestone in my career. This is a major achievement on my path as both a professional and a business owner.”
Moving forward, he sees the designation as a key asset that will add a competitive edge to his professional profile. “It will not only help me stand out but also empower me to continue expanding my career in a more global context.”
Starting out as a determined teenager just testing the waters of importing, Ramón has now grown into a seasoned leader of a multi-million-dollar paper company. He is living proof that a true passion for international trade can be turned into profitable success with hard work, integrity, and vision.
LinkedIn: Ramón Pinto
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