Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Cavalcanti
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I hold a degree in Social Communication from Faculdade Metodista in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, and a postgraduate degree in IT from the Polytechnic School of São Paulo, part of USP (University of São Paulo). I worked for several years in technology companies, and later at CDN, a multinational communications and PR firm, where I spent 5 years managing large accounts such as McDonald’s and Walmart. In 2011, I decided to leave and start a business in the U.S., focusing on exporting American products to Brazil. The venture was very successful until the end of 2012, when the sharp appreciation of the U.S. dollar in Brazil made the operation unsustainable. Afterward, I decided to pursue an MBA at Weber State University, which opened my mind to new entrepreneurial opportunities in the U.S. In 2016, I co-founded Gusto Brazil, a Brazilian cheese bread company, alongside a friend and former colleague from Brazil. Nearly nine years later, we’re now present in over 30 states, with distribution in both food service and retail sectors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been far from a smooth road. Having grown up immersed in American culture, the American dream was never just an option—it was a way of life. But unfortunately, reality doesn’t always align with the ideal. Starting a business here exposed me to a side of U.S. capitalism that I hadn’t anticipated, at least not in the early years. This country offers an ocean of opportunities, but it’s also filled with traps. I’ve encountered a ruthless side of capitalism that protects the big players while often leaving smaller businesses vulnerable.
To explain: large companies exploit a system that provides little protection for small and medium-sized businesses. They dictate payment terms, paying what they want, when they want, leaving us with few options for recourse. In our industry, for example, we deal with intermediary distributors who feel entitled to make arbitrary deductions from our invoices as they see fit. When we seek fairness, these companies lean on contracts that we’re almost compelled to sign just to stay in business. When we raise concerns, the response is often, “But you signed the contract, didn’t you?”
In summary, our biggest challenge hasn’t been securing credit or finding demand for our products—both of which are advantages when compared to doing business in other countries. The real challenge has been navigating a system rife with obstacles and hidden traps, while trying to avoid being taken advantage of, especially when there’s no one to turn to for help.
We’ve been impressed with Cavalcanti & Vertamatti Foods LLC (DBA: Gusto Brazil), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Gusto Brazil is a Brazilian Cheese Bread company based in a state-of-the-art, SQF-certified facility in Salt Lake City, UT. We are deeply committed to transforming a beloved Brazilian tradition into an American favorite. Our focus is on crafting pão de queijo with the finest ingredients and processes. This dedication has allowed us to achieve high-quality certifications, opening doors to partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and Costco.
Our product is naturally gluten-free—not created for a specific market trend, but because it’s been made this way for centuries, with the same authentic ingredients. This inherent gluten-free quality is just another reason why it resonates so well with the American market. It’s like adding extra fuel to a car already destined for success, helping us reach our goals faster.
As President of Gusto Brazil, I oversee all aspects of operation, sales, marketing, and communication.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
It’s hard to point to one specific mentor who significantly changed our path. We’ve definitely had people who guided us toward good decisions, like Kenny Farnsworth from Rhodes Bread. In 2018, for some reason, he agreed to have lunch with us to hear what these two passionate, crazy Brazilians had to say. Back then, we were a very small company, but our dream was bigger than anything, and giving up was never an option. After all, leaving behind family, friends, and 38 years of history had to be for a good reason.
On the other hand, we also encountered people who led us down difficult paths, taking advantage of our naivety and putting us in situations that, at the very least, diverted us from our main goals.
What’s worth noting is that over these nearly nine years leading this company, my business partner and I have learned a great deal. Today, we feel stronger and more experienced, yet remain absolutely open to listening and learning, knowing there is still much to achieve ahead of us.
Pricing:
- You can find our main bread at Costco for $11.79 (2.2 lbs bag)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gustobrazil.com
- Instagram: @gustobrasilusa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566887704813 , https://www.facebook.com/gustobrasil
- Youtube: @gustobrazil5225
