Chicago, IL – As one of the nation’s most strategic transportation hubs, Chicago plays a pivotal role in the U.S. logistics and supply chain industry. With O’Hare International Airport serving as a global cargo gateway and a dense network of railways and interstate highways, the city is a launchpad for businesses looking to expand both domestically and internationally. For seasoned logistics expert Gabriel Ramos Pimenta de Oliveira, Chicago’s position is not just geographical—it’s strategic.
Pimenta, a Miami-based International Business Consultant with over 17 years of experience, is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the U.S., including in the Chicago region, transform their logistics operations into engines for global growth. Having driven multimillion-dollar outcomes in the logistics sector across major markets, Pimenta brings a sharp focus on client acquisition, retention, and long-term value creation—core pillars of business development in the modern supply chain.
“Chicago’s infrastructure is world-class, but the real opportunity lies in how SMEs leverage it to build lasting relationships and scale internationally,” says Pimenta. “A successful logistics strategy isn’t just about moving goods—it’s about creating partnerships that move business forward.”
With Illinois exporting over $65 billion worth of goods annually, and Chicago ranked as the #1 U.S. rail hub and third largest intermodal port in the world, the city offers unique advantages for businesses seeking cross-border expansion. Yet, despite these strengths, many SMEs struggle to translate logistics operations into sustainable business development.
This is where business development managers like Gabriel Pimenta become indispensable.
During his tenure at companies like Agility Logistics, DSV, and Kuehne + Nagel—the world’s largest logistics provider—Pimenta led efforts to boost branch revenues, onboard Fortune 500 accounts, and expand U.S. trade with Latin America. In 2022 alone, he secured $7 million in revenue and $600,000 in gross profit, proving the direct impact of strategic business development in logistics.
“In today’s competitive landscape, business development is about more than just closing deals,” Pimenta explains. “It’s about understanding the full supply chain ecosystem—from customs regulations to warehouse contracts—and offering real solutions that enhance efficiency and lower risk.”
Pimenta advocates for a proactive, relationship-driven approach to business development. His work with companies like Emerson Electric and Amcor Rigid illustrates the importance of listening closely to client needs, customizing service offerings, and maintaining consistent communication.
He emphasizes three pillars for logistics growth:
- Tailored Solutions: “Cookie-cutter services don’t cut it anymore,” says Pimenta. “Chicago-based businesses need partners who can adapt to their unique needs—especially when entering complex markets like Brazil or Mexico.”
- Data-Driven Decisions: Pimenta integrates market research and performance analytics into his development strategies, helping clients anticipate trade trends and optimize operations.
- Cultural Intelligence: For companies engaging in international trade, especially with Latin America, Pimenta stresses the importance of cultural adaptation and local knowledge. “Understanding how business is done across borders can prevent costly missteps and build trust faster,” he says.
Managing large accounts in logistics requires more than operational excellence—it demands trust, transparency, and foresight. In Chicago, where international trade moves fast and client expectations are high, Pimenta believes strong account management can be the difference between a one-time contract and a decade-long partnership.
“It’s about becoming a strategic ally, not just a service provider,” Pimenta states. “That means anticipating problems, offering proactive solutions, and always being available—especially when the stakes are high.”
From coordinating multimodal shipments to negotiating warehouse leases, his hands-on approach has helped clients stay agile in volatile markets and expand their global footprint.
For Chicago SMEs looking to reach emerging markets, Latin America remains an underserved yet highly promising region. Pimenta, born in Brazil and fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, serves as a crucial bridge between North and South America. His deep understanding of LATAM regulations, trade lanes, and consumer trends offers a distinct advantage to Midwest companies.
“Latin America is hungry for American innovation—and Chicago has it in spades,” Pimenta says. “From manufacturing and agtech to medtech and e-commerce, the region offers opportunities that local companies can seize with the right guidance.”
As the global economy evolves, so too does the role of business development in logistics. With rising demand for sustainable solutions, digital freight platforms, and nearshoring strategies, professionals like Gabriel Pimenta are not just facilitating trade—they’re shaping its future.
“Chicago is at the intersection of tradition and transformation,” Pimenta concludes. “It has the infrastructure, the talent, and the ambition. What it needs now is the strategy to take its businesses global.”