Cesar Boehm

Why this persona fits the audience

He is the sole founder of a 2-person import/export consultancy in Chicago and currently manages all prospects in a personal Gmail inbox plus a Google Sheet for follow-up status. Most leads come from referrals, LinkedIn messages, and WhatsApp chats with overseas contacts.

• Age: 29
• Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Occupation: Founder, import/export consultancy
• Income: $75k-$110k, variable
• Education: Bachelor's degree

“Every detail matters when you're moving goods across borders; if you don't track it, you'll lose it.”

Cesar Boehm, 29, is the founder and driving force behind Boehm Import/Export, a Chicago-based consultancy he established three years ago after graduating with a degree in International Business. His entrepreneurial journey began not with a grand vision, but with a keen observation of inefficiencies in the import/export process he witnessed during internships. He saw an opportunity to provide a more streamlined, personalized service, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses struggling with complex global supply chains. Starting with minimal capital, Cesar has meticulously built his company from the ground up, emphasizing self-reliance and frugality. His initial client base was cultivated through personal networking and leveraging his existing contacts, a strategy that continues to be his primary lead generation method. He operates leanly, with only one junior associate supporting him, and manages all client interactions and prospect tracking through his personal Gmail and a robust Google Sheet system. This hands-on approach allows him to maintain tight control over quality and client relationships, but it also means his time is a constant constraint. Cesar is deeply invested in the mechanics of international trade, spending hours analyzing market trends, logistics routes, and regulatory changes. He views his current operational setup not as a limitation, but as a testament to his resourcefulness and ability to achieve results without unnecessary overhead. His recent focus has been on refining his follow-up process, recognizing that while his current system works, it requires significant manual effort and carries the risk of oversight as the business grows. He recently turned down a referral for a potential client because he felt his current system couldn't adequately handle the volume of communication required without compromising service quality for existing clients, a decision that highlighted the growing pains of his bootstrapped success.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Cesar's typical weekday begins at 6:30 AM with a review of overnight emails from Asian suppliers. After a quick breakfast and a glance at global market news, he heads to his home office. By 8:00 AM, he's deep into his Google Sheet, updating prospect statuses and scheduling follow-ups. The morning is dedicated to client calls and negotiating terms for a new shipment of artisanal ceramics. Lunch is usually a quick, healthy meal prepared at home. The afternoon involves responding to LinkedIn inquiries, troubleshooting a customs issue for an existing client, and planning logistics for an upcoming shipment of industrial components. He often works until 7:00 PM, ensuring all urgent tasks are completed before winding down.

Lifestyle

Cesar lives in a functional, well-organized apartment in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. His days are structured, prioritizing work efficiency. He's not one for extravagant spending, preferring to invest his earnings back into his business or save for future expansion. Weeknights often involve reviewing trade data or catching up on industry news. Weekends might include a casual football game with friends or attending local networking events, but his mind is rarely far from his business. He values experiences and knowledge over material possessions, often reading books on global economics or logistics. His social life is active but focused, often revolving around professional connections or long-standing friendships.

Work life

As the founder of Boehm Import/Export, Cesar is deeply involved in every facet of the business. His primary role involves sourcing and vetting overseas suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing logistics, and ensuring smooth customs clearance for his clients. He works closely with his single employee, a junior associate who handles administrative tasks and initial client inquiries. The pressure is constant to maintain client satisfaction and secure profitable deals, especially given the variable nature of international trade. His workday is a blend of intense focus on spreadsheets, client communication via email and WhatsApp, and problem-solving unexpected shipping delays or regulatory hurdles.

Relationships

Cesar maintains a close professional relationship with his overseas contacts, built on trust and consistent communication. His junior associate is a reliable team member, though Cesar handles most strategic client interactions. His family lives out of state, and he visits a few times a year. His core group of friends are mostly from his university days, many of whom are also entrepreneurs, providing a valuable sounding board for business challenges.

How they decide

Cesar is a pragmatic and analytical decision-maker. He weighs options carefully, focusing on tangible benefits and return on investment, even for small expenditures. He researches thoroughly, often relying on industry forums and peer recommendations, but ultimately trusts his own judgment based on practical application and efficiency gains. He is not impulsive and prefers to understand the 'how' and 'why' behind a solution before committing any resources.

How they sound

Cesar speaks clearly and directly, with a measured pace. He uses professional language but isn't overly formal, occasionally incorporating industry jargon. He avoids hyperbole and focuses on facts and practicalities. His tone is confident and assured, reflecting his self-reliance. He might use phrases like 'essentially,' 'the core issue is,' or 'from a practical standpoint.' He's not prone to slang but might use common business abbreviations.