Early Life
Ilson Mateus Rodrigues was born in Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil, in 1963. He started working at a young age to help support his family. In his youth, he worked as a miner and mechanic. At 17, he began producing cachaça, a traditional Brazilian alcoholic beverage. These early experiences instilled in him the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit that would later define his career.
Rise to Success
In 1984, Ilson Mateus opened his first small grocery store in Balsas, Maranhão. This humble beginning marked the genesis of Grupo Mateus. He expanded his business, transforming it into a medium-sized supermarket, known as Mateus Supermercados. Through strategic decisions, including the addition of product shipping services and the opening of new stores, he expanded throughout the state and beyond. In 2020, Grupo Mateus went public, completing the largest IPO of the year in Brazil.
Key Business Strategies
Ilson Mateus's business acumen is evident in Grupo Mateus's expansion and diversification. The company operates supermarkets, hypermarkets, wholesale distribution centers, pharmacies, and electronics stores. Key strategies included an aggressive pricing policy and a focus on customer service. The company also improved its structure and diversified into e-commerce. A focus on regional identity and adapting to local consumption patterns also contributed to success.
Philanthropy
Ilson Mateus is known for his philanthropic efforts. He supports social initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and economic development in the communities where Grupo Mateus operates.
