We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Diaz-Rivera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?
When I first started my cannabis delivery service, I naively thought that it would be as simple as selling weed. However, I quickly realized that there were many unexpected problems that I would have to overcome if I was going to be an established cannabis delivery service owner. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the need to maintain compliance with state regulations, as well as ensuring the safety and security of my team and clients.
To address this challenge, I met with my vast network and did extensive research to better understand the ins and outs of cannabis delivery in Colorado. I sought out advice from other business owners in the industry and consulted with legal experts to ensure that I was operating within the law. I also invested in security measures to protect my team and clients, such as implementing a thorough vetting process for new hires and using encrypted communication channels to communicate with clients.
One of the most memorable moments for me was when I realized the importance of compliance in the cannabis industry. I had a client who wanted to me to deliver a large amount of cannabis, but I was hesitant because I wasn’t sure if it was legal to transport such a large quantity in my little Nissan Leaf. I reached out to a legal expert who confirmed that I could sell the amount requested, but only if I followed a specific set of rules. The real issue was the space inside my car. This experience taught me that not only is compliance key, but that I need to fully understand what’s being asked of me and that I must rigidly follow the rules if I am going to be able to stay in the game.
Overall, I have learned that being a successful cannabis delivery service owner requires a lot more than just selling weed. It requires a deep understanding of the industry, compliance with regulations, and a commitment to safety and security. Despite the unexpected challenges I’ve faced along the way, I am proud of the business I have built and am excited to continue growing and evolving in this exciting industry.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Among my many other titles I am also the founder and CEO of Better Days Delivery, a premier cannabis delivery service based in Denver, Colorado.
I got into this industry because I saw a need for a more reliable and professional cannabis delivery service that prioritizes compliance, safety, and customer satisfaction. As someone who has been a cannabis user for years, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to deal with unreliable dealers or sketchy delivery services. I wanted to create a service that people could trust and rely on for quality products, timely deliveries, and excellent customer service.
At Better Days Delivery, we provide a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and more. We work with some of the best local dispensaries to ensure that our customers have access to the highest quality products available. In addition to our product offerings, we also prioritize customer education and support. We want our customers to feel empowered and informed about the products they are using.
One of the biggest problems we solve for our clients is the hassle of going to a dispensary. For many people, going to a dispensary can be overwhelming, time-consuming, or even intimidating. With our delivery service, customers can order from the comfort of their own home and have their products delivered directly to their door. We take care of all the logistics so that our customers can focus on enjoying their cannabis experience.
What sets us apart from other cannabis delivery services is our commitment to compliance and safety. We take all necessary measures to ensure that we are following all state and local regulations and that our products are safe and legal. We also prioritize the safety of our drivers and customers by implementing strict security protocols and offering discreet deliveries.
I am most proud of the team that we have built at Better Days Delivery. Our team is made up of passionate and knowledgeable individuals who are dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customers. We are constantly learning and growing as a team, and I am excited to see how we will continue to evolve and improve in the future.
In summary, Better Days Delivery is a premier cannabis delivery service that prioritizes compliance, safety, and customer satisfaction. We provide a wide range of high-quality cannabis products and personalized support to help our customers have the best possible cannabis experience. We are committed to providing a reliable and professional service that our customers can trust. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our business.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
I’ve faced many challenges in my journey as an entrepreneur, but one of the most difficult was overcoming the stigma associated with the cannabis industry. As someone who started selling weed in high school to survive being homeless, it was important for me to turn my side hustle into a legitimate business that could provide not only for myself, but for my employees and community as well.
Despite the trauma I experienced from the war on drugs, I persevered and built Better Days Delivery, a cannabis delivery service that is committed to compliance, security, and community leadership. Over the past two years, I have worn many hats as an owner/operator, from dispatch and delivery to sales, marketing, and compliance. It hasn’t always been easy, but I am proud of the progress we have made and the milestones we have achieved.
One of the key milestones in my journey was partnering with Native Roots and L’Eagle Services, two of the top dispensaries in Colorado. This partnership not only expanded our reach, but it also helped us to establish ourselves as a trusted and reputable cannabis delivery service.
Another milestone was achieving our fundraising goals and legislative victories. We were able to secure the funding we needed to grow our business and support our employees, and we were also able to advocate for policies that benefit our industry and our community.
Overall, I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to turn my side hustle into a successful business that not only provides for myself and my family, but also helps to support and uplift others in our community. It hasn’t been easy, but my resilience and determination have allowed me to overcome the obstacles in my path and continue to grow and thrive in this industry.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I started building my audience on social media by engaging with people in my local cannabis community and trying to connect with leaders both locally and nationally. My mission has always been to increase brand awareness for Better Days Delivery and our dispensary partners, boost sales through business-to-customer delivery, and expand our customer base. To do this, I targeted our marketing efforts toward customers who order from L’Eagle Services and Native Roots, as well as potential customers in niche markets such as elders, women, veterans, medical patients, and professionals who may not want to be seen walking into a dispensary (e.g. teachers, religious leaders, etc.).
One of the key ways I’ve built my social media presence is by creating blog posts, videos, and social media posts that highlight each dispensary partner and promote events and holidays. I’ve also used a variety of marketing channels, including our website, email marketing, and social media. For example, I’ve worked to improve our search engine optimization (SEO) to increase our visibility and rank on search engines. In terms of social media, we use Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit to engage with customers and create a community around Better Days Delivery and our dispensary partners.
My advice for those just starting to build their social media presence would be to focus on creating valuable content that speaks to your audience. Engage with them, listen to their feedback, and be consistent with your posting schedule. Also, make sure to use a mix of channels and tactics to reach your target audience and continually evaluate what’s working and what’s not. Finally, be patient and persistent – building a social media presence takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.betterdaysdelivery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterdaysdeliveryco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterDaysDelivery
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-days-delivery/?viewAsMember=true
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ABCDeliveryLLC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgxg9lKiSywgiSwG7OO1fwQ
Image Credits
Blake Jackson, Antoinette June