Entrepreneurship spirit in the cannabis industry was contagious last night at Ricardo Baca’s debut happy hour for Grasslands: A Content Agency.
Last night I was granted the opportunity to attend Grasslands: A Content Agency’s first happy hour and networking event. Ricardo Baca, previous marijuana editor of The Cannabist, decided to leave his ground breaking role as one of the first in the industry to report on cannabis. Ricardo has gained national media attention in his role at the Denver Post including being interviewed by the Colbert Report and the main subject of “Rolling Papers” Documentary.
Ricardo left the Denver Post a few months ago to pursue his own business Grasslands: A Content Agency focusing on offering consulting to cannabis businesses “looking to more effectively get their voice heard and be more understood by consumers, influencers, and media professionals.” Baca’s background in spearheading efforts in gaining national media attention in the cannabis industry makes him a perfect fit for consulting cannabis businesses. Baca understands the public’s perception of pot through journalism, publicity, marketing, and copywriting tactics can assist businesses in strengthening their vision and public profile.
Today Ricardo is in his initial stages of Grasslands Consulting making pitches to potential clients, networking in the industry, and working towards his goals of being a sustainable entrepreneur.
While speaking with others at the event Entrepreneurship was the main topic. Nearly everyone there was working full-time to pay the bills while pursuing their passion on their off hours. Jon Bielecki, web designer, had just taken the leap on Friday leaving his steady paying job of 14 years to pursue his passion of becoming a freelance web designer. Another start up venture was working part-time consulting jobs to fill the gap until their business was ready to become profitable full-time.
Cannabis Entrepreneurs
The cannabis industry offers a unique passion and drive that is unseen in other
Greenlove Denver & Grasslands: A Content Agency’s Ricardo Baca.
industries. Funding is difficult in the industry due to federal restrictions in banking and the pay is not as predictable as it would be in the corporate world.
While there is a fear of the unknown the decision to branch off into the startup world particularly the cannabis industry is intoxicating. All of these entrepreneurs believe in the power of the plant, its healing benefits to the mind and body, its economic value to local communities, and the shear need to delegalize pot federally to offer equal opportunities to businesses in the industry.
I wish the best of luck to all of these ventures going down different paths in the industry. It is truly inspiring to watch others succeed and follow their passions.
Thank you to Grasslands and Ricardo Baca for offering the unique experience – here’s to years of success!
