Daily Inspiration: Meet Michael Diaz-Rivera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Diaz-Rivera.

Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Michael Diaz-Rivera and I am a 36 year old father of 3. My company delivers cannabis. Better Days Delivery helps to ease and support the transaction between the dispensary and the customer in a way that truly helps medical and recreational patients. I want to help stores reach the customer that’s out of reach. I was left out of the industry after being charged for weed possession at 19. So I focused on education and community until leaving the classroom and taking the risk as an entrepreneur. Our totally electric Nissan leafs are equipped with the tools needed to deliver the product quickly and safely without adding further damage to the environment. I am now looking for cofounders, dispensary partners, and business investors. Everyone has had a bad day before. Imagine a delivery service that reminds you that the worst days are behind you! That’s what I aim to do with my business.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. My life has never been easy. I grew up the oldest of three kids in a single-parent home. We lived in extreme poverty and at an early age, I got the idea that I was supposed to be the man of the house and raise money. I started selling drugs in high school and my mom eventually kicked me out of the house. I continued to sell drugs for survival and at the age of 19, I got a felony for cannabis possession. Colorado went legal shortly after and there were regulations put in place so that I couldn’t participate. Because of that, I focused on my other passions of community justice and education, becoming a 5th-grade teacher. After experiencing burnout as a teacher, I used my savings to start this business. Even after being licensed, I struggled to find dispensary partners. Thankfully I now have 2 dispensary partners.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I provide cannabis delivery and transportation services that ease and support the transaction between the dispensary and the customer while simultaneously helping the community to grow! I specialize in fast and reliable delivery that ensures that all orders are delivered damage-free, on time, and with compliant and accurate documentation. I am considered by many to be a community champion and that has been a differentiator for my business thus far. I was a 5th-grade teacher for seven years. I loved my job but I may have never been a fifth-grade teacher if it wasn’t for being left out of the marijuana industry. My first love was cannabis and unfortunately at the age of 19, I got a felony for marijuana possession, six years later Colorado legalized possession but because of my felony, I was not able to participate. Thanks to changes in legislation in 2020, I was allowed to get my marijuana employee badge. Because of what I’ve overcome, I soon after had an opportunity for a social equity license. I’ve established my first delivery partners with L’Eagle Services and Native Roots. I am currently trying to find other dispensaries and cultivators that I can build relationships with as I prepare to deliver their products with the top-of-the-line service that their customers have come to expect. My goal is to build with establishments that are focused on good quality and serving the community. I am most proud that my community knows me to be a leader for equity and justice and with my business, I aim to continue doing just that!

What were you like growing up?
I have always been eclectic with my interests. Intellectually I was in the gifted and honors classes growing up. I’ve also been known to be a knucklehead and class clown. I am the oldest of three and a mama’s boy so I learned to be a leader early on. I have grown into a community leader because of my interests in community justice and liberation. I have been known for my generosity and compassion as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.betterdaysdelivery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterdaysdeliveryco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterDaysDelivery
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ABCDeliveryLLC 

Image Credits
Polina Sarana, Antoinette June