From Cannabis to Community: How We’re Revitalizing Urban America with Purpose-Driven Investment

Introduction

In a world of booming industries and rapid change, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the next big thing. For me, that thing was the legal cannabis space. I was deeply involved in the private equity side of things, helping to raise money for companies foundational to the burgeoning cannabis industry as it began to be legalized for medical and recreational purposes. It was an exhilarating ride, but little did I know that this journey would ultimately lead me to a mission far more personal and impactful—revitalizing urban communities across America.

 

Revitalizing urban communities through purpose-driven investment.

The Highs of the Cannabis Industry

My work in the cannabis space was a thrilling blend of everything I had learned in my career. I took the best of my experience in investment management and public accounting and merged them into a role as a contract CFO. This position put me right in the middle of the action, representing companies eager to grow and investors eager to capitalize on the "green rush." It was our job to vet these opportunities, to ensure that our investors were putting their money into solid deals, and to connect the dots between entrepreneurs and capital.

The industry was on fire. At its peak, cannabis was creating more jobs than manufacturing, distribution, and government combined. Investors were so eager to get in on the action that we'd receive unsolicited checks for hundreds of thousands of dollars, with simple instructions: "Put me anywhere." The question was no longer if cannabis would be legalized nationally, but when.

A Personal Disconnect

Despite the excitement and the opportunity to witness significant growth in an industry, something was missing for me. I wasn't having as much fun as everyone else because, well, I didn't use the product. I didn't judge those who did, but it just wasn't for me. As much as I learned and as successful as we were, my heart wasn't in it.

There was another layer to my discomfort. As a Black man from the South Side of Chicago, the cannabis industry, while lucrative, didn't align with what truly mattered to me. I found myself asking, "How can I create something like this for what I really care about?" And what I cared about wasn't cannabis—it was the communities I grew up in, places like Roseland, Englewood, and Chatham.

The Epiphany: From Profits to Purpose

As I walked through the empty commercial corridors of these neighborhoods, I was struck by the lack of economic activity. There were no shops, no restaurants, no businesses creating jobs or opportunities for the residents. The neighborhoods I cared about were desolate, and it broke my heart.

I started to wrestle with the idea: Could I create investment opportunities like those in the cannabis space, but focused on revitalizing urban communities? Initially, the idea seemed far-fetched. After all, there was a pervasive belief that there was no value in the "hood." But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this belief was flawed.

There was money in these areas. There were businesses, albeit not the kind that uplifted the community—liquor stores, nail salons, and other low-impact ventures. The issue wasn't a lack of value but a lack of producers. The residents of these neighborhoods were almost entirely consumers, with few opportunities to produce or build wealth within their communities.

That realization hit me like a lightning bolt. The problem wasn't the absence of value; it was the absence of opportunity. What these neighborhoods needed was an influx of producers—businesses that could create jobs, generate wealth, and breathe life back into the community.

 

Creating economic opportunities in underserved communities is key to revitalization.

The Birth of a New Mission

With this newfound clarity, I knew what I had to do. My mission became to focus on creating more producers in urban areas, particularly in major metropolitan cities like Chicago, New York, Houston, Atlanta, and Detroit. The goal was to help people in these communities start businesses—businesses that would create jobs, build wealth, and ultimately transform the lives of those living in the inner cities.

This vision led to the evolution of P&G Advisors. We are now committed to creating 10,000 retail, service, manufacturing, and distribution businesses with valuations of $10 million or more in urban centers across America. Imagine the impact of injecting $100 billion into the South and West Sides of Chicago, into the inner cities of New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, and beyond. It would be a game-changer, a state change for predominantly Black and Brown communities that have long been overlooked and under-resourced.

Joining the Movement: How You Can Get Involved

This is more than just a business strategy—it's a movement. And if you're reading this, there's a good chance you're someone who wants to make a difference. Whether you're a business owner, a professional advisor, or an investor, there are ways for you to get involved in this transformative journey.

1. Set Up a Meeting with Us.
   Whether you're looking to start a business in an urban area, partner with us as a professional advisor, or explore investment opportunities, we'd love to connect. A conversation with us could be the first step in making a real difference in the communities that need it most.

2. Partner with P&G Advisors.
   If you're a professional advisor who shares our vision, let's collaborate. Together, we can create the infrastructure and support needed to help entrepreneurs in urban areas thrive.

3. Invest in the Future of Urban America.
   Are you an investor looking for opportunities that offer both financial returns and social impact? Consider investing in the businesses we support. Your capital could be the catalyst that transforms a community.

 

Investing in urban communities offers both financial returns and social impact.

Conclusion: The Power of Purpose

The shift from the cannabis industry to community development wasn't just a career change—it was a calling. It was about aligning my work with my values and using my skills to make a real, lasting impact. The work we're doing at P&G Advisors is just the beginning. We're building a movement to revitalize urban America, and we invite you to join us.