Michael Candelario started his entrepreneurial journey 18 years ago. He has been through the healthcare industry, the alcohol industry, and the marijuana business but has always maintained his interest in real estate projects. Currently, Michael is the CEO and Founder of Original Goods, a national cannabis company with assets across eight states.

Michael is the oldest of five brothers and was always told that from an early age he was a natural leader. Being born to lead and teach, Michael always strives for the very best and never settles for anything that’s just “good enough”. He was born in Homestead, Florida, and as a military brat, he spent most of his childhood year growing up on the east coast.

Michael attended the Virginia Military Institute and The University of Wisconsin-Madison for Real Estate Development, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. He joined the U.S Marines and served for 5 years. Michael Candelario graduated Parris Island Boot Camp as the Honor Graduate and first in the class of over 380 Marines.

How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?

I was in business working as the Director of Operations for a healthcare organization. I was very much involved with insurance claims that would cover a multitude of medications. Many that could be extremely dangerous with addictive qualities. I had been researching the cannabis industry for some time. I wanted to be involved in what seemed to be an industry that was going to break ground. As I became more familiar with the industry, the benefits and life changing stories I had heard I decided to pursue. I wanted to create a business where patients felt safe and unjudged with their decision to use cannabis. I wanted to spread awareness to people that this “plant” is more than just a “plant”. Many people have placed judgment around the word “cannabis” or “marijuana”, and I hope that with my team, business and ongoing ideas we can educate and inspire others in hopes to redirect their perspective on cannabis.

When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?

I’ve questioned several items throughout my business life. I’ve doubted and regretted, I’ve also thought about the what if’s and should haves. I have learned that those thoughts will not progress myself forward. I have learned to take the good with the bad and the bad with the good. More importantly, I’ve learned it’s a must to fail forward and to learn from the mistake to be better next time.

What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works well to generate new business?

The way you present yourself and your business to others interested in your company is huge.  We have put together a specific business model to follow. We have websites, videos and a deck explaining exactly who we are, our team and what our current and future business plans are. With these materials, we are then able to market other entities that we believe would match our business profile.

What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?

Several sleepless nights led me to the realization that sometimes no matter how bad you want something to work out you can’t force it and if you are its probably not a good deal to begin with. Detaching and removing myself from partnerships to then realign myself with likeminded people with likeminded goals insight was by far one of the best business decisions I have made recently. It only took one equal mind to pair with for the right energy and excitement to align. We share the same but different qualities, where one lacks the other exceeds. Our goals aren’t just M O N E Y; Together we all fuel our fire looking for the next best opportunity for growth within.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

My drive, mindset, motivation, and persistence to do better and be better but not only for myself. Learning from each error no matter how big or how small and continuing to strive across the finish line. I want my story to be inspirable to others and more importantly to my children. I want them to see what the raw reality of life is while learning that it’s not too big to overcome. Setting the right example and being able to set the expectation for the future for my three boys is important to me. I am continuously searching for opportunities to expand and I think that’s what will set me apart from others. Success doesn’t come to you, you must go get it.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Missouri, 2010, completing my first transaction. I was a young kid with an idea but unsure if it was going to work. It still to this day has been the smallest deal I have ever put together. Having my vision come to life and play out was a huge deal for me and one of my greatest accomplishments.

What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?

The future holds expansion; expansion throughout the U.S. and into some major growing markets including Michigan; Massachusetts and throughout Colorado. There are five stages of a business growth cycle and I believe we are entering the “Growth cycle” of our business life.  Greater opportunities are currently present in the outcome of the work strategies we have put in place. Being aware of the share volume in this business we are extremely excited to be expanding.

What business books have inspired you?

The ONE Thing by Jay Papasan

Focusing on multiple items to do every single day with no prioritization of tasks can get overwhelming and unproductive. This book guided me to prioritize; structure and focus on a single task that was top priority until completed. I started out with one task every day, once I was comfortable, I tried to get two top priority tasks completed and eventually got to a top “Big THREE” for the day. Three is comfortable, reasonable and not overwhelming. Each morning I take time for myself reflecting on my decisions along with putting focus and intention on my “Big THREE” It has worked well for me and at the end of the day I feel great and super accomplished!

What is a recent decision you have made that’s helped with your business?

Several sleepless nights led me to the realization that sometimes no matter how bad you want something to work out you can’t force it and if you are its probably not a good deal to begin with. Detaching and removing myself from partnerships to then realign myself with likeminded people with likeminded goals insight was by far one of the best business decisions I have made recently. It only took one equal mind to pair with for the right energy and excitement to align. We share the same but different qualities, where one lacks the other exceeds. Our goals aren’t just M O N E Y; Together we all fuel our fire looking for the next best opportunity for growth within.

What is one attribute you contribute to your success? 

Your team is extremely powerful more than most give credit for. Hiring the best people possible is huge for success and sometimes hiring those people even though you think they may be overqualified. Knowing from past experiences when you have a great team the insight and different perspectives you get from one another creates massive energy and has turned into some of the best group decisions.

Do you have any advice you would give an individual looking to go into business?

First and foremost, never give up! Don’t be afraid to pivot on your initial idea. Sometimes the best ideas are only one of two steps away from being something great. At some point you will be faced with failure; the key is to fail forward; push through and continue moving the block. Learn from the mistake and adjust to being better next time.

What is one thing you are still learning to do better?

Balance; balance between time allocated for work; personal time and other aspects of life. Achieving a sustainable work-life balance has been a daily challenge for me but moving into a new year with the right mindset and more importantly team in place I believe this will open for a healthier work-life balance for myself.

 

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