FUNDING THE FUTURE

For many business executives, doing what they are good at, and doing what they love are two different things. However, being successful in what you do can allow you the space to do what you love. Ruben Linda, owner of Black-Mar Farms, a craft cannabis industry farm owner, is looking to fund his passion in 2023. Lindo has had several professional lives. The retired professional football player is currently considered one of the best at his craft. Lindo’s company is expected to triple in revenue in 2023 and grow to providing craft cannabis servers in two more states. The company is currently in three states. Lindo, along with his associates, is in the final stages of building a fund that would allow him to help fund and partner with those that look just like him. “As Black men, it is so hard sometimes to get the funding you need for a great idea or business.” Lindo said. “We could like to be able to fund other Blacks for their own cannibas farms or whatever they want to do in business.”

Lindo has a personal goal to create the kind of funding resources that equals the playing field for minorities who have been left out of achieving the American dream. “Its about restoration, not reparations.” Lindo continued, “We as Blacks need to move beyond looking for reparations. We need to begin to create opportunities for restoration.”

Lindo believes that there is an opportunity for Blacks to help themselves by coming together to fund the ideas and businesses that could impact the entire race. Blacks have

FUNDING

THE FUTURE

Ruben Lindo has succeeded in whatever he has attempted. The former NFL player currently is a rising star in the luxury craft cannabis industry, but if he gets his way, he will fund the futures of people who look just like him.

Written by ANTHONY KIRBY

Anthony T. Kirby is the Lifestyle Editor for CODE M Magazine and has spent over 30 years in the menswear industry. He lives in Philadelphia, PA where he is the Creative Director for FINICKEY, an online men's haberdashery brand. (https://finickey.us)

always had amazing ideas. History tells us that Blacks are responsible for some of the worlds best inventions. But skin color and a lack of access robbed many of those who invented or developed great business ideas meant that they did not get the riches that came with these great ideas. Lindo wants to change that in 2023. “I am done waiting for the government to come to save our communities.” Lindo added, “We all understand how the war on drugs killed the Black community in the 80s and 90s. The government is not coming to save us. We are going to have to do it ourselves.”

Lindo is on to something. American communities where Democrats have rules still suffer from the same waves of crime and poverty today, like it was 1965. The communities still suffer from no access to jobs, capital, and opportunity. As the Chairman of Empire State Commerce, a Black chamber based out of Albany New York, Lindo hopes to drive the conversation of Blacks providing the funding to help other Black businesses find and obtain the capital that is needed to birth and grow Black businesses.

Lindo has always been a champion for seeing others do well and win. “I am about diversity. Not just about working with all kinds of people. Bue I believe in having diversity in business. I want build businesses across all kinds of landscapes.” Lindo said. Lindo rarely mentions his success in college athletics and professionally. Lindo feels its important for Black kids to know that they can be more than athletes. He wants them to know that they can own a hotel, they can own a manufacturing business, and they can venture into areas where Blacks rarely go. Lindo is putting his money where his mouth is. “I am starting this fund with my own money.” Lindo said. “I am looking for other Black funders to add to what I am doing so we can help Blacks start great businesses.” Lindo is starting the fund by putting up 1 million dollars of his own money. The momentum is building for Blacks to thrive over the next 24 months and business professionals like Ruben Lindo is building the foundation for other Blacks to stand on. ●

NYC

STRONG

Ruben Lindo owns a luxury craft cannabis brand with hopes of his platform to find and fund Black businesses.