We were lucky to catch up with Damon Brooks recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Damon, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room isn’t new to me—it’s actually been a key part of my journey. I was the first in my family to graduate college, and I’ve lived in places like Utah and Denver, where there isn’t much diversity in the field. This has pushed me to not just take up space, but really make a mark.
I find a lot of inspiration in the stories of visionary founders—people like Sam Walton, Jeff Bezos, and Sol Price. These folks didn’t just start companies; they changed the game, coming from humble beginnings to lead some of the biggest companies in the world. Their resilience and vision really motivate me.
To stay on top of my game, I dive into podcasts about fresh business ideas and startup strategies, and I use Audible to listen to books on sales and marketing strategies too.
Another big thing for me has been learning Spanish. It’s opened up so many doors, letting me connect with a broader range of people in more meaningful ways.
Mentorship is also super important to me. I seek out wisdom from those who’ve got the kind of success I aim for, and I mentor others too. It’s a two-way street that helps me gain new insights and broadens my perspective. This kind of learning gives me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone.
At the end of the day, my goal is all about building bridges—connecting with folks from different backgrounds, expanding my understanding, and integrating diverse viewpoints into my growth. Doing this not only enriches my personal life but also boosts my professional contributions wherever I go.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Thanks for reading! I’m Damon Brooks, Founder of GreenDoor, where we’re transforming the way people shop for cannabis. My journey in creating GreenDoor is rooted in years of experience managing customer experiences across major corporations, universities, and healthcare systems. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when industries truly listen to and meet their customers’ needs. As both a busy professional and a cannabis enthusiast, I’ve often felt the frustration of navigating a complex market to find the right products quickly and without hassle. Inspired by the simplicity and convenience of platforms like Amazon, I saw an opportunity to bring that same level of ease to the cannabis world.
At GreenDoor, we’ve built the first online marketplace that partners directly with dispensaries to offer curated boxes of cannabis, perfectly paired with unique experiences and artisanal foods. Together with my co-founder, a registered dietitian, we focus on crafting boxes that not only introduce customers to different types of cannabis products but also elevate their overall wellness and energy. That’s why we don’t just provide cannabis; we carefully pair it with healthier snacks, beverages, and activities that complement the experience. It’s about making cannabis a natural, enjoyable part of everyday life—whether you’re unwinding, celebrating, or taking a well-earned break.
Each of our curated boxes blends hand-selected cannabis terpenes with artisanal treats and tailored activities, providing an experience that goes beyond just the product. Whether you choose to include cannabis or not, our boxes are designed to enhance your moment. And because we know how important guidance can be when trying something new, our website is packed with resources to help you get the most out of each product—all without needing to change your routine.
Affordability is a core value at GreenDoor. We believe luxury and value should go hand in hand, which is why we offer our curated boxes at special bundle prices. You’ll receive premium products and experiences at a price point that’s more affordable than if you were to purchase each item individually. Our goal is to provide high-quality, enriching cannabis experiences that are accessible to everyone.
We also prioritize making cannabis more inclusive for those who may not have the time or comfort level to visit physical dispensaries. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or someone new to the cannabis scene, we want to make it easy for you to access curated, premium experiences. By partnering with dispensaries that offer delivery, we break down traditional barriers, making cannabis more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Right now, we’re working with several dispensaries across Denver to bring our curated boxes directly to you. Whether you’re purchasing a stand-alone box or adding it to an existing order, we’ve made it simple to enhance your cannabis experience. We also offer a subscription option for those who want GreenDoor to fully curate their monthly experience, ensuring you’re always receiving a fresh, exciting mix.
If you’re curious about how GreenDoor is elevating the cannabis shopping experience, visit us at greendoorbox.com. We’re excited to introduce more people to this new, seamless way of enjoying cannabis—whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting out. At GreenDoor, we believe cannabis should be an effortless, enriching part of life—and we’re here to make that happen.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In my journey, particularly in building GreenDoor and navigating the evolving cannabis industry, three key qualities have driven my success: willingness to learn and embrace mistakes, understanding multiple perspectives through empathy, and maintaining discipline.
<b><u>1. Willingness to Learn and Embrace Mistakes
</u></b>The cannabis industry is still relatively new, dynamic, and constantly changing, which means there’s no set blueprint for success. To thrive in this space, I’ve had to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and be willing to make mistakes along the way. When things don’t work out, I don’t see it as failure—it’s an opportunity to improve and refine our approach. At GreenDoor, we’ve experimented with different ideas, from how we collaborate with dispensaries to how we curate our experience boxes. Some strategies worked, others didn’t—but with each outcome, we learned valuable lessons. I remind myself often: only men fail, businesses don’t. The process of trial, error, and adjustment is what allows us to find what resonates most with our customers. In an industry where innovation and adaptation are crucial, everything is figureoutable if you’re willing to take risks, adapt, and keep moving forward.
<b><u>2. Understanding Multiple Perspectives
</u></b>Empathy has been one of the most powerful skills I’ve developed in this industry. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and truly understanding the varied needs and experiences of our customers—whether they’re first-timers or long-time enthusiasts—is crucial to providing value. At GreenDoor, we focus on walking in our customers’ shoes, which is why we pair our curated cannabis products with artisanal sips, bites, and experiences that enhance their everyday lives. We’re not just selling products; we’re solving problems, whether it’s finding the perfect terpene blend to help someone relax or offering a convenient service for busy professionals who can’t make it to a dispensary. This customer-first approach has allowed us to create experiences that resonate deeply and offer real value.
<b><u>3. Discipline
</u></b>Discipline is essential in any industry, but particularly in one as unpredictable as cannabis. It’s easy to get distracted by daily challenges or setbacks, but staying focused on the bigger picture is key. Whether it’s starting a new project or pushing through obstacles, discipline helps you maintain momentum even when things seem tough. For me, it’s about taking action—whether that’s putting pen to paper or getting started on a task, even when it feels overwhelming. You have to stay dedicated to your pursuit or risk getting sidetracked. In the cannabis industry, where regulations and market trends can change overnight, discipline is what keeps you moving forward, focused on growth and innovation, rather than being pulled off course.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We know that collaboration is the key to transforming the cannabis journey for our customers. We’re on the lookout for innovative businesses and individuals who share our passion for making cannabis more accessible, enjoyable, and seamlessly integrated into everyday life. We’re committed to partnering with forward-thinkers who want to redefine the cannabis industry with us. Together, we can break down barriers and create extraordinary experiences that elevate how people connect with cannabis. Let’s collaborate and make a lasting impact! <b>
<u>Cannabis Dispensaries – </u></b>Dispensaries interested in expanding their offerings with unique, curated experiences.
<b>How We Can Collaborate:</b> Together, we can create exclusive experience boxes featuring your products, adding value for your customers while differentiating your dispensary in the market.
<b><u>Small Businesses -</u></b>Local companies offering products or services that complement the cannabis experience—think artisanal foods, beverages, or lifestyle items.
<b>How We Can Collaborate:</b> Your products can be featured in our curated boxes, promoting your brand to a broader audience and enriching the customer experience.
<b><u>Third-Party Cannabis Delivery Companies – </u></b>Reliable delivery partners to ensure our boxes reach customers efficiently.
<b>How We Can Collaborate: </b>Partnering with delivery services helps us expand our reach, providing a seamless shopping experience to customers who prefer or require delivery options.
<b><u>Cannabis Brands for Custom Boxes -</u></b> Cannabis brands eager to create custom boxes that showcase their unique products.
<b>How We Can Collaborate:</b> We can work together to design exclusive, personalized boxes, giving your brand a platform to shine while offering customers a memorable experience.
<b><u>Cannabis Accessories Producers -</u></b>Creators of premium cannabis accessories, from glassware to innovative vaporizers.
<b>How We Can Collaborate:</b> By featuring your accessories in our marketplace or boxes, we’ll introduce your products to a wider audience, enhancing the overall customer experience.
<b><u>How to Connect With Us:
</u></b>If you’re interested in exploring collaboration opportunities with GreenDoor, we’d love to hear from you!
<b>Email:</b> Reach out at [email protected] with your proposal or for more information.
<b>Website:</b> Visit greendoorbox.com and fill out our advertising inquiry form.
<b>Social Media:</b> Send us a direct message on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @greendoorbox.
Contact Info:
- Website: greendoorbox.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greendoorbox_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greendoorbox
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greendoorbox/
- Twitter: https://x.com/greendoorbox
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@greendoorbox https://www.pinterest.com/greendoorbox/
Image Credits
Photos by SJD Content LLC
