Rudolph Armstrong II: Cannatopia Con
Cannatopia. What a beautifully captivating word. It sounds like a whirlwind experience, a place where minds can be opened, and a space where ideas can be shared and thought upon. And as the name suggests, it is all these things and more and Rudolph Armstrong II is the visionary behind it all. As an entrepreneur with a professional background in both small and large business and he believes in helping both become an active part of our industry. If you’re on the fence, Rudolph is the one on the other side who will help you down and take you on a tour of all the opportunities out there for businesses seeking to join our space.
What was the deciding factor for you to join this particular industry?
Cannatopia Corporation came from a passion I had and a need I saw to help people by increasing their access to education. I’ve always had the desire to help people, as well as have a keen interest in the tremendous applications of natural products, particularly those that can be derived from the cannabis and hemp plants. It was my inherent fascination in learning more about these things that compelled me to begin researching ways to become a part of this movement.
After spending some time, really pondering how I might accomplish this, it became clear to me that there was an important way that I could contribute to this exciting new industry: Facilitating an opportunity for people to become more educated about “the plant,” the industry as a whole, and the wide variety of innovations that are taking place within it. We are barely scratching the surface with respect to how large this industry can grow. There are entrepreneurs and innovators world-wide looking for an opportunity to gain more exposure for their products and ideas. Cannatopia aspires to be the vehicle by which these visionaries can deliver their breakthroughs to the masses.
What skills from your previous experiences helped you in what you are doing now?
Many of my previous experiences have taught me the importance of being disciplined and also that there is no reward without some degree of risk. I learned this partially as a result of my own tenacity and partially through my time working at major corporations like L’oreal, Aflac, and Pepsi Co. Another large influence on the development of my skill set was the experience I was very fortunate to have growing up working alongside my family in the trade show industry.
Being able to see the way that both large and small companies operate internally offered me several important insights on how to launch my own business. One of those important insights is that you have to be willing to be entirely invested in what you are doing – Be your biggest supporter and promote your business responsibly with an eye on the future.
Be your biggest supporter and promote your business responsibly with an eye on the future.
Tell us about the point in the time you realized the coming of the ‘green rush’?
Sometime in early 2008, when I was getting ready to complete my Bachelor’s degree in economics at Syracuse University, I realized that the cannabis and hemp laws in the United States were changing to such a degree that for the first time, there seemed to be a legitimate opportunity for me to be a part of the “green rush.” As mentioned previously, I was an economics major with a minor in finance, so at that time discussions with my peers often revolved around emerging economic trends and new ideas for business. These factors definitely helped me recognize that the “green rush” was here to stay and that I needed to be involved in it. On the contrary, came the creation of my private senior level economic research project entitled “Economics of Budgetary Implications for the Legalization of Hemp Products and Medical Marijuana in the United States.”
What are you doing to impact the industry?
There are so many ways that Cannatopia is currently touching the industry. We work vigorously every day to expose developing companies and individuals to increase traction on their products and ideas. However, our mission is much deeper than that. We seek to build relationships with people of all backgrounds that have an interest in seeing this industry for all that it can be. We want to usher in the next generation of thought leaders in the field, as well as continuing our work to help educate the masses about the latest breakthroughs and innovations in the industry.
We are also striving to promote the freedom of Cannabusiness in the United States by showing people how they can become a part of this industry, too. Thus doing our part to help drive the movement forward in a responsible direction. Cannatopia always seeks to spread knowledge about the industry through educational seminars that take place during our Cannatopia Convention, as well as highlighting eclectic multi-industry products and services on behalf of thousands of established and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Describe your work ethic to me in one word.
If I had to describe my work ethic in one word I would use the word, momentum. Like an object in motion without any other force exerted upon it to impede its progress, we are unstoppable!
If I had to describe my work ethic in one word I would use the word, momentum. Like an object in motion without any other force exerted upon it to impede its progress, we are unstoppable!
What does a typical work day look like for you in your business?
There is no such thing as a typical work day. You must constantly be thinking outside the box because new challenges are always presenting themselves. In order to be successful you have to have a goal and a mission. You have to invest all of your heart and soul into establishing yourself in this industry because this space is so incredibly dynamic and is always changing and developing. A typical workday is unlike a work day in any other industry because this industry is unlike any other.
How do you find inspiration in this industry?
By helping people in need and by providing guidance to others about how they can acquire the skill set necessary to be successful in this field.
I am also continually inspired when I see other talented entrepreneurs break into this industry. I have had the chance to meet so many people of all backgrounds looking to get involved in the industry out of a genuine interest in helping others. This keeps me highly motivated and inspires me to keep on working.
Tell me about an esteemed achievement of yours.
The achievement that makes me most proud is starting Cannatopia! It has been one of the most intricate, challenging and rewarding things I have ever had the opportunity to do. I know that as we become even better established that the increased variety of ways we are able to help people will only enhance my since of achievement surrounding this accomplishment.
The achievement that makes me most proud is starting Cannatopia!
How would you advise someone who wants to join the industry?
- You have to wake up and love what you are doing.
- You have to be flexible and willing to meet your audience where they are.
- Do not try to reinvent the wheel. Take the skill set that you already have and figure out how to make those skills relevant within this industry.
- Be willing to find partners that have the skills that you lack. No one individual has all the prerequisite skills to be successful in this or any other industry.
- Be willing to invest in your own industry. You should invest in research and development, but you should also have your major areas of emphasis.
What’s your newest knowledge about the marijuana industry?
The knowledge that should be shared has to do with the fact that there is still so much more opportunity to get involved in the movement! You can help write the next chapter of this industry’s evolution.
If we are sitting across from each other a year from now, how will our conversation about the ‘green rush’ be going?
We will be talking about the exponential growth of this industry and the united effort to reform the laws surrounding cannabis. As States continue to change their policies to support medical and recreational usage, our industry will continue to grow in respect as a legitimate industry just like any other. Hopefully, we will also be talking about the continued growth and relevance of Cannatopia and other companies involved in this fascinating industry.
