#IMFROMDENVER sat down with Jake Salazar for a quick Q&A.
IFD: Are you from Colorado?
Jake Salazar: Yes, I was born in Boulder and raised in Louisville. I’m a 5th generation Colorado Native. Half Mexican and Half Italian.
IFD: How old were you when you started your first company?
J: I was 23 when I started my first Company. I started the Benihanas in Broomfield.
IFD: We know you have multiple business endeavors. Care to tell us about a few?
J: Absolutely and thank you for asking. As you stated I’ve started and operated many businesses. I’m currently the Chairman of Solari Brands AKA Hip Shots which I founded with my good friend and business partner Colin Gallagher. I also currently hold a position with my newest endeavor IMFREOMDENVER MEDIA.
The company I founded that I’m most commonly identified with is MMJ AMERICA. It was my real opportunity to leave my mark on the world as I saw it. We were central figures in the movement to legalize marijuana. During my time as the CEO, we received the first medical and recreational licenses in Colorado as well as the first approved license in Las Vegas. We won 20 cannabis cups from High Times, and I was ranked on of the most influential individuals in the World for my part in all of it. It was the best time of my life and I genuinely miss my days as the CEO of that company.
IFD: What does the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce do exactly?
J: The Hispanic Chamber is a champion for Hispanic owned businesses and the people behind them. We advocate for legislation and access for our members as well as the community at large. We help give access to banking, insurance, marketing services, financial advisor, lawyers as well as a voice legislatively.
Hispanic folks make up 30% of the people living in Colorado. We’re the bridge for people wanting to do business with this amazing consumer and professional base. We now also get involved in some social causes. We don’t take positions on politicians however we do take positions on policy.
IFD: What kind of help does the chamber offer to mom and pop business owners?
J: This is really our bread and butter. So many Hispanic businesses can be characterized as “MOM AND POP”. Being part of a larger organization like ours means you don’t stand alone. We can help with an array of issues. From help with a liquor license to helping find someone to assist your corporate structuring. We can help with an array of issues. We have members from every professional service.
IFD: How did you become the chambers new chairman?
J: That’s a great question. Well, I was voted onto the board 7 years ago. Right away I started outraising just about everyone on the board. After my first year I was nominated to be the Chairman of the Finance Committee. I served as the Finance Chairman for 3 years until I was made Secretary of the Executive Committee. After a year in that position I was nominated to be the next Chairman. I served as Chairman Elect for a year and now I’m the Chairman.
IFD: What are your goals for the chamber?
J: Well, the Chamber has been a leader in our corner of the market for a long time. My main goal for my Chairmanship with be to enhance our community outreach by means of digital marketing and social media.
IFD: How does someone get in touch with the Hispanic chamber?
J: You can visit our site hispanicchamberdenver.com or call us 3035347783
