Roland Conner’s path to building Smacked Village was shaped by real-life experiences.
Raised in Far Rockaway, Roland saw how communities like his were disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis. What stood out most to him were the legal consequences and the long-term impact on opportunity.
These experiences stayed with him, quietly shaping how he maneuvered as a purpose-drive entrepreneur.
In 2009, he founded Project First Step, a transitional housing program in New York dedicated to supporting disadvantaged individuals on their path to stability and independence.
When New York legalized cannabis, Roland saw an opportunity to bring that same mission-driven mindset into a new space.
Smacked Village became the next chapter in his family’s journey. They worked together to build the foundation of a business that’s based on access and trust.
Turning Smacked Village Into a Community-First Business
When Smacked Village first opened, it came with significant media attention.
As one of New York’s first legal dispensaries, there was pressure and expectation from every direction.
Behind the headlines, Roland and his family stayed focus on creating a memorable first experience for people walking through their doors.
Staying Focused on the Customer Experience
As CEO, Roland remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of Smacked Village.
That means constantly refining the in-store experience, paying attention to what customers are looking for, and how they feel when they leave.
Every decision, from product selection to staff training, is made with that in mind.
Building Access: Delivery for Local Communities
Understanding the pace and needs of New York City, Roland helped lead the launch of Smacked Village’s local delivery service.
By offering reliable delivery to nearby neighborhoods, Smacked Village became more integrated into people’s daily routines, giving customers a way to access trusted products without travel.
Creating Spaces Beyond Retail: Legacy Club NYC
For Roland, Smacked Village was never meant to be just a dispensary.
That vision expanded with the launch of Legacy Club NYC – a private event space designed to bring people together through culture and shared experiences.
From community gatherings to live events, the space reflects a belief that local businesses should play a role in building community.
Rewarding Customers: The Smacked Village Loyalty Program
As the customer base grew, Roland introduced the Smacked Village loyalty program as a way to give back to the people who support the brand.
The program strengthens the relationship between the business and its community by creating a sense of appreciation and connection.
Giving Back: The Smacked Foundation
Roland’s commitment to community didn’t start with Smacked Village, and it doesn’t end with it either.
Through the Smacked Foundation, he continues to invest in initiatives that support education, opportunity, and long-term growth for underserved communities.
It’s a continuation of the same mission that shaped his earlier work, now operating at a larger scale.
A Vision Bigger Than Business
New York’s legalization of cannabis marked a historic shift, but for Roland, it an opportunity.
An opportunity for people from communities that were once disproportionately impacted by cannabis laws to now have a voice in shaping the industry’s future.
Roland and his family embody that shift.