Canna Connect Spotlight: Trust is Everything | Meet the Raleigh Family and Evolve Payment

A Minnesota Story of Compliance, Community, and Cannabis Payments

At Canna Connect MN, we believe the state's cannabis industry will be built by people of integrity. That's why we're proud to shine a spotlight on Evolve Payment, a local, family-owned success story that has been defining compliant payment solutions for the cannabis space for years.

Meet Donald Raleigh (Don II), Marnie Ochs-Raleigh, and Don Raleigh III, the St. Paul-based team proving that in the high-risk world of cannabis finance, trust is everything.

From Military Service to Merchant Solutions

The Evolve story began in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2002. Founder Donald Raleigh (Don II) launched the company with his wife, Marnie Ochs-Raleigh, after Donald's military service and corporate software development career. They recognized that businesses needed more than just a payment processor; they needed a partner who could solve complex technology challenges with integrity.

• The Shift: Originally a software development shop, Evolve shifted its focus when clients struggled with outdated, one-size-fits-all merchant solutions. Instead of competing on price alone, the company built its reputation on innovation, integration, and doing things the right way.

• A Family Legacy: Ten years ago, the Raleighs invited their firstborn, Don Raleigh III, to join the family business. Today, Don III leads the cannabis sales team, bringing the family's mission for transparency and compliance to local and national markets.

"Over the last 23 years, seven of them supporting the cannabis industry, Evolve has navigated complex regulations and earned a reputation for transparency and compliance. Today, they’re known not just for secure payment solutions, but for the trust and relationships they’ve built along the way."

Supporting an Industry Under Pressure

The cannabis industry operates under unique financial pressures: sudden de-platforming by large institutions, strict regulations, and limited access to traditional banking. This is where Evolve Payment steps in.

Evolve provides secure, compliant, and cost-effective payment solutions that help cannabis businesses operate without fear of lost sales or compliance missteps.

A prime example of their local commitment is their work with a Minnesota cannabis testing lab that had been abruptly dropped by multiple providers. Evolve quickly stepped in, implemented a compliant, user-friendly system, and provided ongoing guidance, helping the lab stabilize operations and strengthen its critical role in the community.

Navigating the Future of Payments

The Raleigh team is always looking ahead. With federal reform on the horizon—including the potential for mainstream credit card acceptance—Evolve is focused on two goals:

1. Preparation: They are actively preparing their clients now to seamlessly integrate and take advantage of new payment opportunities the moment regulations change.

2. Pillars of Success: Their strategy for the future rests on three pillars: innovation, education, and relationships.

More Than a Processor: A Community Partner

As a Minnesota family-owned business, Evolve Payment is deeply connected to the local cannabis community. They actively participate in industry events like CannaCon, Canna Connect, SotaCann, and the Legacy Cup, not just as sponsors, but as engaged supporters who share knowledge and resources to lift the entire industry.

For the Raleigh family, the lesson is simple: trust is everything. By combining secure, compliant technology with a relentless commitment to the people behind the businesses, Evolve aims to help shape the future of compliant cannabis payments, one local partnership at a time.

Connect with the Experts

If you're launching a cannabis business in Minnesota and need a transparent, secure, and compliant payment solution, reach out to the Evolve Payment team.

Get in touch with Don Raleigh and Evolve Payments here: https://www.evolvepayment.com/contact-us/