Eivan Shahara

Eivan Shahara is the chief executive officer of Brightroot Inc., the parent company of Mint Cannabis, a national multi-state cannabis operator.

Shahara’s journey in the cannabis industry began in 2016 when he co-founded Mint Cannabis with Raul Molina. Recognizing the potential of the rapidly expanding industry, they aimed to provide not only access to cannabis for patients with debilitating medical conditions but also exceptional education, customer service and product variety. Their dedication paid off when they secured two coveted dispensary licenses out of 750 applicants in Arizona.

The path to that success wasn’t always smooth, Shahara said. His parents immigrated to the U.S. and worked tirelessly to provide for their family, setting an example for Shahara. Before Mint Cannabis, Shahara had other entrepreneurial endeavors, some that clicked and some that didn’t.

“When I sold my business in Michigan, I felt like I was on top of the world,” Shahara said. “I moved to Arizona and invested all the money I had made into Arizona businesses. (This was back in 2006–07, before we created Mint Cannabis.) Then the economy took a turn and the Great Recession hit. I lost everything. I was functioning day to day. I was looking at what utility needed to be paid today so that we wouldn’t be shut off tomorrow.

“Losing everything was a reality check that brought me back to the hardships my family endured when I was growing up. I’m grateful for that entire experience. Although it is something I would never want to relive again, it taught me so many things. It also made me appreciate the future accomplishments we have had at Mint Cannabis that much more.”

Under Shahara's leadership, Mint Cannabis has grown into an industry trailblazer, operating a network of state-of-the-art retail locations, cultivation centers and extraction laboratories valued at over $500 million. The flagship dispensary in Tempe/Guadalupe is the largest in the state and the third largest in the United States. The company has expanded its presence to Michigan and has plans to open new locations in Nevada, Missouri, Massachusetts, Illinois and other states.

The company has partnered with a renowned cancer researcher to explore the benefits of medical marijuana for late-stage cancer patients and veterans with PTSD. Mint Cannabis has donated over $3 million to local communities and continues to devote volunteer hours to serving those in need.

Beyond providing high-quality products, Shahara focuses on strategic innovations that enhance Mint's services. The introduction of the nation's first cannabis kitchen and the implementation of drive-thru, online ordering and curbside pick-up services are examples of his customer-centric approach. He also has worked with Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport officials to introduce a free shuttle service, capitalizing on cannabis-inspired tourism.

"We always like to lead by example,” Shahara said. “If we have to clean the restroom, we clean the restroom. When other people see you doing those things, from cleaning bathrooms all the way to the tasks at the top of the list, they respect you more.”