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

In Minnesota’s cannabis industry, connection drives progress. This week we’re spotlighting a family-owned payments partner helping operators stay secure, compliant, and ready for what’s next.

Don Raleigh III (center), Business Development Manager

Meet the Raleighs behind Evolve

Evolve Payments started in 2002 in St. Paul when Donald and Marnie Raleigh saw that entrepreneurs needed more than a processor. They needed a partner who could integrate technology, navigate risk, and do it all with integrity. Their firstborn, Don Raleigh III, later joined and now leads cannabis sales across Minnesota and the U.S.

Originally a software development shop, Evolve shifted when they noticed clients struggling with rigid, one-size-fits-all merchant tools. The team doubled down on innovation and integration instead of racing to the bottom on price. Two decades later, with seven years in cannabis, Evolve has earned trust for transparency and compliance as much as for secure transactions.

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“Trust is everything. If a system is compliant, easy for customers, and transparent on fees, everybody wins.”

Quick Facts

  • 23 years supporting complex, regulated industries

  • 7 years focused on cannabis payments and compliance

  • Minnesota-owned family business serving clients nationwide

Supporting an industry under pressure

Don Raleigh III receiving a 2025 award for leadership in payments

From sudden de-platforming to banking limits, cannabis operators face unique headwinds. Evolve steps in with secure, compliant, and cost-effective solutions so businesses can operate without fear of lost sales or surprise account closures.

Real-world impact: When a Minnesota testing lab was dropped by multiple providers, Evolve implemented a compliant, user-friendly system and stayed engaged after go-live with guidance and reporting. The result was stability, clearer operations, and a stronger role for the lab in our local ecosystem.

More Than a Processor

You’ll see Evolve at CannaCon, Canna Connect, SotaCann, and Legacy Cup. They do more than sponsor. They show up, share knowledge, and help founders troubleshoot sticky back-office challenges in real time.

Why our community works with Evolve

  • Integration-minded: POS, ecommerce, reporting, and reconciliation that actually talk to each other

  • Compliance-forward: Clear guidance for staff and customers, not just a PDF of rule

  • People-centered: Accessible, responsive support for team’s of any size

Looking Ahead

With potential federal reform on the horizon, including wider card acceptance, Evolve is preparing clients now so they can move fast when rules change. Their focus remains steady on three pillars that match our values: innovation, education, and relationships.

Connect with Don Raleigh III

Looking for compliant in-store, delivery, or ecommerce payments, or a backup plan if your provider changes course? Evolve is here to help.

Share this spotlight

  • Facebook: Meet the Minnesota family behind a trusted cannabis payments partner.

  • Twitter/X: Compliance, clarity, and connection. Meet @EvolvePayments’ Don Raleigh III.

  • Threads: Secure payments for MN cannabis, with people first.

  • LinkedIn: Spotlight on Evolve Payments and Don Raleigh III, helping operators stay compliant and ready for change.

Hashtags: #CannaConnectMN #MNcannabis #CannabisPayments #EvolvePayments #Compliance

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