“ It’ s all just plants,” he says.
That philosophy extends into every aspect of the business. Rather than overwhelming growers with complicated feeding schedules and endless product lines, Riverview focuses on making cultivation approachable. Ricky believes success comes from removing unnecessary variables instead of adding them.
“ Simple doesn’ t mean it can’ t be really good,” he says.
Whether someone is growing cannabis for medicine or tomatoes for dinner, his goal remains the same— build confidence.
Like the years he spent perfecting his jump shot or recovering from injuries, entrepreneurship has become another exercise in delayed gratification. Success isn’ t measured overnight but through consistency, resilience, and the willingness to keep showing up.
“ A year from now is going to come no matter what,” Ricky says.“ Are you going to be closer to your goal or standing in the same place?”
For Ricky, cannabis opened a door that transformed far more than his health. It became the catalyst for a new career, a new purpose, and a company dedicated to helping others grow— not just better plants, but greater confidence, stronger communities, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
“ What we’ re really trying to do is give people confidence.”
For Ricky, cannabis often serves as the first seed planted on a much larger journey. Someone learns to grow a single cannabis plant, then becomes curious about vegetables. Before long, they’ re planting herbs, building raised beds, visiting local farmers markets, and thinking more intentionally about where their food comes from.
“ Cannabis is the gateway to growing everything else,” he says.
That belief reflects a larger philosophy that surfaces repeatedly throughout his story. While Riverview Living Soils is certainly a business, Ricky views profit as a byproduct rather than the mission itself. He speaks passionately about supporting local agriculture, educating growers, and creating products that genuinely help people succeed.
“ We’ re here for you, not here to make money off of you,” he says.
Ricky with his new bride, Ally, Kreklow. They recently married on August 1.
That mindset also shapes how he leads his team. Many of the people working alongside him are longtime friends, former teammates, or individuals who share his passion for gardening and community. He readily acknowledges the risks of mixing friendships with business, but he believes trust and a shared purpose are what make the company successful.
Looking back, Ricky describes the company’ s most recent spring season as the hardest period of his life. Massive commercial orders arrived before the business had the infrastructure to support them comfortably. Long days turned into long nights as the team raced to meet demand while expanding facilities and upgrading equipment. Yet despite the exhaustion, he never questioned whether the work was worth it.
Cannabis wasn’ t Ricky’ s destination— it was his starting point. It eased years of pain, opened the door to a new passion, and ultimately inspired a company built on education, accessibility, and community. His journey is a reminder that while cannabis often begins as medicine, its greatest impact can sometimes be measured by the lives it helps cultivate along the way.
Do you have a story about cannabis and its impact on your life? We want to hear it! We plan to highlight patient stories monthly. If you are interested in being featured, please reach out directly to our publisher, Bill Crowmell, at bill. c @ theevolutionmag. com.
Kassie Ferrero is a cannabis advocate, educator, and professional musician based in Kansas City, MO. With years of experience in Missouri’ s medical and adult-use cannabis industry, she is passionate about helping consumers better understand cannabis through education, thoughtful storytelling, and reallife experiences. As the founder of Infused Sound Healing and co-president of We Are JAINE, Ferrero explores the intersection of cannabis, music, wellness, and community while advocating for greater access, connection, and education.
Notice: The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The content is for general informational purposes only.
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