From Blind Drug Dealer to CEO

Have you ever been told you weren’t strong enough, fast enough, or simply “good enough” for the dreams that spark inside you? If so, you’re in the right place. You're about to be introduced to someone who refused to let labels stop him from living a life of purpose and passion. His name is Mike Calvo, and his story will leave you with one resounding truth: You are far more capable than you could ever imagine!

 

Rather Listen than Read?

Whether you keep reading and listen later, or you decide to ditch the blog and dive right into the podcast, you can hear from Mike Calvo firsthand inside of Episode 378 of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration.

 

Growing Up Against the Odds

Born to Cuban immigrants, Mike’s world came with its fair share of challenges—beginning with the fact that he was born blind. On top of that, he was raised in a culture unfamiliar with how to foster independence for someone who couldn’t see. And yet, by the time he was a teenager, Mike found himself in a world not limited by his blindness.

 

Maybe not something you'd want to put on your resume, but by the age of 13, Mike was DJing in nightclubs and was already caught up in the 1980s Miami drug scene.

 

In every wild turn of his early life, Mike’s relentless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit stood out. If the world told him “you can’t,” Mike’s response was always, “just watch me."

 

Learning to Hustle (and Relearning to Hope)

Mike’s environment in 1980s Miami was a breeding ground for hustle—legal or otherwise. Selling drugs and DJing made him quick money, but it also introduced him to a dangerous lifestyle. After one too many close calls, a transformative moment in 1995 made him realize he was called to something bigger.

 

“I felt like I’d wasted so much of the life I was given,” Mike recalls. “When I finally opened my eyes—ironically as a blind man—I realized there was so much more I could do.”

 

Faith played a major role in his turnaround, though he’ll be the first to tell you he doesn’t limit himself to any one label. What matters most to Mike is the underlying message: We’re all here to build something meaningful out of our lives.

 

Turning Barriers into Bridges

Where many people see a disability, Mike sees a gateway to innovation. After his wild teenage years, Mike stepped into the corporate and tech world with fresh eyes—ready to prove that vision goes far beyond physical sight.

 

“Blindness is just one part of who we are,” Mike says. “It’s social stigma that causes more problems than the condition itself.”

 

Discovering the Power of Technology

Fueled by firsthand knowledge of how technology can tear down walls, Mike founded companies dedicated to accessibility. His current venture, Pneuma Solutions, specializes in bridging the digital divide with tools like Remote Incident Manager (RIM). Suddenly, blind users can get or provide tech support on remote computers with ease—no more waiting around for a sighted assistant.

 

Mike’s passion is rooted in a bigger vision: that employment for the blind should be just as attainable as it is for anyone else. He believes the solution isn’t pity—it’s partnership. Instead of empathizing (“I’m sorry you can’t see”), he wants employers to ask, “How can we make this workspace accessible so you can thrive?”

 

The Heart of a Trailblazer

What sets Mike apart is his unwavering commitment to living on his own terms. He likes to joke that he’s “selfish” because he’s always looking for a better way to do things for himself first. But here’s the twist: once he creates or discovers a new trick or tool to make his own life easier, he shares it freely so everyone else can benefit, too.

 

To Mike, it’s just common sense—why keep a good thing to yourself when it can help an entire community? That’s how he’s changing the world, one clever solution at a time.

 

Lessons to Fuel Your Own Journey

No matter what adversity you face—blindness, a difficult childhood, or a lifetime of people telling you “No”—Mike’s story stands as a testament that you really can find a “Yes.” Here are a few takeaways to light your path forward:

 

Own Your Story:

Your life experiences, good and bad, shape who you are today. Use them to propel yourself—not hold you back.

Break Down Societal Stigmas:

The biggest obstacles are often other people’s assumptions. Your worth isn’t determined by anyone else’s opinions.

Dream Big and Adapt:

If your first approach doesn’t work, pivot. There’s always another way—especially if you dare to think outside the box.

Pay It Forward:

When you unlock a solution—whether it’s a new software tool or a more inclusive hiring policy—don’t keep it to yourself. Help someone else benefit, too.

 

Your Turn to Rise Above

Mike Calvo’s story is living proof that adversity can be a steppingstone rather than a roadblock. If you’ve got a dream in your heart—whether it’s launching a business, changing careers, or rewriting your personal narrative—stop waiting for permission. The journey might not be easy, but as Mike shows us, it’s in the doing that real transformation happens.

 

Eager for More Insights Straight from Mike Himself?

Don’t miss a single drop of his energy and passion—head over now to Episode 378 of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration to hear the full conversation.

 

Remember: You’re stronger than the doubt. You’re more creative than the circumstances trying to hold you back. And you’ve got everything you need to step into your own, unstoppable future. The world can’t wait to see what you do next!