Talent in Cannabis

Originally published July 7, 2025 as part of FlowerHire’s Sunset Sessions.How do you build a cannabis brand by putting community first?In this From the Vault conversation, FlowerHire CEO David Belsky sits down with Kate Miller, founder and CEO of Miss Grass, to talk about her journey from budtender in LA’s medical cannabis market to building a nationally recognized cannabis brand.Kate shares how Miss Grass got its start as a content platform, building a community around consumers who weren't represented by traditional cannabis brands before ever launching a product. She and David explore the early days of Venice Beach's cannabis scene, the evolution of cannabis culture, and how strategic partnerships helped Miss Grass reach new audiences.They also discuss the opportunities and challenges of expanding into multiple states, the growing influence of hemp-derived products, and Kate's approach to hiring and building a team that can adapt as the industry evolves.In this episode:From budtender to founder of Miss GrassBuilding a community and content platform before launching productsThe early days of Venice Beach's cannabis industryReaching new consumers through branding and strategic partnershipsNavigating multi-state expansionThe role of hemp-derived products in expanding cannabis accessHiring for hard work, flexibility, and passionBuilding a cannabis brand in an evolving industryFrom the Vault revisits conversations from FlowerHire’s archives with the people who have helped shape the cannabis industry.Instagram: @flowerhireYouTube: @flowerhireLinkedIn: @flowerhire

Frank Perullo, Co-founder and President of Ascend Wellness Holdings, entered cannabis in 2012, during the Green Rush. Capital was flowing in, companies were trying to expand at any cost, and simply getting a license could provide an opportunity.Since the Green Rush, companies have had to become sharper, leaner, and much more intentional about how they operate. That’s exactly what Ascend Wellness did. And it got them from a single-state vertically integrated business to a seven-state MSO with 60 stores.In this episode of the Talent in Cannabis Podcast, Frank Perullo joins David Belsky to talk about what it takes to build in an industry that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Frank shares what he’s learned from navigating growth, pressure, setbacks, and the constant need to adapt.Frank shares:What changed between the early “green rush” years and today’s more disciplined cannabis market, and what companies need to do to make itThe hiring mistakes Ascend made early on, especially around cultivation and manufacturing talentWhy Ascend has kept a decentralized leadership model instead of forcing corporate teams back into an officeHow talent reviews, performance management, and clear goals help Ascend develop and retain employees

Drew Duval and his wife, Karen, started FloraCal Farms from a VW bus in Sonoma County in 2014. After 4 acquisitions and a decade later, Drew is now President of Operations at Cresco Labs, leading over 1,300 employees.In this episode of the Talent in Cannabis Podcast, Drew joins David Belsky to share how his small family business led to Cresco Labs. He dives into what it takes to manage wholesale operations across multiple state markets, including cultivation, manufacturing, product development, and day-to-day facility operations. Plus, learn:How Drew and Karen built FloraCal Farms around quality and consistencyThe acquisitions that ultimately brought FloraCal into CrescoWhat makes California’s cannabis market so difficult for operatorsHow Cresco balances companywide standards with local decision-makingWhen cannabis automation delivers a real returnHow Cresco develops employees from entry-level roles into leadership positionsWhy Drew is optimistic about Ohio, Kentucky, and emerging Southern marketsWhy post-harvest remains one of cannabis’s most overlooked investmentsThe research every candidate should complete before interviewing with an MSOFind leaders for your cannabis company: www.flowerhire.comConnect with Drew Duval: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-duval-119963139/ Connect with David Belsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbelsky/ Check out Cresco Labs: https://www.crescolabs.com/ Check out FloraCal Farms: https://www.floracalfarms.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerhire/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FlowerHire LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowerhire/ 

Originally published August 27, 2025 as part of FlowerHire’s Sunset Sessions.What does it take to build a real community around cannabis?In this From the Vault conversation, FlowerHire CEO David Belsky sits down with Lulu Tsui, co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of On The Revel, to talk about building community in New York’s evolving cannabis market.Lulu shares how On The Revel got its start in 2016, creating more accessible and diverse spaces for cannabis professionals, enthusiasts, and curious consumers to connect. She and David dig into what makes New York’s cannabis culture and market unique, how consumer behavior is shaping the industry, and why successful entrepreneurs need to show up, do the research, and be ready to pivot.They also discuss bringing cannabis together with New York’s music, food, and art communities, the evolution of On The Revel’s events, and Lulu’s work expanding into psychedelics and new community experiences.In this episode: Building authentic community in cannabis  The origins and evolution of On The Revel  What makes New York’s cannabis market different  Understanding New York cannabis consumers  Creating events at the intersection of cannabis, music, food, and art  Why entrepreneurs need to listen, learn, and pivot  Expanding community-building beyond cannabis From the Vault revisits conversations from FlowerHire’s archives with the people who have helped shape the cannabis industry.Instagram:   / flowerhire   YouTube:    / flowerhire   LinkedIn:   / flowerhire

Shortly after high school, Mike Khemmoro started cultivating cannabis as a caregiver in Michigan. Today, he’s the co-founder of Mango Cannabis, a retail operator with 14 dispensaries across Oklahoma, Michigan, New York, and New Mexico. And they have more stores underway in Minnesota and Kentucky.In this episode of the Talent in Cannabis Podcast, Mike Khemmoro, COO of Mango Cannabis, joins David Belsky to share how missing out on a Michigan license led Mango Cannabis to Oklahoma. Oklahoma had a more accessible application process and gave the company its first opportunity to compete.He also talks candidly about the imposter syndrome that can come with growing from a first-time business owner into the leader of a company employing more than 300 people.David and Mike discuss:Why value and premium products don’t have to be mutually exclusive What operating in four very different state markets has taught himWhy legalizing cannabis does not create a healthy or sustainable industryWhat policymakers get wrong when building legal cannabis programsWhy Mike likes Kentucky’s measured approach to licensingWhat Mango looks for when hiring dispensary employeesLearning to defer to experienced HR, finance, and operational leadersInstagram:   / flowerhire   YouTube:    / flowerhire   LinkedIn:   / flowerhire

Jared Maloof joined Standard Wellness as CFO. A month later, he was CEO.Since then, he’s helped lead the company through regulatory battles, financial pressure, shifting markets, and expansion across multiple states.In this episode of the Talent Cannabis Podcast, Jared joins David Belsky to share what he’s learned about building a sustainable cannabis company, hiring the right people, and making smarter decisions as the industry evolves.They discuss:Why financial discipline helped Standard Wellness survive some of the industry's hardest yearsWhy Jared wishes the company had prioritized retail earlierWhat Ohio's measured adult-use rollout could mean for the market's long-term healthHow Standard Wellness develops employees by giving them visibility into the entire businessWhy bringing leadership teams together in person still mattersWhat cannabis companies can learn from traditional business operators Why becoming CEO doesn't mean you stop having bosses.His advice for hiring managers, job seekers, and entrepreneursInstagram:   / flowerhire   YouTube:    / flowerhire   LinkedIn:   / flowerhire

Originally published October 8, 2024 as part of FlowerHire's Sunset Sessions.Before the Talent in Cannabis Podcast, there was Sunset Sessions. From the Vault brings some of our favorite conversations from that series back to the podcast feed.In this conversation, David Belsky sits down with Caleb Counts, Founder and CEO of Connected Cannabis, to talk about his journey from the legacy market to building one of the most recognized cannabis brands in the country.Caleb shares how his early experiences in cannabis eventually led him back to the industry, the role a licensing relationship with Berner and Cookies played in Connected's growth, and why the company's commitment to quality has remained at the center of the business.David and Caleb also discuss:🔸 Why ego has to be left at the door in cannabis🔸 How R&D and a commitment to learning helped Connected pioneer new cultivation techniques🔸 Why humility is critical to maintaining quality and innovation🔸 How Connected approaches partnerships and expansion🔸 Why staying focused on the company's mission has helped drive its successInstagram:   / flowerhire   YouTube:    / flowerhire   LinkedIn:   / flowerhire

In this episode of the Talent in Cannabis Podcast, David Belsky speaks with Sarah Strickler, co-founder and Head of Community Relations at Grown Rogue.Sarah reflects on the values that have shaped Grown Rogue, including trust, discipline, internal growth, community, and creating an environment where employees feel supported.🔸 How Sarah’s background as an athlete influenced her approach to teamwork and leadership🔸 The early beginnings of Grown Rogue in Oregon’s medical cannabis market🔸 Examples of employees who have grown into larger leadership roles🔸 Why Grown Rogue invests in leadership training for managers🔸 Sarah’s belief in supporting employees through personal and professional challenges🔸 How trust, communication, and everyday interactions shape company cultureInstagram:   / flowerhire   YouTube:    / flowerhire   LinkedIn:   / flowerhire   

In this episode of the Talent in Cannabis Podcast, host David Belsky speaks with Nicolas Guarino, co-founder and CEO of Jaunty. Nicolas shares the company’s 9-year journey from New York’s hemp pilot program to becoming a vertically integrated cannabis brand.Nicolas grew up in a multigenerational farming family and entered hemp at 22, believing it could eventually create a path into legal cannabis. After raising millions of dollars and building a processing operation, he watched CBD ingredient prices fall from approximately $6,000 per kilogram to as little as $60.Jaunty was preparing to shut down when New York created a path for qualified hemp cultivators and processors to participate in the emerging adult-use market. That opportunity allowed Nicolas and his team to rehire employees, apply years of operational experience, and transform an ingredient business into a consumer brand.David and Nicolas also discuss:Why agricultural inputs commoditize faster than consumer brandsHow Jaunty maintained its position through reliable service, consistent products and competitive pricingWhy premium live resin and rosin products represent the brand’s next stage of growthHow weak enforcement can disadvantage cannabis companies that follow the rulesWhy flexibility, intelligence and emotional resilience matter when hiring in cannabisWhat aspiring founders should learn before investing in a cannabis brandNicolas also shares why Jaunty is preparing to expand beyond New York. The company originally expected the state market to grow much faster, but dispensary opt-outs, illicit competition, and slower-than-expected sales growth have changed that outlook.With its New York operation becoming more efficient and a new vape line designed for expansion, Jaunty is now considering opportunities in nearby Northeastern markets.Find leaders for your cannabis company: www.flowerhire.comConnect with Nicolas Guarino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-guarino-43939b103/  Connect with David Belsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbelsky/ Check out Jaunty: https://jaunty.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerhire/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FlowerHire LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowerhire/ 

In this episode of the Talent in Cannabis Podcast, host David Belsky speaks with Laura Jaramillo Bernal,  COO of Botany Bay and COO of nuEra Cannabis, about building a cannabis company designed to last.Laura shares how nuEra grew from three medical dispensaries and fewer than 40 employees into a vertically integrated operator with approximately 300 employees, nine Illinois dispensaries, cultivation operations, in-house brands, and an expanding presence in Kentucky.They discuss why nuEra resisted the industry’s “growth at any cost” mindset, how the company is approaching its first meaningful expansion outside Illinois, and why strong business fundamentals still matter more than hype.David and Laura also discuss:How Laura’s background in journalism and television shaped her leadership styleHow hands-on leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and long-term thinking shape company cultureThe role hands-on leadership plays in building trust and accountabilityHow adult-use legalization and product shortages reshaped nuEra’s growth strategyWhy Kentucky became the company’s next market and how expertise moves across state linesWhat cannabis companies should look for when hiring leaders from outside the industryWhy Laura’s ideal candidate is often someone entering their second cannabis roleFind leaders for your cannabis company: www.flowerhire.comConnect with Laura Jaramillo Bernal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaramillolaura/ Connect with David Belsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbelsky/ Check out Botany Bay: https://www.botanybay.llc/Check out nuEra Cannabis: https://nueracannabis.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerhire/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FlowerHire LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowerhire/