Editor's Note: The Grove has ranked on the Best Cannabis Companies to Work For list for the fourth consecutive year, and is the only company in 2023 to rank on both the Best Cannabis Companies to Work For - Cultivation and Dispensary lists. The Grove ranked #8 on the 2023 Best Cannabis Companies to Work For - Dispensary list. This conversation is presented by Cannabis Business Times in an as-told-to format. The company's leaders shared below information directly with CBT. Edited for length and clarity.
Demetri Kouretas: I was in the gaming industry prior to being in the cannabis industry. I’ve been in regulated businesses for over 20 years, which include real estate, both commercial and residential, hospitality, restaurants and gaming. Gaming, I’d have to say is the most closely related to cannabis due to its regulatory environment. There’s a lot of compliance. I already had a leg up and an understanding of how to run that type of operation and to stay compliant all the way.
I would say from my past experiences, the word ‘team’ is incredibly relevant in the cannabis industry. Every step, from seed to sale, has the utmost importance. From genetic selection all the way through post-harvest operations, there isn’t one step that can be neglected. Quality depends on multiple avenues, which include communication, hard work, attention to detail, and an efficient workflow through all departments, and this where the word ‘team’ is defined.
Tiffany Hoven: Goals are based on individual performance that ultimately molds into the group efforts. For example, in cultivation, room leads have their own incentives, floaters their own, and so forth. Same goes for the post-harvest team, in regards to weight, product quality, etc. We won’t allow for a loss in quality due to numbers produced. Same goes for retail with regard to sales, bonuses are based off teamwork, communications and group effort.
DK: The incentive structure we provide our team is attainable and allows for our employees to strive for each inventive and/or bonus.
TH: Honesty is one of the primary qualities we look for in our employees. As a team, we can work through ups and downs, but not dishonesty. Do not lie, do not steal, and we can work through the rest together. You have to believe in your employees, especially in such a regulated industry. We can make mistakes, but with honest communication, we can fix any issues in a correct and compliant manner. I place a lot of responsibilities on my employees, so having trust in them and their training, and knowing communication is key. We’ll always cross the finish line compliantly.
DK: For me personally, my inspiration with regards to leadership originated from my father, who was an incredible businessman. The hard work he showed me through his actions was invaluable, which led me to being the driven individual I am today. When someone asks me what’s my inspiration, I always go to one of his quotes that he always told me: “Son, the harder you work, the luckier you get.”
A common theme throughout this industry is to become the largest company and have multiple brands nationwide. Getting the highest quality products to customers in the most efficient way possible are my company goals. I’m going to work diligently to make this company as profitable and as efficient as I can and see where we lie in the future.
My growth in the cannabis industry, being one of the pioneers in Nevada with regards to cannabis, has been an invaluable education to add to my business acumen. All my business experience, from being a bartender straight out of college, which was a great time, to running multiple hospitality ventures, gaming establishments and now being CEO of The Grove, have been a blessing in my life.
My cannabis team here at The Grove has taught me the true meaning of teamwork, not being able to control all aspects of all daily operations and having to trust and rely on a well-trained, honest group of individuals that I’m incredibly thankful for.
Entering the cannabis field was a big sacrifice on my end since you can’t hold a gaming license in this industry since it’s still federally illegal. A gaming license in Nevada is one of the most arduous and difficult licenses to obtain. It was a point in my life that I had to make a decision, but I felt, with how driven I am and, that the cannabis industry was in its infancy, and I found it a great opportunity to be a pioneer and get in on the ground floor.
