What inspired you to create Most Consulting Group? How and when did it happen?
About twelve years ago, my son, Nic Gabay a.k.a Snic Barnes, a world-famous glass pipe artist, told me that the cannabis industry, his industry, was blowing up. He told me I should get in immediately because the industry would need professionals- and so I did.
What I did was go to a lot of the industry trade shows. I realized the industry was in its infancy and was about to face growing pains.
In 2010, I started Smokin’ Hot Solutions with the tagline, “we create the buzz.” As the years passed, our company matured and expanded- so did the industry.
When I brought in Jon Monk, we rebranded to MOST Consulting Group. Monk + Post = The MOST.
How has the industry evolved since you entered?
Fast forward, there are a lot of Wall Street types, a lot of suits, and a lot of major corporations entering the industry.
As I predicted, a lot of small businesses have perished since the industry began.
What excites you most about the cannabis industry right now?
The change, the growth, and fighting the good fight.
I love seeing the evolution of the industry and helping to change the perception of cannabis by creating reputable cannabis brands and well-run organizations.
What has your experience been as a female executive in business over the years? Has it changed?
As a female in business, there have always been obstacles. I believe this is a result of other people’s ego and control issues- and I am always operating within the boundaries of good spirit and NOT malevolent in any way.
However, I can be strident in my opinions and passionate in my responses. This is not always pleasing to people who are insecure and have fragile egos.
It has been that way from the beginning.
You know, “strong women are bitches and strong men have balls.” That’s it!
What are the greatest challenges you see cannabis business owners face?
What makes Most Consulting Group Unique?
Generational blending makes us unique. Everyone I work with is in their 20’s or 30’s - Don’t ask me my age. 🙂
It’s important to have years of experience coupled with young, fresh faces and ideas.
How have you as Most responded and adapted to the changing world amidst COVID-19?
With COVID-19 came many new challenges. As the owner of my company, I always think about my employees first and how things will affect them. We immediately left our office environment and worked from our homes.
At the same time, I had to think about paying rent and realized that we couldn’t go back to the office- I needed to vacate our office. This was a big change for us, but we adapted to our new normal and are doing well.
Zoom meetings don’t do it for me. I need to be WITH people. But, of course, with the restrictions came the inability to meet.
I believe that there is a cohesiveness that being with people generates, and so I hope that we will all be able to get together, if not in the same workspace, at least several times a month for dinner and other meetings.
Which sources do you turn to for news and continued learning?
What piece of advice would you give to prospective entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry?
Park your ego at the door.
Know your numbers.
Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”
Be a servant leader. Be open.
Surround yourself with good advisors. Not, “YES” people.
Always ask why.
NEVER take your employees for granted.
ALWAYS remember to ask, “What can I do for you?”
