Spotlight – Kris

Every day, we strive to keep our company on a successful path, with our strengths and opportunities only rising to meet a bright future. Meet our Chief Financial Officer, Kris, who works tirelessly to support Harvest of OH and all of its activities.

Q: What do you believe Harvest of OH’s biggest strengths are?

I think our biggest strength is that we see each other as family. We are always willing to help out and support our team in any way that we can whether it’s business or personal.

Q: What have you discovered about the industry since taking over as CFO at Harvest of OH?

The industry is very volatile, especially in Ohio. There are great months where patients visit our shops multiple times a month and there are slower months where we may see a regular patient once a month.

Q:How do you identify the determinants of growth in a medicinal marijuana company?

I make sure to look at revenue and patient count to see growth.

Q: Where do you anticipate the medical marijuana market going in the future?

I anticipate that we will see the marijuana market remain stagnant in the US for some time. Big change in an industry like this usually come in small, incremental wins. Unfortunately, I still think we have a while to go before the entire country treats marijuana the way states like California or Colorado do.

Q: Are there any professional experiences that have helped you prepare for the role of CFO?

My college experience at Howard University in Washington DC and positions at JP Morgan Chase in New York really set a great foundation for me in terms of my finance knowledge and leadership skills. In college, I was able to meet with many executives of Fortune 100 companies, present case studies in different countries, and was able to intern at three different companies. That led to a career on Wall Street where everything is faced-paced and volatile, just like the marijuana industry in Ohio is.

Q: What advice would you give to other financial professionals working in the marijuana industry?

Pay great attention to your margins!

Q: Who was a huge positive influence in your childhood?

My mom was a huge positive influence in my childhood. Seeing her take on industries that you typically don’t see a lot of Black women in, such as construction or cannabis, and succeed has been inspirational to so many people–me included. It drives me to be motivated to succeed.

Q: October is National Wellness Month. Are there any wellness habits you want to incorporate into your life?

I really want to get into meditation, but I’m never able to just sit in complete silence and turn my thoughts off. I hear it’s really beneficial, even if only doing it for a minute or two a day.

Q:What is something that will never go out of style?

Jordans!

Q: What is something that will never go out of style?

Hmm, I’m not sure.

Q:11) If you could speak another language fluently, which one would you choose?

Japanese. I went to Japan earlier this year and really loved the vibe of Tokyo and Osaka. I was about the same height as everyone there too, so that was a plus. I also respect that they don’t really speak English over there.

Q: What movie or tv show always makes you laugh, no matter how many times you watch it?

Wolf of Wall Street. 10/10 movie. Leo was robbed for that Oscar!

Healthy Aging Webinar

November 14, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. | FREE Virtual Event | on Zoom

Have you often wondered about the health benefits of medical cannabis? Do you have questions you want to know the answer to but have been afraid to ask?

Join us for Healthy Aging: Medical Cannabis for Older Adults presented by Harvest of Ohio and gain valuable insights on navigating the medical cannabis industry. 

Our trusted experts will lead us through research based conversations on the benefits of medical cannabis, tips on interacting with your healthcare provider, what to expect when going into a dispensary, and a product overview lead by a seasoned pharmacist. 

 

Look forward to expert conversations on:   

  • Compliance & safety regulations
  • Health conditions and benefits
  • Obtaining a medical card
  • How to approach the topic with your doctor
  • What to expect when going to a dispensary
  • Detailed product overview

Event Moderator

Julie Washington, Healthcare Reporter, cleveland.com

Expert Sessions

Safety and Regulations

This segment will give an overview of regulations in place in Ohio to ensure the safety of medical cannabis consumers. From testing requirements dispensaries have to follow to the key components of cannabis – this segment will give you the information you need to safely and legally consume medical cannabis.

Amonica Davis, COO, Harvest of Ohio

Sean Lamb, Compliance Officer, Harvest of Ohio

Medical Cannabis for Older Adults

This segment will cover medical conditions that can be treated or managed with medical cannabis, how to bring the topic up with your healthcare provider, and cover what to expect when you go into a dispensary for the first time. 

Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, M.D., Medical Cannabis Specialist

 

Keya Kellum, Director of Marketing and Procurement, Harvest of Ohio

Amonica Davis, COO, Harvest of Ohio

Product Overview Brought to You by Amplify

Lead by an experienced pharmacist, this segment will cover how medical cannabis is typically administered, determining the right dosage, and what products typical cater to the diverse needs of older patients. 

 

AJ Caraballo, Amplify, Retail Director and Pharmacist 

Virtual Exhibitor Booths

Spotlight – Maurice

Our Brand Ambassadors work to create an amazing patient experience filled with knowledge and a friendly atmosphere in our dispensaries, as well as getting the best content to you on our social media channels and blog. Maurice's amazing work at Beavercreek to keep patients informed about great, high-quality items truly contributes to the success of Harvest of OH.

Q: What makes you proud to work for Harvest of OH?

Working at a family-operated, female minority-run medical dispensary allows me to take pride in promoting diversity and inclusivity while providing essential healthcare services to the community I serve. Also, I’m proud to help patients receive personalized care that caters to their unique needs on a day-to-day basis.

Q: What does being a Brand Ambassador mean to you?

Being a Brand Ambassador to me means representing our business values, which are building connections in our community and sharing my knowledge to educate patients and creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere for them.

Q:Which personality traits do you possess that help you as a Brand Ambassador?

Excellent communication skills, approachability, enthusiasm, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping others.

Q: You’ve worked on various projects as a Brand Ambassador. Which was your favorite?

My favorite project has been the Harvest Week Influencer Box Giveaway!

Q: What is the best part about working in medical marijuana?

One unique aspect of working with medical marijuana is navigating the complex and evolving legal and regulatory framework surrounding its use, distribution, and research.

Q: Can you name something (projects, events) that you would like to experience here at Harvest of OH? If so, what?

I’d like to experience educational workshops on medical marijuana, patient support groups, and a giveaway to loyal patients.

Q: What’s the first thing you would do if you won a million dollars?

I would spend my perfect free day starting off with taking my dog Blu on a walk! That’s always first, lol! Then I would make a big breakfast. Medicate and go explore either a new park or one of my favorites with some friends! Some days I don’t like to do too much; just being in nature would suffice!

Q: Which book, TV show, or movie had the most influence on you growing up?

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Q:If you could only eat one thing for a week, what would it be? Why?

It would be fruit. I love fruit!

Q: If life were a video game, what cheat code would you want to use most?

A cheat code called Art Universe. When used, you could transform everything, including yourself, into different art styles like impressionism, surrealism, and abstraction. It’s like living in a world where reality is a canvas and you’re the artist, constantly painting new scenes. This cheat would let you turn life into a moving work of art, blurring the boundary between what’s real and what’s creatively imagined.

Q:What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Embrace uncertainty and change. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Q: Can you describe your perfect day?

Enjoying a relaxing day with family and friends—listening to music, creating art, and being medicated.