Spotlight – Darryl R

Harvest of OH would like to congratulate Darryl Render, our new General Manager at Harvest of Athens. Darryl has been with this company from the beginning and has truly shown passion, leadership skills, and tenacity, exemplifying what the Harvest of OH brand is all about.

Q: What difference has being a part of the Harvest of OH family made in your life?

Joining the Harvest family has been nothing short of a blessing! This opportunity has allowed me to use my lifelong skills, growing up playing sports, in a different way. This is just being a part of a different team, this is honestly the perfect fit.

Q: What aspect of your new role as General Manager are you most excited about?

I am excited about the growth of the store inside and out. I can only speak for myself but I know that I learn something new everyday I walk into the shop. Conversations I have with employees and patients have given me so much knowledge about the different products. I look forward to passing on the knowledge I have been blessed with in my time working in the dispensary to educate others and offer the best products that are available for our patients.

Q: What parts of our mission do you connect with?

I’m all about the PEOPLE! Without them there is no us; we get so many patients that come in and talk about all the great things that cannabis does for them and how they are able to get back to their normal day to day. Connecting to people, breaking the negative stigma of cannabis and helping educate the community on the positive advantages to using cannabis is what it’s all about.

Q: Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?

Aspen and Brandon really gave me the blueprint to being a GM so I can say those two inspired me for sure. But Ariane and Amonica, the two that made this whole Harvest of Ohio thing possible and stayed true to themselves, that’s inspirational.

Q: How have you grown professionally while on our team?

I had the rare opportunity to be able to learn under Brandon Jones (Columbus’s GM) and Aspen Finch (Beavercreek’s GM) and being able to take both of their styles of management and make it my own. I started with Brandon and he was really my foundation and intro to working in a medical dispensary teaching me the do’s, the don’ts and the grind of running a shop. He would challenge me to learn the different communication styles to help me understand that everyone doesn’t learn things the same but you have to find how to clearly communicate to the one in front of you. And then Aspen came in and took me under her wing and showed me all the behind the scenes and operational work and really bossed me up for real. They have really helped me make that turn from a supervisor/AGM to the GM role. The two of them helped me to find the best of what they do and help make me better as a leader.

Q: When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?

I’m always trying to improve, if it is me, the atmosphere at the store for the team and the clients, whatever it is, that’s what motivates me. Knowing that we are helping bring relief or comfort to the clients’ day and seeing the day-to-day growth of the store and the people in it.

Q: Where is your favorite destination you’ve visited, and why?

Living in Cabo was definitely cool; I’ve had some great times in the Dominican Republic; growing up the family would take trips to Myrtle Beach and Vegas is always a good time… but the world is a big place and I have a lot of traveling to do still.

Q: What is one thing you cannot live without?

Time with my family and friends. My family still spends time together, especially for the holidays. There are family friends that we try and get to see a couple times a year. I have met so many people and built so many friendships and memories in my life. Even with all the new people in my life I still have the same best friends I grew up with since elementary. I appreciate every last one of them.

Q: Who was the first concert you ever attended?

My dad took me to a Snoop Dogg concert when I was like 11 or 12. I will never forget Snoop having all these plants on stage. Knowing what I do now, we all know what kind of plants they were. 😉

Q: What is something about you that most people don’t know?

I like to draw and paint in my spare time.

Q: Who is your hero?

I have always looked up for MLK, Jr and Malcom X because both stood up and fought for what they believed was right. They went about trying to make changes that could make the world better for everyone. They had different approaches but both basically wanted the same thing, a better life for all.

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I had a dream of playing in the NFL

Spotlight – Jonathan O.

As the Director of Facilities, Jonathan Oswick has done an outstanding job in guiding this business to a successful grand opening as Ohio's first black-owned, female-owned, and family-operated medical marijuana dispensary. He has demonstrated the dedication and perseverance required to truly make a difference in this industry. We are grateful to have someone as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as he is on our team and, more importantly, as a member of the Harvest of OH family.

Q: What is a typical day as the Director of Facilities?

Everyday you are making sure the facilities are being maintained properly and everyday an issue arises, but I preach to the team there are no problems only solutions. I am in contact every other day if not daily with the facilities manager and dispensary mangers to make sure their buildings are operational and always trying to stay a step ahead of potential issues and upgrades.

Q: What’s the most unique part about working at Harvest of OH?

Working in a new industry. Its not often you get the opportunity to work in a brand-new industry, so learning the rules and dealing with the day-to-day challenges makes this a unique, but rewarding opportunity.

Q: Where do you see the medical marijuana industry yourself in ten years?

This industry is just getting started and it has enormous growth potential. Currently with each state having their own regulations and it still being federally illegal has made it challenging, but once the industry is made legal in the US your going to see sales across state lines and throughout the country. You’re going to see hospitals begin more research and begin administering the product to patients moving away from opioids. From there drug stores will begin selling the products and the industry will see a boom like never before. Cultivation will be the future of the industry.

Q: What experience has prepared you for this position?

I graduated with my degree in Urban Planning from Cleveland State University and along with my years of experience in construction I believe has prepared me for this opportunity.

Q: It is Harvest of OH 1 year anniversary. What does that mean to you?

It means all our hard work has not gone unnoticed. It means if you work hard at something every single day then you have a chance at being successful. We don’t take this for granted and continue to work harder each day so we can celebrate our 2 year and 3-year anniversaries.

Q: What is your favorite memory opening the three stores?

I don’t have a favorite, but that first ribbon cutting in Columbus signified we had arrived after years of hard work, pain, and heartache. It holds a special place in my heart for Ariane and the team.

Q: If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?

For people to be more kind and understanding of each other.

Q: When was the last vacation you went on?

Last real vacation I went on was last year to Anna Marie Island with family.

Q: What is an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I was kicked out of college, but The College of Urban Affairs reached out and gave me an opportunity that has put me on the path I am today.

Q: Who was your hero growing up and why?

I could say Albert Belle, outfielder for the Cleveland Indians who is why to this day my favorite number is 8. I could say Steve Jobs for being a visionary and changing the way we communicate and think of marketing. I could say Warren Buffet who changed the way companies look at themselves and teaching the importance of compounding interest. How about Elon Musk for those who agree or not he was told he would never succeed in creating an affordable electric car company or creating a reusable affordable rocket that would change space exploration forever, but he defied all doubters. When it comes down to it my hero is my parents who loved me unconditionally and taught me to treat everyone equally with respect, to never give up, and that if you work hard at something you can have it. They made me the man I am today. I honestly can’t figure out how they were able to provide the life they did for myself, my brothers, and my sister, but I am appreciative every day. I want to make my parents proud everyday and to show them that all their hard work and sacrifice for our family paid off.

Spotlight – Shayree M.

Harvest of OH prides itself on having some of the most amazing and knowledgeable Budtenders in the region. These individuals exemplify what Harvest of OH is all about. They truly care about our patients' wellness and the relief they seek. They are always there to answer any of the patients' questions with a smile. This month in our Employee Spotlight we would like to introduce Shayree McCoy, one of our amazing Budtenders from Harvest of Columbus.

Q: What drew you to the medical marijuana industry?

What initially drew me to the medical marijuana industry was my decision to take a gap year after graduating college in 2021, due to COVID-19, with the global impact it had on education, social life, friends, and family. This led me to take a gap year after graduating, to decide if I wanted to go to grad school to get my Masters in Sociology or to begin working “in the real world.” I’ve always had an interest in cannabis and the benefits it has on a wide variety of people from all different backgrounds. The best way I thought to begin the journey of expanding my knowledge and experiences with cannabis was to work in a dispensary.

Q: What about your position inspires you the most?

What inspires me the most about my position is being able to have an impact on people’s lives on an everyday basis. Working in the medical industry, you have some patients who have no knowledge of cannabis at all. For most of them, this is their first time being introduced to cannabis. Walking into a dispensary some patients have misperceptions about cannabis due to the stigma throughout generations. It inspires me to educate them on the benefits of the plant while breaking down the bad stigmas of marijuana. It’s always motivating to have a patient come back and say a recommended product has worked for them when the traditional way of medicine, like prescription pills, is not helping patients to relieve pain. Being able to help people on an everyday basis and in their overall way of life is the most inspirational part of this position. I’m also able to grow in an industry that is still new and has so much potential to become a global market.

Q: What’s the most unique part about working at Harvest of OH?

The most unique part of working at Harvest would be working for a company that is majority owned by a black woman. One of the main reasons I wanted to apply and be a part of Harvest was the leadership. Seeing black people, especially black women, in positions of power is very influential. I like to brag about being a part of a company where diversity and inclusion aren’t just a placeholder word for a catchy slogan but are embedded in the actual company.

Q: What is a typical day like as a Budtender?

The typical day of a bud tender would be to open the shop, get the inventory out, and prepare the menus and orders for the day. Consulting patients would take most of the day. Keeping up to date on new products can help you recommend products for a variety of patients with different conditions. The environment is typically very lighthearted and fun because you’re in a space where you can educate, learn, and grow daily.

Q: It is Harvest of Columbus's 1 year anniversary. What does that mean to you?

For me, it means many more anniversaries to come. Harvest of Columbus was able to hit their sales goals, grow as a store, and continuously have positive reviews. This shows the incline of growth and many more anniversaries to celebrate in the future.

Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to work in the Medical Marijuana Industry?

The advice that I would give to someone wanting to work in the medical marijuana industry is to be passionate. You always want to move with purpose, and for there to be growth within yourself and within a company, you must have that passion to educate and to learn. This is key to being a budding buddy. Passion leads you to growth.

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory would be growing up around my older sisters. We would create dance choreography of our favorite songs and pretend that we were in girl groups. Being able to laugh and really have a sisterhood that we can talk about and look back on is the best.

Q: When was the last time you had a completely new experience and what was it?

It was a couple weeks ago when I recently visited Puerto Rico. I went on the ATV dirt bikes through one of the jungles. It was a very good experience. It was a little nerve-racking at first, a completely new experience and out of my comfort zone. Although it was a little scary at first, being able to step out of my comfort zone and jump into a new experience helped me to find something that I enjoyed doing and create more memories doing similar activities.

Q: What is an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I have played the alto saxophone for over 10 years. I started when I was in the fourth grade and played all throughout middle school and high school. I played a little bit in a jazz band in college and sang in the gospel choir.

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?

I would like to go anywhere overseas. I have not been out of the country yet. Italy would be at the top of the list. I would love to try new foods and experience new cultures and customs where I get to see a different way of life than the one that I’m accustomed to.

Q: What did you want to be when you were a child?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer. I think the concept of helping others is one thing that I’ve always loved.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In 10 years, I see myself as the owner of my own small business. I would love to have my own storefront. I’ve always dreamed of working for myself as an end goal. I never wanted to get stuck in the rat race where I’m constantly working from paycheck to paycheck instead of living my life to the fullest. The best way to end that cycle is to be my own boss. The concept of my business will be a place to educate, influence, and broaden mindsets.

Spotlight – Jeane’ H.

We are so happy to have our amazing Community Relations/Public Relations Manager, Jeane’ Holley. She comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience that we are extremely thankful for. Harvest is in the business of growing not only our incredible product, but also the incredible people who make up the Harvest family.

Q: What inspired you to work in the medical marijuana industry?

I am family-oriented, and I thought it was cool for Ariane to begin this journey alongside her family. I have known Ariane for well over 20 years, and I admire her entrepreneurial savviness and tenacity when faced with challenges as a black woman. I have also worked alongside Ariane on multiple projects and was honored to have the opportunity to work with her on this new business venture.

Q: What is the most important aspect of your job as the Community Relations Manager?

The opportunity to make the communities that we serve and impact aware of the amazing work taking place with Harvest of OH, in addition to highlighting that we are black owned, and family operated.

Q: What kinds of challenges do you face in your position?

With the medical marijuana industry comes a lot of red tape. Being a creative individual, you have a lot of ideas coming to mind and would like to implement them, but unfortunately, due to the compliance regulations in place, some of those ideas don’t come to fruition.

Q: What has been your proudest moment with the company so far?

Just being a part of the Harvest family. We are setting trends in the medical marijuana industry, and I am thankful to be on this journey.

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in working in the medical marijuana industry?

Learn about all aspects of the industry. This is an evolving industry with so much to learn, with regulations forever changing or being updated.

Q: How has your previous experience prepared you for this one-of-a-kind opportunity?

My experience in multiple industries, from radio, music, sports, and government, has taught me to be adaptable. I have been fortunate to work in industries where no day is the same, and with that, sometimes things don’t always go as planned, but you must be willing and open to adjusting to the new course of action to accomplish the task at hand.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

As of late, with all the running around for my daughter and all her volleyball activities, I enjoy being at home when I have some down time. Peace and quiet. Tranquility!

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?

When I was younger, I played the piano and the violin. Now, if you asked me to play something now, that is a different story. I’m sure I can still pull it off. Mary Had a Little Lamb LOL

Q: What is one place on the planet that you would love to visit?

Bora Bora. I love tropical destinations!

Q: : Who is your favorite comedian and why?

Mike Epps is a funny man.

Q: What, in your opinion, is the most exciting aspect of life?

Each day we are blessed with another opportunity to get it right.

Q: Who is your hero and why?

My mother as a single parent, my mother made many sacrifices to ensure that I was provided with the opportunities, knowledge, and tools necessary to be successful as an adult. I may have not shown my appreciation then, but I now know the importance of the lessons she taught me, and I am forever grateful to her. And she continues to come through for me as an adult and for my daughter. I know I can always count on my mom to have my back. BLESSED!

Spotlight – Chad F. & Angelo W.

As Harvest of OH grows, it is critical to have individuals who are dedicated and passionate about the medical marijuana industry and helping those in need, such as Sales Manager, Chad Fuller, and Outside Sales Manager & Brand Ambassador, Angelo Welborn. With the introduction of our exclusive Harvest Flower, our sales team has truly worked hard to help Harvest of OH reach the next level and bring our brand and products to patients across Ohio.

Q: How long have you been in the medical marijuana industry?

Chad: 3.5 years

Angelo: I’ve worked in the medical marijuana industry for a year now and it’s the best career decision I’ve made so far. I believe this is the best industry.

Q: What inspired you to work in the medical marijuana industry?

Chad: After watching my father suffer with PTSD, I wish I knew then what I know now about the ability to improve lives through the goodness of medical cannabis.

Angelo: How distinct this industry and its patients are. I can’t tell you how many patients’ stories I’ve heard in the past year about how medical marijuana impacted their lives in a positive way. I like to help others, and I don’t mind spending time with patients, listening to understand. It might sound corny, but I like seeing random people/total strangers happy because sometimes it is not all about you.

Q: What is the most unique aspect of your position?

Chad: Being able to work alongside the cultivation team daily and being able to see the development of new strains for the patients.

Angelo: The patients with whom I work. I’ve spoken to a wide variety of patients who have lost a loved one, are dealing with anxiety, depression, war vets with PTSD, long-term illness, or pain from past surgeries. I love hearing these stories just to hear at the end that medical marijuana is.
It isn’t a cure, but it helps ease the mind and ease the pain over painkillers or whatever else that person may have tried. The young lady I spoke with in Chillicothe had a muscle disorder where she couldn’t walk. The doctors have NO IDEA why or what is going on. They gave her all types of pain meds and she told me nothing else had worked for her besides medical marijuana.

Q: What is one aspect of the world that you wish you could change?

Chad: Cannabis reform to remove barriers to research and to restore the lives and communities most impacted by Federal Prohibition Policies.

Angelo: Again, this might sound cheesy, but I wish I could change the mindset of some individuals in the world. I think sometimes, and I’m guilty as well, we get so caught up in our own lives and things we have going on that we forget that it’s not always about us. Sometimes it’s about the next person who may not be as fortunate as you. Obviously, taking care of yourself first is yes, and I could say world peace is making sure everyone is financially stable, but I feel like caring for the next falls under that category as well.

Q: What are your interests outside of work?

Chad: Reading, working out, and constantly thinking of ways to improve the accessibility of Harvest products to the patients of Ohio.

Angelo: Outside of work, I like to spend time with my son, Zion. He’s 3 years old and keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy playing sports on the weekends, traveling, and hanging with my friends when we all have the time. I like going to concerts and sporting events, and I want to travel with my son here soon as well, so he can see the world!

Q: If you won a million dollars, how would you spend it?

Chad: Reinvest in stocks, gold, and silver after a fun weekend with my friends!

Angelo: I would make certain that my family is secure, and that if my son decides to have a family, they are also secure. Give some money to charity and make sure my friends’ families are well off.

Spotlight – Brandon J.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a talented and dynamic group of people working for Harvest of OH. We caught up with Brandon Jones, the general manager of Harvest of Columbus and IT manager, for a very informative Q & A. Brandon has come a long way with the company, having been one of the first employees hired when it was still in its infancy. Brandon has since become a valued member of the Harvest of OH family, and we can't wait to see how he evolves even further as Harvest of OH expands to become Ohio's most popular dispensary.

Q: What drew you to a career in the medical marijuana industry?

Back in early 2019, a friend of mine applied at a dispensary, which I wasn’t aware was a thing in Ohio. I wanted to find an extra part-time job in an industry that I love, and I was able to find a career.

Q: How did you start working for Harvest of OH?

I interviewed for a part time position at our Columbus location, and they liked my background so much, asked if I would be interested in a GM position back in my Hometown of Dayton/Beavercreek. I took the opportunity and once the dust settled and we were ready to open, I jumped at the opportunity to run our flagship Columbus location.

Q: What about your position inspires you the most?

I have learned a lot about different products and types of medical cannabis forms that are geared towards helping patients in every way possible.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this industry?

Helping people and resolving issues. Both of those things make me happy and keep me going. I get to work in IT in the cannabis industry & run a dispensary! A lot of hard work, but a dream job.

Q: What’s the most unique part about working at Harvest of OH?

The executive team. They are extremely supportive, and I can give them a call any time I need something, and they make it happen.

Q: What is a typical day like as a general manager and IT manager?

Busy! I am either answering questions and resolving issues for our external customers, or our internal customers. I do love being in both positions as I believe it allows me to identify needs in the shop as well to make the experience more seamless for patients and employees.

Q: What values of Harvest of OH do you align with the most?

People. We are all about helping people. This company doesn’t only grow some of the best flower, but some of the best people as well. We also strive to offer the best service to our patients and make a lasting impression.

Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

I love building apps, audio engineering, videography, and reading books. Also love playing basketball whenever I get the chance.

Q: When was the last time you had a completely new experience and what was it?

My visit to Aruba was amazing. Their night life, food, and culture were amazing.

Q: What is an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I am a percussionist. I play drums, xylophone, timpani, you name it.

Q: What would you do with your winnings if you won 2 million dollars?

Buy mother a house, put a million away, and probably buy 200k in stock options lol.

Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?

I honestly do not have a bucket list. I take life as it comes, no regrets.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I like to dream big, so hopefully a retired stay at home dad.

Spotlight – Aspen F.

As part of our ongoing celebration of International Women's Month, we'd like to celebrate Aspen F, our manager at Harvest of Beavercreek, as a woman in leadership here at Harvest of OH. We had a nice little Q&A session so you could all see how amazing she is!

Q: What drew you to a career in the medical marijuana industry?

While being a part of Harvest of Ohio, I have been able to feed my brain and gain tons of knowledge about the benefits of medical marijuana. Medical cannabis is such a rapidly growing industry but still plays a major role in federal criminalization. All in all, I am excited about the evolution and the medical benefits of the plant that makes me so passionate about the future.

Q: Why did you choose Harvest of Ohio?

I take pride in our dispensary being in my hometown community, in which I grew up. Our owner, Ariane Kirkpatrick’s drive is something that also made me cling to Harvest of Ohio! She is very engulfed in creating change in our community and is someone I look up to because of that.

Q: What have you learned from your time in the medical marijuana industry?​

I have learned a lot about different products and types of medical cannabis forms that are geared towards helping patients in every way possible.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this industry?

Go for it! There is so much to learn, no day is the same, and every day you play a part in promoting cures and educating others on the many health benefits of medical cannabis, despite the medical cannabis stigma.

Q: How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?

The process of going from seed to sale, from start to growth, is something that motivates me in my everyday perception of life. Every day is a new day to keep going and growing stronger at something you love to do.

Q: What would you read if you could only read one book for the rest of your life, and why?

I would choose to read blogs, newspapers, or anything informational because I am always so interested in news or reports on what is going on in the world around me.

Q: Which year has been the most exciting in your life so far?

This one so far!

Q: What animal would you be if you could be any animal?

A mighty and rare Jaguar!

Q: What was your most recent gift to someone?

A customized hat I made.

Q: What is an unpopular point of view that you hold?

Lemon Starburst are the best flavor! Hands down!

Q: If you were a superhero, what superpower would you have?

Photographic memory