Overcoming Challenges and Building a Scrappy Culture: Insights from the CEO of Curaleaf

From Assistant Store Manager to CEO: The Journey of Matt Darin in the Cannabis Industry

In this episode of the "Proud to Work in Cannabis" podcast, Karson Humiston had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Darin, the CEO of Curaleaf, the largest public cannabis company in the United States. They recorded this episode live at MJBizCon, one of the biggest cannabis conferences in the industry.

Matt shared his journey into the cannabis industry, starting back in 2014 when he read about Illinois passing a medical cannabis law in the newspaper. Intrigued by the potential of the industry, Matt and his partners decided to apply for licenses to open dispensaries in Illinois. Despite facing challenges and uncertainties, they successfully opened three stores in 2016 under the Greenhouse brand.

From there, Matt and his team saw the opportunity to expand and become vertically integrated. They acquired a cultivation license and expanded into other states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Eventually, their business caught the attention of Curaleaf, and they decided to join forces. Matt stayed on as a regional president before becoming the CEO of Curaleaf in May 2022.

During our conversation, Matt emphasized the importance of resilience in the cannabis industry. He shared stories of the early days when they would only see 15 patients in a 10-hour day and how they had to navigate the challenges of a pilot program and an unsupportive governor. Matt also highlighted the need for employees to have a genuine interest in the cannabis plant and the industry, as it is a unique and ever-evolving business.

They discussed the scrappy and entrepreneurial spirit that has been ingrained in the cannabis industry since its early days. Matt emphasized the importance of maintaining that culture even as companies grow larger and face new challenges. He shared a recent example of how his team mobilized to reverse a potentially damaging decision by a regulatory agency in New Jersey, showcasing the power of a united and determined workforce.

Looking ahead to 2024, Matt expressed optimism for the industry's future. He mentioned upcoming state-level catalysts, such as the launch of the adult-use market in New York and the potential growth of the European market, particularly in Germany. Matt also highlighted the importance of hiring top talent and encouraged listeners to explore the job opportunities available at Curaleaf.

Overall, this episode provided valuable insights into the journey of building a successful cannabis business and the qualities that make employees thrive in the industry. Matt's story serves as an inspiration for those looking to enter or advance their careers in cannabis.

 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:10 - Introduction to the podcast episode

00:00:26 - Discussion about attending MJBizCon

00:01:06 - Matt Darin's decision to get involved in the cannabis industry

00:02:05 - The early days of starting a cannabis business

00:03:56 - Opening the first dispensaries in Illinois

00:06:49 - The acquisition of Grassroots by Curaleaf

00:08:09 - Matt Darin joining the Curaleaf team and becoming CEO

00:10:00 - Traits that make employees successful in the cannabis industry

00:12:32 - Advancement opportunities and common threads among successful employees

00:14:13 - The most challenging experience in the cannabis industry

00:16:47 - Maintaining a scrappy and entrepreneurial culture in a growing company

00:18:19 - Optimism and hopes for the cannabis industry in 2024

00:20:47 - Advice for Matt Darin's past self in 2013

00:22:20 - Conclusion and appreciation for the partnership with Vangst

 

QUOTES

"I'm doing great. How are you?" - 00:00:26

"Yeah, I thi