How Dutchie Created a People-First Cannabis Company: 4 Tips to Build a Successful Team

Here at KayaPush, we connect with leaders in the cannabis industry to get their perspectives on what makes a successful business. This week we spoke with Jon Bond, the Director of Partnerships at Dutchie. 

Bond has been involved in the cannabis industry from the early days of legalization, and has sharpened his skills as a people-person by working with the largest canna-tech company. 

During our interview, we talked about how Dutchie was able to grow to the heights it has. Bond also got into how other businesses within the industry can use those same principles to kickstart their own growth. 

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What Is Dutchie? 

Dutchie is an all-in-one canna-tech company that provides point-of-sale, eCommerce, and insurance for cannabis companies. With their focus on honesty, communication, and community, they’ve become one of the most successful companies around. 

The reasons for their success can be boiled down to two things: engaging with people on their level, and leaning on the support of their partners. 

Bond explained that Dutchie was once a small company that relied on opportunities and partnerships that were willing to help them grow. They want to extend those opportunities to other potential partners. 
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No one can do everything, so Dutchie carefully curates their partners to ensure they are providing the best service, while focusing on what they do best. For example, through a partnership with KayaPush, Dutchie is able to offer employment management and payroll support. 

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Dutchie also has an implementation team, whose whole function is finding ways to seamlessly integrate tech into your existing business plan. They will continue to touch base with you to find out about new challenges you’re having and discover how they can help move you forward. 

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“We do a lot of homework. We spend a lot of time talking to folks about where the biggest hole in your business is.”

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With so many changes happening in the cannabis industry at such a fast rate, it’s hard to stay on top of the regulations, marketing opportunities, and anything else that comes along. That’s why having a team that is continually checking in and seeing what you need is so valuable. 

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How To Grow Your Business 

If you want your business to grow quickly and stay on top, here are some tips that Bond gave from his years of experience. 

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Prioritize Infrastructure and Support

“We made sure from the ground up that we built the absolute best technology.” It might take more effort and money now, but to have a business that is ready to scale, you need to be willing to invest in a solid foundation. 
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It’s imperative that your customers can get a hold of you to resolve issues. Brand loyalty and community will take your company to the next level. 

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Engage With Your Team

The people working for you are likely excited to be there because they’re passionate about cannabis. Really listen to your team to minimize turnover and ensure they feel heard and appreciated. They are your greatest asset. 

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“Over half the folks that walk into a dispensary are influenced by what the budtender recommends. When technology solutions come out that are alienating or cutting out that budtender experience, that's a huge miss.” 

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Don’t Reinvent the Wheel 

When you bring on a partner like Dutchie, trust that they have countless case studies of people trying to do exactly what you’re doing. If you take their word for it, you’ll be able to reach success as well. 

You don’t need to find a new way to succeed. The path has been blazed, and you can follow it until you’re established enough to be the one blazing. 

Focus on the In-Store Experience

Turning your store into a cool experience where people can learn and connect will keep them coming back.

“Cannabis is so communal. Don’t make it a scenario where you walk in, and you feel uncomfortable because everyone's grumpy.”

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The Bottom Line

In a business like cannabis, where everyone is so passionate about the product, the importance of community can’t be overlooked. If you focus on building a team that you can trust and believe in, and you bring on partners with a proven track record and passion, it’s impossible to fail. 

Be sure to listen to the full episode if you want to hear us talk about the future of tech in cannabis, the importance of social justice within the industry, and some excellent stories about Bond’s family experiencing cannabis for the first time.

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