When adult-use sale of marijuana became legal in Illinois at the start of 2020, Blume led Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries’ transition of three retail locations from medical cannabis sales to include adult-use sales. He also led the opening of three additional stores in the state as well as the transition of two other locations. Illinois deemed cannabis essential during COVID-19, and Brendan led the retail team through new safety protocols while continuing to serve patients and customers. This included improving Green Thumb’s digital retail experience; developing online payment systems in certain states; establishing a customer support center; and developing the company’s delivery and curbside pickup capabilities. Despite all of the challenges of 2020, Blume also helped open 11 new retail locations during the year.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PAST YEAR
I am most proud of the team we have built at Green Thumb, and managing through the complications and hardships of the pandemic.
A PIECE OF MEDIA THAT INSPIRED ME RECENTLY
I read the book No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings. It was inspiring to see how an industry was shaken up by a new idea and great execution from a leader and their team. It drew a lot of parallels for me being involved in the retail cannabis business. There is no playbook of how people did it, and we are making it up as we go along.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME
I was homeschooled for most of my life, and it taught me to question what is “normal.”
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