Melissa Gonzales of Smoking Gun Apothecary
The Smokin Gun Apothecary is a unique dispensary. It’s a late-night anti-prohibition museum meets cannabis pharmacy replete with a Wild West theme and antiques. And it’s a family affair. Melissa Gonzales, who used to work in Government, has been the General Manager for just over a year. And business is smokin’.
“Business is wonderful,” noted Gonzales. “I’m very blessed to work for a family that really understands how to run a successful business and values their employees. Working in an environment like this really resonates from top to bottom and in turn shows in our customer service which also keeps our guests coming back to shop with us.”
“When looking for new products we regularly get samples from vendors and then distribute those samples throughout our staff and we log their feedback. In addition, we ask our bud tenders to tell us what guests are asking for on the sales floor and how frequently. We also periodically ask our team if there is a product they’ve tried that they think should add to our sales floor.”
Number of Employees
“I manage 21.”
Management Philosophy
“Lead by example, be open, learn, empower and motivate the team. I like to do it all: budtend, work the door, pick up trash, clean bathrooms, count money or jump in where ever I see a need. I want my team to do the same. Also, it’s important to learn your team. I try to learn at least three things about everyone on my team and learn their personality. I like to empower my team to make a decision and not to be afraid to make a mistake.”
(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
First/Last Thing You Do At Work
“The first thing I do when I get in is say good morning to everyone on my team. I usually dance when I walk onto the floor and encourage a little dance party to get everyone smiling. I always ask if my managers have done a pre-shift meeting with our focus for the shift. It’s corny but we laugh and it really sets a positive tone for the shift.”
Customers Per Day
250.
Retail Trends
“Customers are becoming more educated on cannabis, therefore seeking the best and purest product they can find.”
What’s Hot
“I’ve seen a huge increase in distillate cartridges, specifically CBD:THC carts. People are searching for a potent and pure high and that is what is driving them to distillates.”
(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
Job Advice
“Don’t limit yourself. Also, work for a company and team that you stand behind and love your job because it shows and sets an example. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake because if you don’t make mistakes, you know how to fix them and you wont grow. Always do your best to be gracious, kind and diplomatic. Let people be people. Give your team the chance to be individuals. Everyone has a different approach. Don’t ever bring me a problem without offering a solution.”
Stocking Shelves
“When looking for new products we regularly get samples from vendors and then distribute those samples throughout our staff and we log their feedback. In addition, we ask our bud tenders to tell us what guests are asking for on the sales floor and how frequently. We also periodically ask our team if there is a product they’ve tried that they think should add to our sales floor.”
“I’ve seen a huge increase in distillate cartridges, specifically CBD:THC carts. People are searching for a potent and pure high and that is what is driving them to distillates.”
The First Time You Consumed Cannabis…
“I was in 10th grade when I decided to try it. It was really overwhelming at first because I was nervous and I wasn’t sure what to expect or how I would feel. So I started to freak out! Thankfully, my friends were really supportive they gave me a hard time and lightened the mood. We walked around my neighborhood and the park, talked, acted silly and giggled the whole time. It was really fun!”
Link – MG Retailer
