Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlon Coburn.
Hi Marlon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in LA and started my career in the healthcare industry, specifically in oncology diagnostic testing labs and then pharmaceuticals. Compliance was always my focus, I was dealing with SOPs and making sure the business was operating compliantly — whether it’s day-to-day operations, safety, licensing, all of that fun stuff. In late 2018, I was contacted by the cannabis recruiting company FlowerHire. I wasn’t looking for a career change at the time, but I took the call, and I’m glad I did. I had the opportunity to join a passionate team and build out a compliance department as THC Design began to adopt the new California regulations. I would have never guessed I’d go through all that I did over the next 5 years, but this has been the learning experience of a lifetime. I’ve since moved into an even larger role —CEO of THC Design. My healthcare experience was invaluable to my transition into cannabis. Being exposed to large-scale operations has been my guide to scaling up THC Design. I know how we can optimize our processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and I understand the resources needed to do so. Healthcare, like cannabis, is also highly regulated. Having rigorous quality control and compliance protocols – and navigating the regulatory environment – is key to surviving in an industry that is as uniquely challenged as cannabis is from a regulatory perspective.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
With any new industry, there will be challenges and roadblocks along the way. I have definitely had my share! But you cannot be in this business – at this stage – without tremendous resiliency. We’re essentially an industry of startups, so we have all the challenges of growing from great ideas to sound businesses. I’d go as far as saying nothing has been smooth! But as someone who is always seeking a challenge and personal growth, it has been very rewarding. There’s still so much potential and growth ahead for the industry at large, and even though I’m sure that will come with more heartache, it’s still exciting to be a part of it!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Now that I’m in the role of CEO, I have a seat at all of the tables, and it’s been really cool to see the talent and passion that folks have in the cannabis industry. I lead an incredible team. Coming with such a strong background in compliance and operations, I’d say that is still what I’m most known for – which is key in this role because I’ve had the chance to understand the business from the inside out. I’m most proud of leading a company that is known for our quality products and people. We’ve got a great brand and presence all across the state of California, and every time I meet someone new, whether it be a new industry partner or a friend of a friend outside of work, what I hear most is that it’s the quality of the product of THC Design that people are most impressed by. As far as the people, our team is the heart of the company. I am most proud of hiring a group of the best in the industry and seeing them continue to grow in their roles and impact the industry in such a positive way.
What’s next?
I have huge aspirations for this company. THC Design aims to solidify its position as a leader in the cannabis industry through continuous innovation, expanding our product range, and enhancing market reach. A key business goal is to stay agile as we grow and adapt to evolving market trends and regulations, ensuring sustainable growth. This year, we’re looking to take our first leap outside of California, and that has been very motivational for the team as we take our culture and expertise into other markets.
For me, it always comes back to the people. We’re focusing on promoting diversity and inclusion this year, and we aspire to be the trailblazers that establish the industry standard. We’re going to actively support minority participation in the cannabis sector, foster an inclusive workplace culture internally, and engage in community initiatives that highlight the contributions of diverse groups.
But my biggest plan for this year is to give an opportunity to all of our employees to become owners of this company. This has been an initiative that has been in the works for a while and one that I am the most proud of. I cannot wait for all of our wonderful employees to have a real stake in the future success of this company!
Contact Info:
- Website: thcdesign.com
- Instagram: @THCDesign
- Twitter: @_THCDesign
Image Credits
THC Design
