Empowering Teams and Changing Lives: John Pennington's Vision for Proper Cannabis
Proud to work in cannabis presents: John Pennington the co-founder and CEO of Proper Cannabis in Missouri.
Navigating the Missouri Cannabis Market with John Pennington
After a brief hiatus, Karson Humiston returns with an engaging conversation with John Pennington, the co-founder and CEO of Proper Cannabis in Missouri. John shared his early entrepreneurial spirit, from shoveling driveways as a kid to running a business in high school and college. His transition into the cannabis industry was influenced by his work in real estate and his involvement in building Missouri's largest non-profit methadone treatment center. This experience opened his eyes to the potential of cannabis as a regulated industry.
They discuss the importance of having a clear vision and mission, and how John successfully scaled Proper Cannabis from a preliminary idea to a leading company with over 450 employees. He emphasized the significance of writing down goals, empowering teams, and fostering a strong company culture. Proper Cannabis is known for its low turnover rate, which John attributes to the intentional culture they've built, where every team member feels valued and connected.
John also highlighted the rapid growth of the Missouri cannabis market, which has expanded significantly since the legalization of adult-use cannabis. Proper Cannabis has become a market leader in various product categories, including pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles.
One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was John's commitment to social justice. He teaches a class called "Business, Purpose, and the Bible" in the St. Louis County jail system, helping inmates find hope and purpose. This aligns with his broader mission to advocate for policy changes in Washington, D.C., and support re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Looking ahead, John envisions Proper Cannabis expanding beyond Missouri and becoming a multi-state operator while maintaining its strong ethos and commitment to quality. His dedication to both business success and social impact makes him a standout entrepreneur in the cannabis industry.
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