It's in Our Blood: The Small Business DNA of THC Group
Growing up in Webster, Massachusetts, the youngest of three boys, I had a front-row seat to the rollercoaster ride of small business ownership. My late father, a mechanic with a heart of gold, ran his garage more like a community hub than a cutthroat enterprise. He was the kind of guy who'd fix an elderly woman’s flat tire for free, knowing she only used her car to go to church and run errands, and that her son was a loyal customer. It was never about the money.
Saturdays at the garage were less about turning wrenches and more about community. It was a "coffee club" hangout, where the coffee might have tasted like mud, but the friendships were stronger than steel. Those were the days when a handshake meant something, and your word was your bond. Little did I know then that my brothers and I had a front row seat to a yesteryear of business. The type of relationship-based business that is worthy of a comeback.
This is where it all began. My late father's garage, where the coffee was strong, the laughter was loud, and the friendships were stronger than steel. It was here, among the wrenches and the grease, that I learned the true meaning of community and the value of a handshake.
But my upbringing wasn't just about wrenches, busted knuckles, pushing brooms, and camaraderie. My mother, a force of nature in her own right, carved her own path in the world of finance. She climbed the ladder, shattering glass ceilings along the way, to become a successful bank executive. Having only recently retired, she for years treated customers as family and was the banker you could call on a weekend when your debit card was compromised. She taught me the value of hard work, strategic thinking, and never giving up on your dreams. (Side note: she also preached financial literacy before it was trendy!)
It was during my college years that I first got involved in politics, inspired by my mentor who opened my eyes to the power of constituent service in shaping impactful policy. Working alongside him, I focused primarily on healthcare, driven by a desire to expand access, lower costs, and rethink the way we deliver care. He used to say to me, “health is cheap, it is the care that is expensive!” Our work was deeply rooted in being responsive to the needs of people, ensuring that policies were not just theoretical concepts but practical solutions that made a real difference in their lives. We worked tirelessly to put patients and their primary care providers back at the center of the system, striving to avoid unnecessary, expensive, and potentially duplicative tests. This experience instilled in me a deep passion for finding practical, efficient solutions that benefit both individuals and the system as a whole. To him, policy wasn’t an academic exercise. It was never based on the latest white paper or think tank position. It was about the concerns of the neighbor you saw at the grocery store. Or, dare I say, the friends sitting around the garage on a Saturday morning complaining about their latest doctor’s appointment.
And that's where my passion for healthcare intersects with my work in the cannabis industry. Just like healthcare, the cannabis industry is about improving people's lives. It's about providing safe and effective access to products that can alleviate pain, manage symptoms, and enhance well-being. And just like in healthcare, navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the cannabis industry requires not only a deep understanding of policy and a commitment to compliance, but it should also be rooted in a sense of community.
“When I founded THC Group, it wasn’t just about offering expert consulting services to regulated industries. It was about building something more, something with a lasting impact. It was about building a legacy.”
From my dad, I learned the importance of community, integrity, and genuine connection. From my mom, I learned the power of ambition, resilience, and strategic vision. And from my mentor, I learned the value of public service and the impact of truly listening to the people you serve. Together, these experiences instilled in me the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community that drives THC Group today. Each of those influences brought to bear their talent and their skills for the good of others. My father was a natural mechanic and problem solver. My mother was blessed with impeccable business sense and humanity. And my mentor believed in the nobility and impact of public service.
When I founded THC Group, it wasn't just about offering expert consulting services to regulated industries. It was about building something more, something with a lasting impact. It was about building a legacy. Just as my parents' dedication and values shaped my life, I aim to create a company that instills the same sense of pride and purpose in my own children.
And here's where things get interesting. When it came time to set up our office, I felt drawn back to my roots, to that small-town spirit of Webster where it all began. And wouldn't you know it? The very same Post Office Box my dad used for his business all those years ago was available. Call it fate, call it karma, but to me, it felt like a sign that we were on the right track, a connection to the legacy I'm striving to build.
“At THC Group, we bring more than just unparalleled policy expertise and experience to the table. We bring the heart and soul of a small business, the understanding that success isn’t just about the bottom line, it’s about the passion, the grit, and the unwavering belief in your vision.”
At THC Group, we bring more than just unparalleled policy expertise and experience to the table. We bring the heart and soul of a small business, the understanding that success isn't just about the bottom line, it's about the passion, the grit, and the unwavering belief in your vision.
We believe in the power of a handshake, in building genuine relationships, and in treating every client like family. But don't let our small-town charm fool you. We're also lean, agile, smart, and effective, with the expertise to navigate the most complex, tricky, and seemingly impossible regulatory schemes. I've dedicated my career to mastering the intricacies of policy, and I'm proud to be recognized as a leading expert in cannabis regulation.
And unlike those large, impersonal consulting firms, we're not about billable hours and cookie-cutter solutions. We're about building genuine partnerships, understanding your unique needs, and providing personalized strategies that deliver results. We're small enough to be nimble and responsive, yet big enough to tackle any challenge you throw our way.
Here's how we can help you navigate the complexities of regulated industries, particularly cannabis:
Strategic Advice, Counsel, and Support: We provide expert guidance on navigating the legal and regulatory landscape, developing effective strategies, and making informed business decisions. We are currently helping clients all across the country - and the world - advance from application to operations. We know each and every step - from developing a comprehensive business plan to navigating local zoning.
Government & Regulatory Affairs, Policy Development, and Advocacy: We help you understand and comply with regulations, develop sound policies, and advocate for your interests at the local, state, and federal levels. We understand policy and regulations because we lived them. We wrote them ourselves and can therefore help build a compelling case to update or modify them. We have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, whether it is through legislative advocacy, regulatory negotiations, or public awareness campaigns.
Market and State-by-State Research and Analysis: We conduct thorough research and analysis to help you understand market trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions about expansion and investment.
Crisis Management and Communications: We help you prepare for and manage crises, protect your reputation, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. In any storm, it is important to maintain an objective and calm perspective - we can be that partner for you. This is where our size and agility works not to our advantage - but yours!
Business Licensing - Alcohol, Cannabis, Gaming, etc.: We guide you through the complex licensing process, ensuring you meet all requirements and secure the necessary approvals. Don't let the licensing process be a roadblock to your success. We've helped countless businesses, from small startups to large multi-state operators, secure the licenses they need to operate in the cannabis industry. Our deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and our relationships with key decision-makers give you a distinct advantage.
Compliance and Enforcement: We help you develop and implement robust compliance programs to minimize risk and ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. After spending all that time and energy pursuing a license, the last thing you want to do is put it in jeopardy. When that time comes, you are going to want a smart and recognized expert in your corner.
To learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive, visit our website.
Whether you're navigating the complex world of cannabis regulations, seeking strategic guidance, or simply need a partner who truly understands your journey, THC Group is here to help. We're not just consultants, we're fellow entrepreneurs, and we're ready to roll up our sleeves and help you achieve your dreams.
Because it's not just what we do, it's who we are. It's in our blood.
Ready to take your cannabis business to the next level? Let's connect. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, we understand the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. We've been there, and we're here to provide the expertise, guidance, and support you need to succeed in this exciting and ever-evolving industry. We'll roll up our sleeves, hear your story, and work together to find solutions that fit your unique needs. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let's get started.
We’ll have the coffee on.
