As a young adult with a strong interest in both marketing and the evolving cannabis industry, landing an internship at Chicago Cannabis Company felt like a dream come true. This experience would not only deepen my understanding of marketing strategies but also open my eyes to the unique dynamics of the cannabis market and the importance of community-driven initiatives.
Chicago Cannabis Company stood out among other potential employers due to its distinctive approach to hemp-derived products and its commitment to social and economic empowerment. Founded in 2018 by Tomasz Gliszewski, Nicollette Rodriguez, and Drew Schneider, the company operates as a worker cooperative, prioritizing democratic decision-making and fostering entrepreneurship in underserved communities affected by the War on Drugs. Along with the three owners is a small team of seven other sales associates managing their two stores in Lincoln Park and North Center.
Initially joining the company as a sales associate, I immersed myself in learning all about the cannabis plant so that I could provide the best information possible to help customers make informed decisions. As a sales associate I engaged with customers all day long, some who were seasoned users and some who were new to the cannabis world. Being able to see how these products have helped people inspired me and pushed me even more to continue learning about the plant in its entirety. I heard both praises and complaints from customers which pushed me to think on ways to improve and help the company continue to grow.
It was during this time that I had a conversation with Tom, my boss, who shared his challenges in managing various aspects of the business. My time at DePaul University has helped me refined my marketing knowledge and I was excited to finally be able to incorporate them into my job. I proposed ideas to enhance customer engagement and simplify the consumer shopping experience, which piqued Tom's interest and led to an offer to become the company's marketing intern.
The subsequent ten weeks was a journey of learning and experimentation as Tom and I analyzed Chicago Cannabis Company's existing marketing strategies. One of the key insights we gained was the importance of email marketing in the cannabis industry. With restrictions on traditional advertising channels, email emerged as a powerful tool for building relationships with customers and driving sales.
In my role as a marketing intern, I took charge of crafting, designing, and scheduling bi-weekly emails that showcased product highlights, promotions, and educational content. However, what truly elevated our strategy was the segmentation of our email lists to tailor content to different demographics within our diverse customer base consisting of Gen-Z, Millenials, Gen-X, and Baby Boomer generations, with each segment receiving personalized emails designed to resonate with their unique interests and preferences.
Beyond getting hands-on experience, my internship at Chicago Cannabis Company provided me with invaluable insights into the intersection of business, social responsibility, and community empowerment.
As I reflect on my time as a marketing intern, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to merge my passion for cannabis with my growing knowledge in marketing. The lessons learned and relationships forged during this journey will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in both the cannabis industry and beyond and it only makes me excited for my future. Chicago Cannabis Company not only equipped me with practical skills but also inspired in me a sense of purpose and a commitment to driving positive change in the world.
