March 31, 2025

Building a Mission-Focused, High-Performing Culture in the Ever-Evolving Cannabis Industry

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Ben Zachs, Founder of Fine Fettle, to explore how he’s built a purpose-driven, high-performance culture in the fast-growing cannabis industry. Ben shares how navigating complex seed-to-sale regulations across multiple states has required not just operational precision, but a strong team aligned with a clear mission.

From hiring for mindset over résumé to listening closely to frontline employees, Ben reveals how leaders can foster a culture where people feel empowered, adaptable, and genuinely fulfilled at work. Whether you’re in a regulated industry or scaling a startup, this conversation is full of actionable insights on leadership, growth, and building a team that thrives through change.

Perfect for listeners interested in:

Cannabis industry leadership

Building mission-focused culture

Employee empowerment strategies

Adapting to regulation changes

Purpose-driven business growth

Sal catches up with Ben Zachs, Founder of Fine Fettle, on how he built a high-achieving, mission-focused culture in the ever-changing cannabis industry. From navigating the complexities of a seed-to-sale business across different state regulations to breaking the stigma around cannabis use, Ben discusses the importance of hiring the right people, empowering his team, and encouraging a goal-oriented mindset. He emphasizes the need for leaders to listen to frontline employees, adapt to rapid industry changes, and create an environment where work brings joy.