Brittney Agoncillo, Director of Operations, Jardín Premium Cannabis Dispensary – Interview Series

Brittney Agoncillo, is the Director of Operations at Jardín Premium Cannabis Dispensary, a dispensary in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As the Director of Operations in Las Vegas, Nevada, Brittney oversees store functions, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction. She designs and implements efficient operational processes to enhance business performance.

How did you get started in cannabis? I remember you saying you have an extensive background in advocacy. 

My introduction to cannabis is quite different from most. While many people start by smoking, my journey began at a young age through advocacy. As an athlete and a walking D.A.R.E. sign, I never imagined I’d be involved in the cannabis industry. Everything changed when my grandfather, a man I admired deeply, faced the toughest battle of his life. 

My grandfather was a war hero, a Purple Heart recipient under General MacArthur. He was the strongest person I knew, someone I would do anything for. When cancer struck, his doctor suggested cannabis to ease his pain and help with his appetite. But my grandfather, a man who loved this country and followed its rules without question, refused. “I don’t want to die a criminal,” he said. His words hit me hard. Here was a man who had sacrificed so much for his country, yet he was denied relief because of outdated laws and misconceptions. 

 This moment was a turning point for me. How could a plant, used for thousands of years for medicine, recreation, and even making fabric and building materials, be so misunderstood and stigmatized? Why did the U.S. government hold patents on cannabis compounds if it was supposedly so harmful? The more questions I asked, the more I realized the depth of the injustice. 

 Fueled by my grandfather’s struggle, I dove into the world of cannabis advocacy with my big sister, Priscilla Agoncillo. She became the campaign field director for Proposition 19, an initiative that sparked an uproar on the war on drugs, because it sought to allow adults 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of cannabis for consumption at home or in licensed establishments. Together, we worked tirelessly alongside many cannabis advocates to change perceptions of this plant and to push for much-needed reform. 

This journey has been incredibly rewarding as much as it’s been challenging and has defined my path in the cannabis industry. It’s not just about the plant; it’s about justice, compassion, and the right to heal. 

How did you end up joining the team at Jardin?  

My journey to joining the team at Jardín is like a tale of two resumes – one traditional, the other, well, let’s just say it’s not your typical CV.

On paper, I graduated Highest Honors from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with a focus on Information Systems & Operations and Supply Chain Management. I’ve clocked over a decade in retail management, marketing, and project management. And I’ve honed my leadership chops through keynote speaking events at universities and volunteering in local politics.

But there’s another side to me – my “trap” resume, as I like to call it. This one tells the story of my deep dive into the world of cannabis, from budtending at one of the first dispensaries in Santa Ana, CA to being the right hand Executive Assistant to Priscilla Agoncillo, a titan in the cannabis industry. I’ve managed family farms up in Northern California, getting my hands dirty in outdoor cultivation and learning the ropes of this fascinating plant from seed to sale.

After immersing myself in various facets of the cannabis industry, I found myself drawn back to the retail space. And that’s where Jardín comes in. With its reputation for quality, education, and innovation, joining the team here was a natural fit for me.

At Jardín, I bring together the best of both worlds – my business acumen and my deep passion for cannabis. Here, we’re not just providing safe access to quality cannabis products; we’re shaping the future of the industry, one customer at a time.

What are some factors that some people may not consider that goes into running such a large but popular business?  

Running a large and popular cannabis business like Jardín involves navigating a unique set of challenges that many people might not initially consider. Let me share a bit about what goes on behind the scenes.

Imagine you’re operating in a market that’s federally illegal but legal at the state level. This dichotomy means we must meticulously dot our i’s and cross our t’s. We’re in an industry that’s constantly evolving and shaped by politics, so staying current with regulations is not just important—it keeps the doors open for our customers. By adhering strictly to these regs, we not only ensure compliance but also contribute to shaping industry standards and fostering a positive relationship with the community and local government.

The cannabis industry is still in its infancy, presenting a dual set of challenges. First, we face the typical hurdles of starting and running a new business. Second, we must navigate the complex web of regulations unique to a federally illegal market. To tackle these, myself along with our team has developed and standardized operational systems and efficiencies that streamline our best practices, ensuring they align with compliance requirements. This collaborative approach allows us to stay agile and responsive to regulatory changes while maintaining high standards of service and quality.

But there’s more to it than just regulations and systems. Running a large dispensary like Jardín requires a deep commitment to education and customer service. In traditional industries, you can learn about management, operations, and leadership through established educational paths. However, cannabis lacks a formalized educational structure. To address this, we created Jardín University. Our education system is similar to traditional university academia, with classes, tutoring sessions, and exams that must be passed before servicing customers. Think of it as our in-house training program, complete with rigorous curricula and classes like “Introduction to Terpenes” and “Methods of Consumption.” Our courses are demanding because we are shaping the standards of the cannabis retail space. You have to be passionate and eager to learn. We provide the tools, but it’s up to the individual to use them effectively. We also conduct regular knowledge checks and advance the education of our staff as they continue to grow into their careers at Jardín, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry knowledge and best practices.

Through our educational platform, we ensure all team members are on the same page regarding knowledge and standards. For instance, we often hire new team members who are passionate about cannabis but come from states where it remains illegal, limiting their access to information and education. Our classes help bridge this gap, bringing everyone up to speed with the latest industry knowledge. We offer comprehensive training sessions, educational talks by cannabis experts, and tutoring. Budtenders must pass a final exam before stepping onto the retail floor to ensure they are well-equipped to educate and serve our customers.

Another factor that often goes unnoticed is the level of community engagement and advocacy required. At Jardín, we believe in giving back to the community and advocating for the broader acceptance and legalization of cannabis. This involves participating in local politics, supporting community events, and ensuring that our business practices benefit the community as a whole. Each person who walks through our doors and leaves satisfied is one more advocate for this remarkable plant.

Additionally, we face significant challenges with our point-of-sale (POS) systems and technology. The cannabis industry often lacks the advanced technology solutions available to other sectors, making it harder to streamline operations and manage sales effectively. Moreover, the lack of business banking services is a major hurdle. Many financial institutions are hesitant to work with cannabis businesses due to federal regulations, which complicates financial management and security.

Running a cannabis dispensary is not just about selling products; it’s about creating an experience and fostering a community. It’s about educating our customers and team members, advocating for change, and continuously adapting to an evolving industry. These are the key factors that drive our success and make Jardín a leader in the cannabis space.

At Jardín, we believe that every positive customer experience contributes to the broader acceptance and legalization of cannabis. Each person who walks through our doors and leaves satisfied is one more advocate for this remarkable plant.

What have been some of your best highlights as Store Director of Jardin? 

Embarking on my journey at Jardín was like stepping into a world of endless possibilities. Starting as the retail manager, I poured my heart and soul into every aspect of the role, driven by a deep passion for cannabis and a vision for what Jardín and this industry could become. Through relentless dedication and hard work, I rose through the ranks to become the first Store Director, and when I was appointed as the first female Director of Operations, it felt like a culmination of years of perseverance and determination.

Reflecting on my time at Jardín, there have been countless highlights that have shaped my journey. Perhaps the most significant is our reputation as the most award-winning dispensary in all of Nevada. Beyond the accolades, what truly sets us apart is the recognition as one of the top dispensaries to work for, and placing in the top 50 for most inclusive workplaces. It’s a testament to the vibrant culture we’ve cultivated—a culture that celebrates diversity, empowers women, and fosters a sense of belonging.

At Jardín, we’re not just selling cannabis; we’re shaping a lifestyle and a community. Witnessing our loyal customers, especially seniors, treat our store like their local hangout spot is a heartwarming reminder of the impact we’re making in people’s lives every day. From locals to travelers from around the world, our doors are open to all who seek to explore the possibilities of cannabis. It’s not uncommon to see celebrities, artists, and professional athletes browsing our selection, drawn in by the welcoming and elevated atmosphere and diverse range of products.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey at Jardín is the sense of camaraderie among our team members. I have had the honor and privilege to coach, train, and work alongside some of the best in our organization and in the cannabis space. Teammates who have gone on to run their own departments and be recognized and win awards in this industry. We’re more than just colleagues; we’re a team united by a shared passion for cannabis and a commitment to excellence. 

As someone deeply committed to advocacy, being recognized as the Cannabis Activist of The Year at the Golden Cup Awards and winning the Best Manager and Best Cannabis Activist at the Nevada Cannabis Awards Music Festival in 2023 were key highlights and defining moments in my journey. They serve as a reminder of the importance of staying true to my beliefs and driving positive change in our industry and beyond.

My journey at Jardín is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. As I continue to navigate this ever-evolving industry, I’m excited to see what the future holds. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative and making a lasting impact on our community and industry. 

What are some big future plans you and/or Jardin have? 

Some of the big future plans for us at Jardín revolve around our commitment to advancing the cannabis industry and championing the cause for federal legalization. Our overarching goal is to continue the fight against the war on drugs and advocate for the legalization of cannabis at a federal level. There’s still much work to be done in addressing the social injustices that have affected countless individuals due to the stigma surrounding cannabis. It’s imperative that we rectify these wrongs and pave the way for a more equitable future.

Furthermore, we’re looking to expand our retail footprint beyond Nevada, bringing the Jardín experience to new markets and communities. By expanding our reach, we aim to share our passion for cannabis and provide safe access to quality products to even more individuals across the country.

In essence, our future plans revolve around driving positive change in the industry, creating innovative experiences for cannabis enthusiasts, and expanding our presence to new horizons. We’re excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to continue shaping the future of cannabis.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit Jardín Premium Cannabis Dispensary.