Staci Scholl, National Sales Director at DIZPOT- Interview Series

Here at DIZPOT, diversity is found in every department, every conversation, and every human who walks through our doors. We’re a family, a melting pot; diversity encourages us to remain open minded and condone different perspectives.

– Staci Scholl

The global cannabis packaging market is exploding. The Smither’s recent market report projects a global value of $1.6 billion by 2024. Even as the young industry teems with enthusiastic entrepreneurs, achieving success in cannabis packaging is not going to be a walk in the park. Entrepreneurs have to struggle to remain compliant with fluid laws that change from time to time. At the same time they need to ensure that their packaging maintains the highest degree of product quality and be appealing to their clientele at the same time. How does one find balance?

We spoke to Staci Scholl – National Sales Director at DIZPOT, to get insights into the opportunities and pitfalls in cannabis packaging.

Meet Staci

How did you find yourself in cannabis?

I found myself in cannabis from the earliest days of legalization in Arizona. I operated a small dispensary in Payson, AZ and sunk my teeth into the industry with passion. Moving onward and upward, the last ten years I’ve had the pleasure of operating six cannabis brands in the Arizona market, whether bringing in licenses from out-of-state or elevating a new launch started here in the desert. This industry ages like dog years, I’m almost seventy years in. After that amount of time, credibility matters. I’ve held my ground as an industry leader by practicing what I preach and leading with integrity, which directly allows me to continue to evolve this industry with like-minded individuals.

DIZPOT was named as the “Best Nation- Valley Based Cannabis Company.” What makes DIZPOT special?

What makes DIZPOT a special place is the culture here… it’s like no other. From the opportunity to collaborate with cannabis organizations globally, having each department head being held by a woman, the constant innovations, and trends that we proactively keep a close pulse to share with our customers, to our house dog to keep our spirits up, this place rocks. Everyone within these walls is rowing in the same direction, want good things for others, and support one another to the fullest. Our three core values, one including “The Golden Rule” is practiced daily.

You head sales at DIZPOT, what has been the greatest challenge in performing this role, given the strict regulations in the cannabis industry?

Being the head of sales, one of the greatest challenges in performing this role successfully with the strict regulations of the industry is the constant upkeep of state-to-state compliance updates; ensuring our customers have the most relevant information regarding packaging and labeling for their organization. We’re thinking years ahead for our customers, not just the next holiday, hence the constant keen eye on policy changes.

You are big in branding, why is it important for a cannabis business to get their branding right?

My real love for the cannabis industry came through branding; separating the serious players from the “take shortcuts” competitors. Observing how brand loyalty can make for a successful and sustainable business model, it directly impacts the organization to scale and grow. What is a cannabis company’s story? Like a superhero, all great brands have an origin story. And branding, my friends? It makes a difference. Think about the way we feel when we pick up a cup of coffee from a gas station versus a well-known brand like Starbucks. They’re both coffee inside the packaging, but why do we religiously go to Starbucks, post our custom drinks on social media, and a no-coffee day makes for a cranky human? Brand loyalty, great marketing, and the right design to separate from others.

Sustainable packaging: is this possible to achieve in the cannabis industry and is it even worthwhile in the first place?

Sustainable packaging…is it worth it? Absolutely and whole-heartedly “yes.” It’s a smart path to take, and organizations will continue to evolve their business models in strategizing how their brands can become more sustainable through packaging. Enter DIZPOT. Cultivations and distribution companies have begun, if not already, minimizing the carbon footprint of their practices, and packaging companies are running parallel to such measures. DIZPOT takes a proactive approach in knowing the nuances for the future to prepare our customers to make pivots on their packaging. Whether mandated by regulatory changes, new policies, or by choice, we’re here to facilitate organization’s success through sustainable packaging.

Diversity in the cannabis industry. Where are we and what steps to take to ensure it’s essential in our industry's future?

Here at DIZPOT, diversity is found in every department, every conversation, and every human who walks through our doors. We’re a family, a melting pot; diversity encourages us to remain open minded and condone different perspectives. As for the industry, I can confidently say there aren’t enough women and minorities in key roles; I can’t tell you how many qualified individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with who would thrive if given the chance to have a seat at the table.

In a nutshell, what does DIZPOT represent as a brand?

DIZPOT as a brand overall takes an approach to our customers first with total responsiveness. We’re a consultative project management company with intelligent, empathetic, and passionate folks who want our customers to succeed. Our job is to make gorgeous custom packaging, their job is to sell gorgeous cannabis products. We provide certainty in a volatile industry.

Thank you for the great interview and for all of the work that you have done to help move this industry forward, readers who wish to learn more should visit DIZPOT.