Brendan McKee didn’t start in a boardroom, he started in a warehouse, moving furniture and learning the value of hard work. Today, he’s the COO of Silver Therapeutics, a multi-state retail brand known for keeping people at the center.

In this episode, Brendan shares how that early hustle turned into a leadership style built on empathy, clarity, and long-term retention. From offering therapy to building culture in every store, this is what people-first business really looks like.

🎧 You’ll Learn:

• How Silver Therapeutics maintains 90%+ retention

• Why benefits and listening drive loyalty

• What MSOs can learn from staying human

🔗 Listen now: https://tr.ee/highpodlinks
Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Vincent DiMento of The Agriculturalist shares his story of transitioning from finance into the fast-paced world of dispensary leadership—opening four stores and building standout team culture along the way.

🎧 You’ll learn:

• How strong internal culture drives long-term success

• Why service models like “deli-style” matter in retail

• What he’s learned from launching in places like Fall River and Quincy

• How to treat employees like people—not numbers

⏱ Note: A fire alarm briefly interrupted the recording at 01:20:29, but the conversation picks right back up after a short intermission.

Whether you're building your first store or managing a growing operation, this episode is your playbook for people-first retail leadership.

🔗 Subscribe and listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:🔗 https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcastWhat’s really holding back local businesses? According to Ryan Arias Dominguez, it’s outdated policies, broken regulations, and systems that just haven’t kept up with the times.In this episode, Ryan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, breaks down how license caps, advertising restrictions, and lack of access to capital are making it nearly impossible for small, minority-owned, and equity-focused businesses to survive.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ Why many local businesses can’t grow, exit, or scale✅ How advertising rules are stifling brand communication✅ What the legislative process actually looks like✅ Why common-sense reform is finally gaining momentum✅ What operators and advocates need to do next🚨 Disclaimer: This episode discusses adult-use business regulations and public policy. Intended for adult audiences and professionals. Please engage responsibly and follow local laws.🔔 Subscribe for more: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎧 Spotify: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningapple📹 YouTube Channel: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningpod