Creator Spotlight: Tom Smale, CEO / Founder Growbox Consulting

On the 8th episode of the Creator Spotlight Series, we interviewed Tom Smale who is the CEO and Founder of Growbox Consulting. He’s been extremely passionate about cannabis all his life and have been behind some of the best cannabis brands in the market today. His talent, knowledge and expertise in the cannabis space is elite level. We couldn’t be happier to feature him on this Creator Spotlight Series. Enjoy!

Introduce yourself and what do you do?

My name is Tom Smale, I am the CEO and founder of Growbox Consulting. We support cultivation and processing facilities to build culture, productivity, and procedures that allow teams to dance while staying compliant within the regulated market. We’re basically full time cheerleaders and play quarterback once in a while.

Can you share any turning points in your career or particular moments of success?

Without a doubt…Shutting down the “legacy” grows and moving across the the country to the GTA… It was horrifying, painful, and a big change in income compared to flipping packs out of the back of the car but the legacy market was dying and I love growing cannabis. I could see that the legacy market was dying and I had to do whatever it took if I wanted to stay in the game. I walked into the building and they were like you need to learn these SOP’s. I was like, what the f**k is a soap?

I put my head down, worked hard, asked questions, and built new muscles.

Describe your cannabis use in 3 words.

Love, Care, Proud

Describe the impact Cannabis has had on your life?

Epic…Growing cannabis taught me Philosophies that apply to every aspect of my life. I love consuming it but cultivating has taught me so much.

1. Patience. I couldn’t force results or take short cuts with growing cannabis. I had to earn them by putting the effort in.

2. Do diligence. I had to learn that doing things I didn’t want to do was actually what needed to be done if I wanted the result that I’m proud of.

3. Environment. I couldn’t grow healthy thriving plants in a negative or dirty environment. Growing cannabis taught me that I personally needed to remove myself from toxic environments and place myself around people that would lift me up and support my own personal growth.

“Growing cannabis taught me Philosophies that apply to every aspect of my life. I love consuming it but cultivating has taught me so much. “

Where and when were you introduced to cannabis for the first time?

I’m from BC bro lol. All jokes aside, I come from a family that was sort of split in half. My uncles had been growing cannabis since I was born but my parents sent me to rehab in grade 12 for smoking too much of it. I’ve been around cannabis ever since I can remember and it’s been a cultural part of my life. For readers, my parents have come a long way. They get it now. I’m grateful they support me and what Growbox is all about.

What’s your favourite post-smoke activity? Workout? Food?

Pizza without a doubt. We smoke a ton of meat around the house but that takes hours so a pizza is usually eaten while we’re waiting for the brisket or ribs.

If you could sesh with one person dead or alive, who would it be?

My mentor GT – RIP.

What music do you vibe to when using Cannabis?

My playlist bounces [around.] I’ll go through hip hop, country, and classic rock all within 30 mins. It Drives my friends crazy and they don’t let me go DJ very often. Whatever the mood is. I love music.

“Choklit park is about bringing that legacy fire to market while honoring and telling the story of the growers. We aligned very quickly and Growbox supports this concept.”

What are your favourite ways to consume cannabis (joints, vapes, edibles, beverages etc.) and why?

I used to hit bongs but I’d just fall asleep. It’s mostly joints nowadays but for some reason I still fall asleep.

Is there anything interesting that you’d like to share with the Choklit Park community? (feel free to share any important projects or exciting news you’d like our community to know!)

Choklit park is about bringing that legacy fire to market while honoring and telling the story of the growers. We aligned very quickly and Growbox supports this concept. I’m telling you…. if I figured out how to dance within this legal industry, anyone can.