2026-05-07
Michael Mulkern lost his first CBD company to a bad acquisition. He runs MAVZ Naturals across 34 dispensaries with zero ad spend. He details the sample jar strategy that wins retail floor space and keeps inventory moving. Learn how independent operators manage lean manufacturing and survive shifting state regulations. Topics covered include dispensary sales tactics, buyer loyalty, and navigating the 2026 hemp market. Key Takeaways: - Buy back old inventory from top accounts to secure buyer loyalty during a rebrand - Use mini sample jars to bypass marketing restrictions and put products directly in consumer hands - Keep manufacturing lean and partner with reliable accounts moving consistent monthly volume to survive market shifts Chapters 0:05:58 The High School Diagnosis That Missed the Mark 0:10:03 Market Fads Lessons From the Frozen Yogurt Boom 0:16:37 Scaling Wave Hemp From Hobby to Business 0:27:48 The Acquisition That Erased His Investment 0:35:50 Launching MAVZ Naturals After a Layoff 0:44:26 Securing 34 Dispensary Doors Without Paid Media 0:47:35 The Sample Jar Tactic That Converts Buyers 0:58:35 The Hemp Cliff and How MAVZ Is Hedging 1:05:01 Building a Legacy Beyond Cannabis Operations Connect with Michael Mulkern: MAVZ Naturals: mavznaturals.com Maverick and Benji's Brave Adventure: maverickandbenjiofficial.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelmulkern High Functioning Podcast: Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify Apple Podcasts: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple 21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.