Let’s talk about starting fresh… what happens when you lose your partner?
What does that even mean in our business? It is like accidentally dropping a propane tank on your big toe; suddenly, pain, blood, and incapacity. How the hell did that happen? you look at the dried blood, the swollen toe, and your worthless hobble. And you know that you can’t let that happen again – good luck with that. Unfortunately, life is full of these unexpected changes.
And if you think that I dropped that tank on my own toe, then you would be right.
You had a business, and your partner was not who you thought they were. Now what? They want it all; what do you do?
Capitulate or resist, I guess. And now, you get a second chance at your dream; see what I did there? You can wallow in guilt or regret, or you can use what is happening to go forward through the door that has opened for you.
First, add up your assets, and you may find that you have more than you might think. Are you young? It is alright; nothing wrong with being young, but I think it is easier to take things in stride if you have the perspective of age – perhaps now you know that things change. But it can be hard when you are younger. Just keep it in mind.
There is a saying that you do want to keep in mind, “Give me a long enough spoon, and I will sup with the Devil.” And, it may feel that way to you as you try to pull things together between the situation you are in now and the future that you want to have. Start by planning for it.
The actual breakup will probably involve the law, much like a divorce, and the law is expensive and time-consuming. If you can, avoid a court case. I know it may not be possible, so start collecting your evidence. This would be any pertinent texts, emails, photos, or letters. If you have witnesses, make a list of those who could make written statements. Step away from this for a moment.
Now, what can you save from the wreckage? Often, a bully (your ex-partner) hasn’t thought out what they are doing to you. Just because a bully states that such and such is the case doesn’t make it so. Review your company’s or your farm’s assets; which belong to you? It will often come down to who owns what; if your farm is co-owned, you are probably screwed. It is frustrating, but determine who controls sales in your organization; that person may also be a partner.
If your now ex-partner has begun harassing you, you could explore a restraining order – no one is allowed to threaten or intimidate you. If your plan is to step away from your company, which might be a good thing, you have the fun of getting a new brand together, and I mean that in a good way. It doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom, but that depends on you and how you approach this change in your life.
Let your freak flag fly! Did you want to go coop or organic, but your partner didn’t agree? did you want to explore an avenue that your partner resisted? Here is your chance. In these hard industry times, partners can become consumed in fear and doubt. But you do not need to go alone. I am not saying that engaging in the changes you will need to engage in will not be difficult and time-consuming. Apply for a new license that perhaps suits you better; seek out new allies with whom you might have a better rapport; explore product options that your partner was dead set against.
This could be a door opening for you.
Bad things happen in a troubled industry, and you just have to go with the flow. Keep your head; look for the opportunities; and, as my Mom would say, keep working hard!
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Steve Dodge owns Homegrown Farms and partners at Humboldt Growers Network. Besides The Cannabis Show, he is on Substack (https://nevergiveup.substack.com/) and Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/home_grown). Well, almost on. Steve hosts the Cannabis Show on www.kmud.org every Monday from 5 to 6 PM. Been in the biz since 1978. His farm comes equipped with Gizmo, the black cat, and Leda, the really big Rottweiler.
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Feature photo credit: Steve Dodge
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