In this episode of the Talent in Cannabis Podcast, host David Belsky speaks with Nicolas Guarino, co-founder and CEO of Jaunty. Nicolas shares the company’s 9-year journey from New York’s hemp pilot program to becoming a vertically integrated cannabis brand.
Nicolas grew up in a multigenerational farming family and entered hemp at 22, believing it could eventually create a path into legal cannabis. After raising millions of dollars and building a processing operation, he watched CBD ingredient prices fall from approximately $6,000 per kilogram to as little as $60.
Jaunty was preparing to shut down when New York created a path for qualified hemp cultivators and processors to participate in the emerging adult-use market. That opportunity allowed Nicolas and his team to rehire employees, apply years of operational experience, and transform an ingredient business into a consumer brand.
David and Nicolas also discuss:
- Why agricultural inputs commoditize faster than consumer brands
- How Jaunty maintained its position through reliable service, consistent products and competitive pricing
- Why premium live resin and rosin products represent the brand’s next stage of growth
- How weak enforcement can disadvantage cannabis companies that follow the rules
- Why flexibility, intelligence and emotional resilience matter when hiring in cannabis
- What aspiring founders should learn before investing in a cannabis brand
Nicolas also shares why Jaunty is preparing to expand beyond New York. The company originally expected the state market to grow much faster, but dispensary opt-outs, illicit competition, and slower-than-expected sales growth have changed that outlook.
With its New York operation becoming more efficient and a new vape line designed for expansion, Jaunty is now considering opportunities in nearby Northeastern markets.
Find leaders for your cannabis company: www.flowerhire.com
Connect with Nicolas Guarino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-guarino-43939b103/
Connect with David Belsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbelsky/
Check out Jaunty: https://jaunty.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerhire/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FlowerHire
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowerhire/
