Business
iVita Wellness
Dispensary Name: iVita Wellness-Highlands Location
Address: 2209 W. 32nd Ave. Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 997-7948
Website: www.ivitawellness.com
Interviewed:
Mathew Hergenreter (o
Dispensary Name: iVita Wellness-Highlands Location
Address: 2209 W. 32nd Ave. Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 997-7948
Website: www.ivitawellness.com
Interviewed:
Mathew Hergenreter (owner)
How did you start
the iVita brand?
This was started before I became an owner
four-and-a-half years ago. Our first store was the Pearl Street location that opened
in 2010.
What’s
the story behind the name of your dispensary?
A bit before my time, but ivita is Latin for life. Living a good
life, it encompasses all of that with the iVita name.
What does
your dispensary offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else?
A consistently good flower selection and amazing
customer service. We designed the whole dispensary around our customers. We
wanted to build facilities that were comfortable for our customers and that
have a lasting aesthetic. In four years, when you walk into this particular
dispensary, it’s going to feel like it was built yesterday. I build my
dispensaries so people are comfortable, and so they can pass that on to our
customers. That’s why our customer service is what drives most of the business
through the doors.
How has the cannabis industry changed since you
have been in the business?
All things are subject to change in this
industry. I’d say the biggest change is keeping up with the market and trying
to be competitive and remaining compliant. The problem is that it changes so
much every day. We are on top of the changes, but almost every day we get
changes from the Department of Revenue that come down and we have to change
things on the fly. We don’t let the change affect our day-to-day with the
customers.
Where would you like to see the cannabis
industry go?
Actually, I’d like to see it go where it was a
year ago, honestly. Unfortunately, I think the industry is changing so quickly
that there is going to be a lot of negative backlash. I’d like to see it remain
vertically integrated, “you grow it, you sell it.” I’d like to see it without a
monopoly. Really, that’s why my answer is, I’d like to see the industry where
it was a year ago.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this
industry?
Setting our business apart. The reason that is a
challenge right now is most of us are doing the same thing. Everybody has
rebranded. Everybody is trying to get a contemporary look. Keeping up with that
and making sure you have that one thing that sets you apart from the rest.
What is the most important thing you hope to
accomplish within the MJ/MMJ community?
Trust.
