

Why would a successful 30-year-old quit his dream job at Google?

Because cannabis is the new Internet, according to former sales head Alan Gertner.

In a piece written for the Globe and Mail, Gertner explains why he left the tech world to join the nascent cannabis industry.



“I believe cannabis is the next Internet – an immense and untrammelled new market opportunity – and Tokyo Smoke is gearing up to take advantage of it. At least 10 per cent of North Americans consume cannabis on a regular basis and consumer product brands have yet to enter this enticing, mainstream, rapidly legalizing space.”



A discussion with a Ghanian tour guide would become the impetus for Gertner to leave his comfortable, high-paying position as head of an Asia-Pacific-wide sales team for Google in order to pursue his true passions.

“For the first time in my life, the excitement of another promotion or more money was non-existent,” writes Gertner. “I felt empty, in need of change, despite having the dream job I always wanted.”

True to his Google form, Gertner created a spreadsheet measuring the metrics of the happiness and meaning in his life, and found that his three particular passions in life are coffee, clothing, and cannabis. He then decided to work on opening Tokyo Smoke with his father, a business reflecting all of Gertner’s passions.

“I flew back to Toronto to work closely with my father to develop a brand that would redefine the cannabis marketplace,” says Gertner. “We opened up Tokyo Smoke’s first showroom, which features a coffee bar, branded clothing and cannabis paraphernalia, such as lighters and rolling papers.”

Despite leaving a prized position at Google, Gertner believes his new career is more fulfilling.

“Today, I’m not distracted with the career ladder but instead stimulated by the power of beginning a meaningful journey doing something I genuinely love,” says Gertner.

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