PATERSON, NJ - Where better for one of the fastest growing companies in a fast growing industry to locate than in Paterson, Mayor Andre Sayegh asked a crowd of nearly 30 job prospects Monday.

The question came less than a half hour into Green Thumb Industry’s (GTI) hiring event seeking candidates to help fill the jobs necessary to get their Rise dispensary operational by the end of the year.

An early count of job seekers reflected that 16 out of 22 of those in the room were Paterson residents, an important statistic for Devra Karlebach, New Jersey’s chief executive officer for the company that takes supporting their communities they are located in seriously.

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“We are a compassionate company,” store manager Roberto Gualatieri said. Having returned from a stint in California with a competing industry leader, the New Jersey native added that while some competitors have lost the “human factor” GTI insists on giving back to the community,” and that includes by hiring locally.

Among the job hopefuls in attendance was Gemelly Caraballo. Recently laid off from her last position as an office manager, Caraballo said that she hopes to not only become employed by, but also grow with, the industry, including by investing in it.

Asked about the introduction of a cannabis dispensary into Paterson Caraballo called it “another opportunity to build.”

When it comes to moving to home ownership, or growing Paterson, Caraballo said, “we have to start somewhere.”

“Where better than a company that’s progressing?”





While Karleback said that the initial round of hiring will only be in the dozens GTI will continue to ramp up operations and expects to be at full capacity, up to 150 jobs, in 24-36 months.

In addition to competitive wages GTI also offers employees of more than 30 hours a week healthcare, dental and vision, a 401k, and stock options after one year.

“We take care of our employees,” Karlebach concluded before moving on to a conversation with another job hopeful.

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