Gab Lemons
Seattle,WA
Summary
Dedicated Buyer with history of overseeing multiple product lines. Offering over 10 years of experience with leading Cannabis retail operation. Consistently promoted for exceptional performance and service. Successfully manages diverse purchasing needs in challenging, fast-paced environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Purchasing
Higher Leaf
Bellevue, WA
01.2025 - 01.2025
- Researched potential vendors to determine best fit for company needs.
- Maintained vendor files including contact information, product catalogues, pricing agreements.
- Established relationships with vendors to facilitate efficient ordering processes.
- Ensured adherence to all applicable laws, regulations and policies related to purchasing operations.
- Managed inventory levels, tracked orders, monitored stock availability and maintained accurate records.
- Identified areas of improvement within the purchasing process and developed initiatives accordingly.
- Negotiated favorable terms, pricing, payment schedules, delivery timelines and volume discounts with suppliers.
- Conducted price comparisons between potential suppliers in order to secure the most competitive prices possible.
- Cultivated new vendor relationships using dynamic communication and negotiation skills.
- Developed and maintained an up-to-date database of suppliers, products, and prices.
- Collaborated with other departments to identify and fulfill their purchasing needs.
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure compliance with agreed-upon terms and conditions.
- Reviewed supply levels and aging inventory to forecast purchasing needs.
Operations/Consultant/Product Developer/Brand Specialist
UAHI / FDG
Bellingham, WA
01.2021 - 07.2024
- Increased operations efficiency through execution of improvement processes.
- Utilized well-honed skills to swiftly adapt and refocus with changing project priorities.
- Collected and analyzed data to evaluate operational issues and make process improvement recommendations.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Spearheaded product development from initial design conceptualization to manufacturing and final delivery to clients.
- Researched modern product trends and adapted designs to match.
- Oversaw material sourcing, production and packaging to promote strong supply chain.
- Sourced product material suppliers and researched most cost-effective development materials.
- Managed supply chain from materials to production.
- Developed branding strategies and specific products for clients, improving customer satisfaction.
Head of Purchasing
A Cannabis Storey
Seattle, WA
04.2020 - 11.2020
- Sourced new vendors for purchasing needs.
- Obtained quotes from various suppliers to determine most cost-effective purchasing options.
- Cultivated new vendor relationships using dynamic communication and negotiation skills.
- Maintained appropriate inventory levels to meet personnel and corporate needs.
- Selected and negotiated contracts with supply vendors to obtain top-notch pricing on materials and items.
- Conducted market research to determine appropriate pricing.
- Tracked and approved procurement plans and inventory levels.
- Established training programs.
Consultant
Smokiez
Portland, OR
06.2020 - 06.2020
- Researched and analyzed operations to ascertain detailed client needs.
- Handled Marketing, brand awareness problems and issues.
- Cultivated best practices based on industry experience and current regulatory expectations.
- Broadened improvement initiatives by troubleshooting problems and recommending corrective actions.
- Maintained current knowledge of market trends to help clients feel fashionable and flattered by styles.
Buyer
Have A Heart
Seattle, Washington
02.2014 - 03.2020
- Purchase and manage all product categories (Flower, Pre-Rolls, Edibles, Topcials, Concentrates and Vape) for 6 stores throughout Washington State.
- Source unique cannabis products and build relationships with a wide array of vendors who are able to reliably deliver high-quality, consistent goods. While also decreasing sourcing costs through negotiation and demand management.
- Analyze sales trends to maximize sales potential and performed detailed reviews of high and low-performing products.
- Organize inventory for multiple locations with diversified product selections; work with stores managers in developing promotions to move existing stock.
- Document and track purchasing activities and inventory reports to present weekly to Chief Procurement Officer.
- Research competitors and source new vendors while collaborating with the Buying Team to determine if the potential new vendor would be a good fit.
- Assess weekly trends and inventory levels to provide maximum product coverage for different time frames in each individual store location.
- Evaluate product demand changes and determine proper courses of action by collaborating with suppliers and marketing team.
- Built transportation initiatives to maximize efficiency for each location, working with the vendors to deliver timely orders.
- Negotiate preferred terms and conditions by analyzing vendors sales data over a period of time, additionally achieving significant savings for the company.
Inventory Coordinator
Have A Heart
Seattle, Washington
04.2015 - 07.2015
- Assessed category inventories and brought supplies to the retail floor to keep stock within optimal levels for expected daily customer demands.
- Completed full department audits every week per vendor and category, kept inventory records and updated documentation with latest counts and highlighted any inaccuracies.
- Researched and corrected inventory discrepancies quickly to maintain current accurate information and state compliance.
- Entered information into Greenbits to update inventory status reports per vendor, additionally verified prices and computed totals to complete accurate invoices.
- Resolved complaints and eliminated delays by collaborating with vendors to complete timely deliveries.
Budtender
Have A Heart
Seattle, WA
02.2014 - 04.2014
- Discussed strains, qualities and effects of marijuana for medicinal and recreational needs; Oversaw sale of merchandise such as flowers, concentrates and edibles.
- Handled large volume of cash with high accuracy and security each day.
- Managed supply restocking, display arrangements and general housekeeping.
- Met delivery trucks and quickly unloaded materials, supplies and other items for prompt logging into Greenbits system.
Education
Reiki Master - Reiki Energy Work
Reiki Wellness
Renton, WA09-2022
High School Diploma -
Tyee High School
Seattle, WA06.1990
Skills
- Product purchasing
- Vendor relationship management
- Data gathering and documentation
- Trend forecasting
- Pricing knowledge
- Sales experience
- Cash handling accuracy
- Procurement procedures
- Inventory management skills
- Order processing
- Bin audits
- Detail-oriented
- Excellent time management
- Dedicated team player
- Strong communication skills
- Analytical
- Presentation skills
- Personnel training and development
Additional Information
Experience with cannabis specific programs and software: PosaBit, Greenbits, Headset, Top Shelf Data, Biotrack, Quick Base, MJ Freeway. Made initial Procument and buys to set up shop openings for Greenwood, Bothell, Fremont, and Belltown locations. Assisted with launches of Brands such as, Cookies, Willies Reserve, Marley Natural, Pax, and many more brands.
Timeline
Head of Purchasing
Higher Leaf
01.2025 - 01.2025
Operations/Consultant/Product Developer/Brand Specialist
UAHI / FDG
01.2021 - 07.2024
Consultant
Smokiez
06.2020 - 06.2020
Head of Purchasing
A Cannabis Storey
04.2020 - 11.2020
Inventory Coordinator
Have A Heart
04.2015 - 07.2015
Buyer
Have A Heart
02.2014 - 03.2020
Budtender
Have A Heart
02.2014 - 04.2014
High School Diploma -
Tyee High School
Reiki Master - Reiki Energy Work
Reiki Wellness
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