Ross Rebagliati, CEO of Ross’ Gold
Cannabis’ gold medalist, Ross Rebagliati, became a professional snowboarder in 1991 and the first to win an Olympic gold medal in Men’s Snowboarding at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. While his athletic prowess allowed him to win titles and notoriety, Ross, a cannabis user, found that the stigma associated with the cannabis industry was not only affecting his professional life, but also the lives of countless others who needed cannabis. So Ross set out on a mission to inspire change throughout the world as best he could. His first venture, Ross’ Gold, aims to provide the cannabis industry with top notch products while spreading the message of health and excellence. Ross, a former professional athlete, is a great of example of how people can maintain top physical fitness while still consuming cannabis. We took the time to meddle in Ross’ day to put together this golden interview. Enjoy.
What was the deciding factor for you to join this particular industry?
There were many factors that led me to pursue Ross’ Gold. One example being my belief that the cannabis plant is able to help millions worldwide. I feel I have a responsibility to bring it to the masses from a standpoint of health and excellence. Perhaps the most important factor in joining the industry was the opportunity I have to help people live a healthier, more productive life.
What skills from your previous experiences help you and what you are doing now?
Living outside my comfort zone is something I am no stranger to and has served me well over the years. As an athlete, I learned to face failure and find a way to persevere. To be able to go back to the drawing board, rework everything and come at it time and again builds character and success. Understanding how to set goals by breaking them down into smaller, attainable goals which, when combined, lead to your main objective can be helpful.
As an athlete, I learned to face failure and find a way to persevere.
Describe your work ethic to me in one word.
Focused.
What do you consider your weakness as an entrepreneur, and what is your strength as an entrepreneur?
I can be a personable guy and that’s not something I want to change about myself. No-one is going to be the best at everything and so you have to spread out the talent appropriately. Being that I’m the face of the company, it’s crucial for me to be a good at PR which I enjoy. I really have the best job I could imagine.
How are you differentiating yourself from the competition?
With the great importance of branding in today’s marketplace, we feel like by creating the premium Ross’ Gold brand in itself is differentiating.
Another thing that sets Ross’ Gold apart is that we come from a standpoint of health and excellence. As an athlete I can be an example of how one can improve upon and maintain physical abilities while using cannabis as part of a healthy lifestyle. Associating an Olympic goal medal with cannabis is very unique as well, especially pertaining to public perception. It is a major departure from the negative stereotypes that have been propagated by prohibition.
As an athlete I can be an example of how one can improve upon and maintain physical abilities while using cannabis as part of a healthy lifestyle.
How do you find inspiration in this industry? What have you found that has inspired you the most, and what keeps you motivated?
Inspiration comes to me by the boatload. With the constant stream of research being done something mind boggling is being discovered everyday. It might have to do with brain cells, cancer, seizures or even finding smaller elements within larger elements of cannabis compounds. These are the types of things that really inspire me. Seeing kids who suffer from seizures get instant relief after they take cannabis extract is pretty much all the inspiration we need at Ross’ Gold. We know we are helping people.
What is the best advice you have received?
Do what you love.
Where do your great ideas come from?
“Your mind is like a parachute. It only works when it’s open.” – Frank Zappa
I would never have been able to have these ideas or go on this adventure without first having an open mind.
What will we be seeing from you and Ross’ Gold in the coming future?
Our cannabis distribution is the biggest endeavor in the immediate future. In addition to that, we just launched our line of premium glass water pipes and other glassware. All of which have been very well received here in Canada. (rossgoldglass.com) Outside of Canada, we have a hemp division in Michigan, where we’ve licensed our brand to various companies (hemp products, hemp seeds, roasted hemp seeds, CBD infused teas, CBD vape pens etc). We plan to have a hand in all aspects of the cannabis and hemp product industry. Europe is on our horizon as well.
What scares you the most about this industry?
In the past it would have been getting arrested. Present day, I think the biggest fear is having ideological opinions interfering with the progression of the industry. Having said that government officials around the world are beginning to embrace the cannabis industry. In fact, we are actually following the lead of countries all over the world. As our Canadian and American governments come on board, I just hope they join the industry fluidly and refrain from stunting industry growth by becoming overly involved.
I would never have been able to have these ideas or go on this adventure without first having an open mind.
If you could tell a skeptic one thing about this industry to make them change their mind, what would it be?
It boils down to the science. I encourage people to research cannabis for themselves at Rossgold.com.
Tell us something that you wish you had known before becoming a cannabis entrepreneur.
After Nagano (17 years ago), I was hesitant to enter the space and announce my affiliation with cannabis, especially after experiencing corporate pushback at the time. It was a scary time to pursue Ross’ Gold. Even when we finally launched, we had to adapt and evolve. I only wish we would have known that we were going to get such a positive response.
Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
The cannabis community doesn’t exclude anybody or any group. It’s one of the things that both sows the seeds of our society while also bringing people together in a healthy and productive manner. Peace
What’s the one piece of information you wish you had known before starting your professional career? Join the conversation by commenting below!
