Can you tell us about the origin story of your company? What inspired you to start your company?

Thomsas: I've spent my entire career in advertising. Later, I founded a puzzle company named Starz, which is a sister company of mine. I consulted with my attorneys since I hold three patents related to this venture. During my interactions, I kept hearing about the lucrative nature of the cannabis industry. Being already involved in the art business, it piqued my interest. After my third meeting with my attorneys in Chicago, I launched a new company called Indica within a week. This was primarily targeted towards cannabis enthusiasts. If you've never seen my product up close, you should know it's more than just puzzles; it's beautiful art. Currently, I'm in the process of expanding this business, and it's all very exciting. 

I was keen on joining the cannabis industry, but I didn't want to delve into selling CBD, rolling papers, or anything THC-related. Instead, my focus was on selling art. Given that I had already ventured into the puzzle business about two years earlier and secured patents for it, it seemed like a natural transition. To date, I've attained three patents. One of these patents is for a unique process I invented. Our company stands out as the only one globally that cuts all our puzzle pieces first. After cutting, we inspect, slightly sand, and then apply a white primer. Instead of using paper, we print directly onto the wood, and then apply our inks. The result is a product resistant to moisture. For instance, if you spilled water on it, you could simply wipe it clean. This innovative method has revolutionized puzzles and introduced a fresh perspective to the cannabis industry.

What was one of the biggest challenges you faced when starting up and how did you overcome it?

Thomsas: All the research and development!! In fact, nobody creates puzzles the way I do. I invested about a year in research and development, during which I experimented extensively with quarter-inch thick pitcher maple wood. The puzzles feel robust and have a distinct texture, complete with keys and curves just like any other puzzle. However, ours have a modern millennial shape. All our Indica puzzles either take the shape of an Indica leaf or incorporate the leaf's design within a rectangular puzzle. Their uniqueness often leads people to suggest I should appear on Shark Tank, but I have other ideas.

I genuinely enjoy the work. These are not just puzzles but museum-quality art pieces. Without paper, the colors are more vibrant, making each piece pop. Customers have three packaging options. First, there's a high-end wooden box, which I often compare to the elegance of Tiffany or the prestige of high end brands. Alternatively, there's a stylish black chipboard box with eye-catching design elements, including a pot leaf and our logo. The website doesn’t do justice to the actual look and feel of this packaging. Lastly, and this is my patented invention, is a sleeve that the puzzle can slide in and out of. For customized puzzles with personal photos, I'd recommend the sleeve packaging as it offers immediate visibility to the art. This approach to puzzle packaging is revolutionary, considering the industry has primarily used boxes for over 15 years.

How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially in the face of challenges and the demands of leadership?

Thomsas: I'm always pushing forward, undeterred by challenges. Whenever I face a problem, I find a solution. Some even consider my approach and innovations akin to engineering. I've received numerous compliments, with many labeling my work as "genius." What I've introduced is entirely novel. Nobody else in the world is doing what I'm doing. I've designed all the components, from the dyes to the individual puzzle parts. Inside my puzzle, if you remove the central Indica leaf shape and its frame, you'll find a tessellation that can continue infinitely. This feature is unique to my creations.

How has technology influenced the way you manufacture or design your products?

Thomsas: We handle all our cutting in-house using laser cutters. Once the initial cut is made, we have a puzzle piece cutout without any images printed on it yet. We then inspect each piece to ensure precision in the cutting process. After inspection, we initiate our unique process. Instead of traditional printing, we first apply a white primer coat to the puzzle. Subsequently, the inks are applied directly onto the wood. This is done with our state-of-the-art UV inkjet printer. This method not only smoothens and crisps the wood but also ensures the puzzle pieces fit perfectly without requiring any force.

Are there any new product lines or expansions in the works that you can tell us about?

Thomsas: Yes we are constantly trying to improve our lineup. I attend exhibitions regularly, with upcoming appearances at the Champs shows. You can catch me twice a year in Vegas, Colorado, and recently, I had a successful stint in Atlanta City. At these shows, attendees are intrigued by my booth, often complimenting the uniqueness of my products.

I've introduced an exciting range of products to the cannabis industry. Apart from puzzles, I offer matching wall art, ornaments, and coasters. Everything is customizable at no extra cost. I've also done company logos. When you purchase a puzzle online, we send a mini-magnet of that puzzle as a complimentary gift.

Our customer service is unparalleled. If you lose or break a puzzle piece, we're here to help. Send us a picture, and we'll craft a replacement. Moreover, if you've completed a puzzle multiple times and desire a fresh image, we offer an affordable refurbishing service, utilizing the existing substrate for half the original cost.

How do you envision the growth of your company in the next 5 years?

Thomsas: We're eager to expand our presence in more dispensaries. Finding new artists is a priority, especially since sourcing cannabis-related artwork is a challenge.

My daughter, Danielle, plays a pivotal role in our company. Within the next year, she will be taking over the entire business. As I contemplate retirement, possibly in the Caribbean, I want to ensure a seamless transition. Danielle has been an integral part of my advertising business for around 15 to 17 years, which I've run for almost four decades. Her experience and commitment instill confidence in me, and I trust her wholeheartedly to lead the company forward.

If there's one thing you'd like consumers to know about products, what would it be?

Thomsas: Our puzzles are of the highest quality in the world. With no paper, they're spill-proof and crafted from genuine quarter-inch maple wood. While others might claim the same thickness, ours truly deliver on that promise. The exceptional standards we uphold are evident in the high-quality finish of our puzzles, which rival even museum art pieces. At trade shows, our booth always stands out, illuminated in a way that many assume we're using black lights. But that's just the vibrancy of our prints, which epitomizes our commitment to excellence. Vibrancy is not just a word for us; it's a defining quality.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to enter the hookah industry or any industry in general?

Thomsas: Don't let fear hold you back. Embrace challenges, keep pushing forward, and learn from your mistakes. Persistence is key; never give up. Our company has seen significant growth: I began solo, and now I have a team of seven to eight. With plans to expand further, we've already doubled our space, moving from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet and growing our team substantially. We now operate in ten states, and momentum continues to build. Every challenge has a solution. Our approach to the puzzle business is innovative, positioning us at the forefront of the 21st century in our industry.

Looking back, is there anything you'd do differently in your journey of building the company?

Thomsas: Knowledge is essential. Understand your domain deeply and keep progressing. Don't fear competition. If your product stands out and you give your best, it's the competition that should be concerned about you. For 35 years, I've led in the art business by prioritizing quality. Always remember, whether it's art or a puzzle, the product's integrity is paramount. In the art world, a common saying is