Name: Jeremy Collins
Instagram: jeremyrcollins
Website: harvesthoc.com
Age: 37
Title: Senior Manager, Retail Operations
Married/Single: Happily Partnered
Kids: None
City you live in: Tucson – Casas Adobes
A typical day in my life includes… a balance of work, personal work, time for friends and family, and always good food. The farmer in me almost always means I am up by 5 AM and out with the animals before 6 AM. After an hour or so starting my day with physical chores, I am usually online for work by 7 AM. A wise friend told me when he was in his 80’s, “sleeping more than 6 hours per day is a waste of good times you could be having,” so I try hard to stick to that.
I was born… after 36 hours of grueling, natural birth to two of the most wonderful parents anyone could ask for in good ol’ Tucson, AZ.
My favorite thing about Arizona… has to be the flora and fauna. When we moved back to Arizona after time in Nevada, Texas, and California, we were sure to buy a house in an area that had lots of wildlife. Watching coyotes wander the yard and the occasional bobcat bounce up on the wall is a true highlight to desert living. Not to mention, the quail families we share our property with always bring a smile!
I’m listening to… lots of Dua Lipa, whom I lovingly call Lia Dupa. My musical tastes are about as basic as they come, I like things that have pep and optimism. ‘Strong female vocalist’ is what I gravitate towards.
My family… is small but mighty. My mother, Loy, and brother, Jeff, are ass-kickin’, name takin’, caring and loving inspirations to me and those around them. And, of course, my partner, Michael, and sister-in-law/bff, Katie, round out our family very nicely. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by this support system of people!
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… my dad, who we lost a couple of years ago. It would be nice just to revisit and reinforce how important he was to me. Less sentimental, I would love to have dinner with my favorite TikTok-er, Rob Anderson AKA hearthrobert, because I am convinced we would be fast friends.
One thing I cannot live without… warmth. In many ways. I love the sun. I love being around warm people. I love a warm meal. I love what comes from sharing a warm meal with warm people under the sun.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… President. Of the United States. Those aspirations have since dwindled but I’d still like to be President of a business organization one day. I do get to serve as a President/Chairman of a Board for a hobby I am involved with and enjoy the influence the position brings to the association.
I’m inspired by… nature, by good design, and by creative minds. I love being around people who can see something for what it could be, rather than what it is.
The one person who motivates me is… good grief! Choosing one person is impossible. I am motivated by my family and partner, I truly am impressed by all they do. Michael is a talented designer who has such a keen awareness of taste and class and sophistication.
I am also really motivated by Barbara Garganta, whom serves as the Senior Director of Retail for Harvest. She always keeps me challenged and supported; it is really difficult to find the perfect ‘boss’ but I know I have just that!
I am also motivated by kids I meet through 4-H volunteering, our future is bright thanks to these kids. And lastly, every farmer I’ve ever met inspires me because of their love of what they do. The passion of a farmer is hard to find in any other field.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… the existence of intolerance and hate. The ability to be compassionate and put yourself in someone else’s shoes…and think outside of riches…would do the world a lot of good.
The perfect day would be… ummm…didn’t we determine the perfect day is April 25th in Miss Congeniality? My perfect day would be around that same time of year and would start with a morning hike, followed by brunch with friends, then some relaxing pool time, rounded out with a delicious meal at Locale in Tucson in their outdoor area surrounded by friends and family.
My first job was… at Petsmart. At 15 years old. And I quickly became the ‘Aquatic Lead,’ my first professional leadership role. Unless you consider my opening and running of my own business at the age of 10…I had to file taxes so it totally counts. Rabbit Breeder Extraordinaire!
My favorite escape… has to be San Diego. Before, during, and after living there, I have always found a special sense of calm while in San Diego. And, it is close enough to consider an easy ‘escape.’ If I want a true escape, my go-to’s would be Vancouver, BC, or Melbourne.
My life… is ever-evolving, beautiful, and rewarding. Also, filled with a lot of love and many, many wonderful people.
I’m currently working on… breathing techniques. Apparently, when thinking deeply or I am exerting myself, I hold my breath…at least that is what my Apple Watch keeps telling me.
Always… listen carefully. Our world would be a better place if people learned to listen better to those around them.
Never… be thinking about what you’re going to say next when someone else is speaking. Just listen and take in what they’re sharing.
Favorite Quote… “The older you get, the better you get. Unless you’re a banana.” – Betty White
Biggest Dream… is to own my own business. While I love what I do and don’t foresee stopping anytime soon, I do hope to spend retirement owning some sort of business and putting one of my many talents to work to benefit others. If you ever want to discuss off-the-wall business ideas, I’m your guy.
My Pet Peeve(s)… overly confident individuals, chewing with an open mouth, and people who gasp while I am (safely) driving.
More About Jeremy Collins:
Jeremy Collins is an Arizona native, born and raised in Tucson. After studying Retailing and Consumer Science at the University of Arizona, he lived in Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego, Austin, and Healdsburg, CA before moving back to Tucson after nearly 15 years away. Jeremy leads Retail Operations and New Store Openings for Harvest Health and Recreation, a Tempe-based cannabis company.
Harvest operates in several states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, and has 38 operating dispensaries, with continuing expansion happening in 2021.
Jeremy joined Harvest in early 2020 after successful career runs at West Elm, Anthropologie, and most recently, Healdsburg SHED as Director of Operations.
His expertise in retail, restaurant, and design has culminated in his position at Harvest where he can influence dispensary operations, new store design, and process, and refine business management practices with teams across the country.
