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Summer Westerbur

FounderKairos Insurance Group Cannabis Division

New York, NY

Member Since March 2023

Skills

Insurance
Public Speaking
New Business Development

About

Summer Westerbur, CEO of Kairos Insurance Group Cannabis Division, celebrated 19 years of running her own insurance agency in January. The boutique employee benefits firm was one of the first agencies to work with cannabis business owners in Colorado and has expanded nationwide. Summer is co-founder of Simcha, a kosher CBD/CBG company, bringing Boulder-grown kosher CBD to the Jewish community. A serial entrepreneur, she is in the process of opening a woman-owned retail dispensary in the Northeast. She serves on the Tri-state Regional Board of Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, bringing her cannabis experience in Colorado to the emerging regulated markets in the Northeast. She is a regular speaker at U.S. and international cannabis conferences. She is passionate about seeing the end of the drug war. Summer and her son travel obsessively, visiting a dozen countries or more each year knowing that a real education and perspective is only available to those who take the time to understand the world around them.

Published content

12 Ways Introverts Can Become Successful Leaders in the Culture Space

expert panel

Introverts bring a unique set of skills to the table that other leaders may not possess. When frequent networking, public speaking and an outgoing personality are so often praised as necessary for effective leadership, it can be difficult for introverts to see themselves running a business. But extroverts aren’t the only ones who have great ideas to share with the world, and it’s just as important for introverts to have their voices heard in the business space. By honoring their strengths — like listening and empathy — introverts can not only be effective leaders but great ones as well. Below, the business leaders of Rolling Stone Culture Council offer their best tips to introverts looking to lead a successful business in the culture space and explain why they can do it just as well as anyone else can.

Understanding the Regulatory Greenscape in 2024

article

Anticipation among cannabis industry legal and policy experts is high, with many expecting rescheduling and foreseeing substantial implications.

11 Key Steps Business Leaders Can Take to Meet Their 2024 Goals

expert panel

Your team needs a clear plan of action if they’re going to help you succeed. Individuals aren't the only ones setting resolutions for the new year. Throughout the month of January, even business leaders are reviewing their major goals for the year, setting timelines and creating plans for how to achieve them. Without such plans, business leaders aren’t likely to see success, as it takes intentional effort from them and their teams to accomplish the potentially challenging tasks they’ve set before them.  To ensure you’re setting you and your business up for success in 2024, taking the following 11 steps can be a good place to start. Here, Rolling Stone Culture Council business leaders each suggest one thing their fellow business leaders can do to ensure they meet their goals for 2024 and beyond.

Breaking Barriers: Pioneering a Consumer-Centric Approach to Cannabis Products and Market Expansion

article

In the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, it has become evident that a paradigm shift is needed to overcome the current struggles and capture new consumers.

12 Essential Tips for Hiring the Right Talent in the Early Stages of a Startup

expert panel

Ensure the success of your startup by following these 12 tips to build the best possible team through effective hiring practices. Building a successful startup requires assembling a team of talented individuals who can contribute to its growth and navigate the challenges of the early stages. However, hiring the right people for a startup can be a daunting task. It requires a strategic approach to identify individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also align with the company's vision and culture. Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members shared some essential tips for bringing on the right people to help grow a startup in its early stages. These insights will empower entrepreneurs to make informed hiring decisions that lay a solid foundation for long-term success. 

11 Low-Cost Strategies for Acquiring and Retaining New Customers

expert panel

From building key relationships to traditional marketing strategies, there are many low-cost ways to attract new customers. In today's highly competitive market, acquiring and retaining new customers is a top priority for any business. However, many businesses struggle with the costs associated with marketing and advertising efforts to attract new customers. Fortunately, there are low-cost strategies businesses can implement to acquire and retain new customers without breaking the bank. These strategies not only help businesses save money, but they are also highly effective in building brand awareness, increasing customer engagement and driving sales. Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share 11 low-cost strategies any business can implement to acquire and retain new customers.

Company details

Kairos Insurance Group Cannabis Division

Company bio

Launched in Colorado, Kairos Insurance Group has expanded to include the majority of states that legalized adult-use cannabis. Kairos focuses on providing affordable employee benefits packages to cannabis retail dispensaries, grows, and product manufacturers. Summer understands the unique challenges facing the cannabis industry and works with business owners to decrease cost and increase benefits. Employee turnover is above average in the cannabis industry; designing an attractive benefits package retains key employees. A boutique independent agency, Kairos quotes employer's benefits plan at renewal.

Industry

Cannabis

Area of focus

Employee Benefits
Health Insurance
Insurance

Company size

2 - 10