Ben Starmer

Ben Starmer is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Dad Grass, a Hemp and CBD brand that offers low-potency cannabis products. Here's a detailed overview of his professional journey:

Professional Background

Corporate Career at Levi Strauss: Before founding Dad Grass, Starmer had an extensive career at Levi Strauss & Co., where he held multiple marketing roles:

• Director of Global Marketing
• Senior Global Marketing Manager for Entertainment and Music
• Senior Global Marketing Manager for Levi's Premium
• Marketing Manager for Americas, Levi's Premium Collections
• Regional Merchandising Coordinator
• Flagship Store Manager

Dad Grass Founding

Entrepreneurial Venture: In December 2017, Starmer co-founded Dad Grass with Joshua Katz, whom he met while working at Levi's HQ in San Francisco.12 The brand was born from a desire to create a more relaxed, nostalgic cannabis experience.2

Brand Philosophy: Dad Grass is built around the concept of providing a mellow, low-potency cannabis experience. The brand's key principles include:

• Offering high-quality, low-potency cannabis products
• Creating a brand that feels fun and nostalgic
• Avoiding the complexity of traditional cannabis marketing
• Bootstrapping the business without external investors1

Product Approach

The company offers various products including:

• Pre-rolled CBD joints
• Gummies
• Tinctures
• Dog biscuits

Their products focus on non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN, targeting relaxation, focus, and sleep enhancement.3

Marketing Strategy

Starmer has taken an innovative approach to marketing Dad Grass, particularly given the challenges of advertising cannabis products:

• Focusing on collaborations and earned media
• Building a strong community
• Expanding into diverse retail channels like clothing stores, coffee shops, and skate shops1

The brand has successfully attracted a diverse customer base, with a significant female following, contrary to their initial concerns about being perceived as masculine.1