Fabulous People: Ann Torrez

Ann Torrez is the executive director of Arizona Dispensaries Association, considered the voice of Arizona’s cannabis industry. “Our mission is to promote and advocate for a safe, consumer-focused industry in Arizona through regulatory compliance, political action, advocacy, education, professionalism and philanthropy.” Learn about Ann Torrez…

Hometown: Since my father was in the Air Force, we moved around quite a bit. However, I was born in Albuquerque and always considered that home.

First job: My first job was uninspiring; however, I quickly found my way into technology sales. I worked in retail and wholesale sales for US West and AT&T Wireless for many years. Everything from installing a car phone to developing sales strategies for an emerging industry was creative and exciting.

Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: Arizona is such a beautiful state. One of my favorite treasures is DeGrazia’s Mission in the Sun located in Tucson. The chapel is peaceful and provides a space for quiet reflection. DeGrazia’s description perfectly describes how I feel when I am there. “The Mission in the Sun is a place for remembering. A place in which to begin to believe.”

Your biggest accomplishment and why:  My biggest accomplishment is not mine alone but also shared with my husband, Pete. We are blessed with two amazing children. When we decided to have children, we had no idea of how much time we would spend trying to teach them life lessons. Sleepless nights followed by arguments about whether they needed to tie their shoes before running out the door, ending with sometimes healthy dinners but quite often “anything” dinners with whatever we could whip up that the children would eat. There are no report cards for parenting. No one provides you with a lesson plan or a finite grade. So, we did the best we could, and somehow it all worked out!

The biggest obstacle you overcame: One of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome is my fear of failure. As a child, I would often start a new hobby or project only to quit. I remember wanting to try out for the cheerleading squad and after the third practice, I dropped out. I was doing fine. In fact, the coaches were excited to have me try out as I was the smallest girl and might have been quite the flyer. I quit because I thought I might let the coaches down. I quit because some of the other girls already knew what they were doing. I quit because I was afraid. Fear can be a great protector in dangerous situations, however for me fear can also prevent me from trying to succeed. Over time I’ve learned that many of my failures have led me to some of my greatest successes. I have not completely overcome this obstacle, but I’m trying!

Someone who inspires you and why: I am inspired by my parents. They have been married for more than 60 years and are still in love. I believe that the main reason their relationship has endured is their deep respect for each other’s differences. They are intelligent and caring. They are generous with their time, knowledge and love. I hope I can achieve just a small portion of their life’s successes.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Here are my top five tips for someone entering the cannabis industry. 

1. Be brave: You will need to be OK with breaking the law. Although marijuana is legal both medicinally and for adult use in Arizona, it remains a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level. Because of its federal status all who work in the regulated cannabis industry are technically in violation of federal law every day.
2. Have an exemplary work ethic: Expect to work hard – really hard. You will be asked to do your job and five others. You will work long hours.
3. Be an advocate for change: You need to love change. Everything you plan today will need to be adjusted tomorrow. Regulations change. Communities’ responses to cannabis change. Everything changes.
4. Be creative: There is no roadmap for this emerging industry. You will need to see every roadblock as an opportunity to build a bridge or grow wings to help you move beyond the challenges.
5. Be humble: Yes, you have great talents and skills that could be applied in the cannabis industry.  However, being humble will allow you the space to observe, listen, and learn from those who have forged the initial path.

Favorite quote: One of my favorite quotes is from one of my work/life mentors, Brian Mitchell. “It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.” Even now, I find those words echoing in my ear when I face an obstacle.

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: When I’m stressed, I bake cookies. I find the simple task of following a recipe and producing something delicious a tremendous release.

What makes someone fabulous: To me a person is fabulous when they are thirsty to improve themselves, their world and their impact. Fabulous is a gift to be shared.