We were lucky to catch up with Chris Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chris , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
In 2010, I was sick with Crohns working for a local restaurant as a Chef. I had always used cannabis to help feel better but never knew it was actually help heal my condition.

After being diagnosed in 2007, cannabis went medically legal in Arizona my wife and I decided to become care givers. We helped supply patients with meds for those who needed due to no dispensaries opening for three years.

In 2012, everything changed. We were raided for the very meds that we’re saving our lives. My wife and I were facing a combined 27 felonies and a combined 150+ years in prison.

While fighting our case, we converted all of our THC products to CBD products not only to show people they’re essentially the same plant but to also stay relevant and to feed my family. They always say a Phoenix rises from the ashes during hard times, hence, Hempful Farms was born.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have been a chef since my career began in the early 90s. Always loving food and sports. After cooking as a side hustle through high school, i was recruited to play baseball at Yavapai College.

So being in kitchens was nothing new. But starting a whole new business from scratch wasn’t going to be easy.

After our raid for cannabis in 2012 & converting our Zonka Bars Brand from THC infused chocolate to all things CBD by Hempful Farms.

We started producing out of our house. Sales were pouring in, not only in support of our story but because there was a demand for plant based alternatives that work.

An investor saw our brand from
Another state and wanted to see our operations. So I had to jump into action. I couldn’t let the investors visit my living room.

I went on Craigslist and rented out a catering space for the weekend as if I were going to be catering a wedding. My wife, Andi and I, set up the retail store and lab to look as if we had been operating.

The investors came in, lived what we had built, even asked about the kitchen and dinning room space available and what our plans were…Hempful Farms Cafe was born, I spit the idea out of my mouth without even thinking about it. Spoke it into fruition. Arizona’s first hemp infused cafe opened 2014.

We’re currently shopping new locations for reopen today. (Covid caused our close in 2019)

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What helped us build our reputation in the community and market doesn’t come from all of the awards we have won, or from all the accolades that come with being a great product. It comes from keeping your word. Staying consistent and making things right. If you make a mistake, which we all do, own it. Don’t make excuses or blame anything else. Take action and ownership.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I’ve had to unlearn or maybe even relearn is all money isn’t good money. Vet everyone! Due diligence is your friend. Take your time making decisions to ensure an informed process.

I unknowingly partnered with a now known paid informant for the state of Arizona. I had no idea he was working for the state or doing anything to harm us. With proper vetting and due diligence our raid and arrested may have been avoided.

Just because they have a Rolex on and drive a cadi doesn’t make them a good partner, makes them a good sales man if they convince you otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.thechrismartinstory.com
• Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/Hatersmakemefamouspodcast
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/chrisandandimartin
• Linkedin: www.LinkedIn.com/ChrisMartin
• Twitter: Www.Twitter.com/The_Hemp_ChefAZ
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCQN7ZLmaO1hq6BHOmrJ54VQ
• Other: #hatersmakemefamous #documentary https://tubitv.com/video/562969

Image Credits
Sam Erdman: GCM Media LLC