We recently connected with Kyle Moon and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kyle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As someone in long-term recovery, I deeply value the strength that comes from a supportive community. When we envisioned creating The Summit Lounge, our focus was on fostering that sense of connection—building a space where individuals could come together to grow both socially and intellectually.

This mission holds personal significance for me, but it also has broader implications. As we witness the cannabis industry take shape across the country, I firmly believe in the power of collective voices. A united community can provide essential guidance and input on regulations that will ultimately determine whether individuals can operate legal businesses or whether prohibition will persist. This shared effort is what drives our mission and makes it so meaningful.

Kyle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Kyle, a community-focused entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for the power of connection. My journey into this industry is deeply personal, rooted in my experiences Public health consultant and being a recovery coach. Those experiences taught me the transformative strength of a supportive and welcoming community, which has guided my path ever since.

Before entering the cannabis industry, I worked in the substance use treatment field, a well-established space where I witnessed firsthand the impact of community and support. However, as cannabis legalization gained momentum, I saw an opportunity to bring those same values to a new, rapidly evolving industry. I wanted to help shape this emerging market in a positive way—to create a space where people could connect, grow, and contribute to the broader conversation around cannabis as a tool for wellness and community building.

I’ve always been passionate about creating spaces where people feel empowered to be themselves, share ideas, and grow—whether socially, professionally, or personally. Bringing people together and fostering authentic connections is at the heart of everything I do. In an industry that often feels overly polished or impersonal, I thrive on challenging the norms and keeping things grounded, approachable, and real.

What I’m most proud of is building something that reflects my values while staying true to who I am. I lead with humor, humility, and an open mind because I believe laughter and understanding are essential tools for navigating life’s challenges. I strive to handle uncomfortable situations with grace, always aiming to meet people where they are, and recognizing the personal nature of everyone’s journey.

For me, this isn’t just about running a business—it’s about creating a lasting impact. It’s about staying rooted in authenticity, community, and inclusivity. If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about me, it’s that I’m not afraid to break the mold or challenge the status quo. I’m driven by the idea of building something meaningful that inspires others to connect, grow, and celebrate their unique selves.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on my commitment to finding win-win solutions—outcomes that make sense for everyone involved. I prioritize honesty and openness, clearly communicating my needs and encouraging others to do the same. By fostering an environment where expectations are well-defined, I aim to ensure that everyone is on the same page from the start.

This approach not only helps avoid misunderstandings or disappointments but also prevents situations where either party feels taken advantage of. By maintaining transparency and fairness in my interactions, I’ve been able to build trust and credibility within my market, which I think has been key to my reputation.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

When COVID-19 hit, we had been open for about a year and a half, and things were going great. We had a number of employees, and we were even considering purchasing a new building to expand. But overnight, everything shut down. My family also owns other business, and suddenly, we had no income—just mounting expenses.

The hardest moment came when we had to lay off all our staff. These were people who had become like family to us, and telling them we couldn’t keep them on was one of the most painful experiences of my life. It was a moment that made the reality of the pandemic’s impact hit home in a way nothing else could.

We held a meeting to discuss the possibility of financial ruin, but instead of giving up, we decided to take a bold risk. We pooled together every bit of money we could find and invested in opening a cultivation facility in Maine. It was one of the most terrifying yet exciting decisions I’ve ever made. Not only were we risking everything we had left, but we were also opening a business 4.5 hours away from anything or anyone familiar.

Within a month, we secured all the necessary approvals and began the buildout. Just two months later we were opreational. Against all odds, we managed to save all three businesses, and within three years, i move back to operating the lounge full time.

It was an incredible journey—turning what felt like the worst thing that could ever happen into a new opportunity that redefined our future. And while it was a difficult road, being able to rebuild stronger made it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesummitlounge.com/
• Instagram: thesummitlounge_ma
• Linkedin: Kyle Moon