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HighLife Packaging is a one-stop shop for cannabis cultivation and manufacturing businesses. Created to simplify the process of bringing a consumer good product to the market, they help brands minimize vendors, create more efficient processes, and go to market faster.

From consultations to software to equipment, HighLife Packaging has consistently replicated success in helping brands get on shelves, promote their business and stand out among the competition.

With the incredible value HighLife provides to their clients, they have grown quickly over the years – and we are proud to have them as one of our event sponsors of the annual TeeHC Open.

We sat down with Phil Lisonbee, Partner at HighLife Packaging about their growth.

Phil Lisonbee (left) and Jessica Brennan (right), co-founders of HighLife Packaging

What inspired you to start Highlife Packaging?

“During COVID, traditional print came to a standstill, but the cannabis industry was thriving,” Phil said. 

As many can recall, cannabis was declared an essential business during the global pandemic despite remaining federally illegal. Not only did this demonstrate the changing attitudes of society, but it also kickstarted massive growth in the industry.

At that time, “We decided to take our decades of print experience and start HighLife Packaging to specifically serve cannabis clients.”

With an extensive history in the agnostic space, HighLife was able to elevate basic print and packaging services for brands and tailor them to the cannabis industry. For instance, they are one of the few companies in the country that can provide an exact prototype while reducing costs by cutting out traditional die and tooling costs.

“Our mantra…is ‘pick one thing and perfect it.’ HighLife Packaging needed to focus on a new industry that had unlimited growth potential.” As it turned out, it was the perfect move because the team quickly grew its clientele to include some of the best cannabis brands on the market.

What helped you grow the most in your first few years of business?

“Networking and being reliable, as obvious as that is.” As with many fast-paced industries, there may be many options, but not all of them are good. 

When the cannabis market expanded quickly, many print and packaging businesses self-proclaiming to be the best took up space. However, that didn’t mean they could keep up with the demand. 

“One thing we have found in the print industry is that projects often get delayed and commercial printers are not flexible with meeting tight deadlines for their clients.”

In addition to speed, there are compliance and sustainability issues to keep in mind. (Ironically, the green industry could afford to be more environmentally green.)

Therefore, HighLife prioritizes manufacturing boxes domestically with cutting-edge technology that allows for shorter runs while maintaining high print quality, reducing waste that’s good for the environment and the budget. 

“HighLife Packaging offers traditional print, signage, packaging, labels & stickers, but what really helped us grow was bringing label application in-house. We like to create custom fulfillment and warehousing programs for clients.”

With key differentiators in technology and customer service, HighLife Packaging has proven to put its clients first, offering them a leg-up from the competition that has allowed them to grow quickly in their first few years of business.

How important is networking to you and your business?

“Networking is crucial to HighLife Packaging. There are a lot of ancillary packaging companies out there but creating and building strong relationships is the key to success.”

If you’ve attended even one cannabis industry event, you’ll know that despite how the space has grown in the last few years, it remains a “small world.” Everyone knows everyone or has a connection to someone that can help you grow your business. 

As HighLife continues to invest in new technology that can help brands stand out while still being produced effectively, efficiently, and sustainably, meeting with key players in the industry will help them gain insight and continue to excel. 

From connecting with potential clients to being able to create meaningful partnerships with other ancillary businesses, networking can open doors for HighLife Packaging – and in turn, for end consumers who ultimately want high-quality, beautiful products.

What’s your best piece of advice for other entrepreneurs?

“My best piece of advice for other entrepreneurs is to pick one thing and do it really well. It is easy to get sidetracked from your initial vision. But it is important to make slight changes as you evolve as long as it is inline with your initial vision.”

Connect with HighLife Packaging at the 2023 TeeHC Open

At the 2023 TeeHC Open, we’ll have nearly double the number of attendees as we did in year one. With a plethora of sponsors, non-golf activities, charity partners, and networking opportunities, the event is going to be power-packed with value and fun. 

As one of our key sponsors of the TeeHC Open, both Phil and his team from HighLife are active attendees. When you register to attend, you will get the opportunity to meet professionals, like Phil, that are dedicated to improving the industry (and more!).

View our sponsorship and individual registration packages on our Sponsorship page or contact us to get your tickets for this year’s event.

Not to mention, HighLife Packaging will be our Helicopter Ball Drop sponsor, so all attendees can participate and watch to see who wins a prize for being closest to the hole!