Kurt Naumer, president of Harmony Farms, began his career in the cannabis industry not by design, but out of necessity. Kurt grew up in a household where cannabis use was normalized. His parents didn’t drink alcohol, but cannabis was part of their lives, integrated into their routine with care and respect. Kurt was taught that cannabis is not inherently bad, it’s about responsible use.

“When my dad passed away from cancer, it was a tough time for my family,” Kurt reflects. The loss, compounded by financial pressures, led him to do something many would describe as risky—growing and selling medical cannabis.

“After we lost my dad, my mom and little sister were left in a difficult financial situation. As a 17-year-old, I had to step up and figure out how to bridge the financial gap. A friend connected me with someone who was growing cannabis, and he showed me the ropes so I could use it as a way to help pay the bills. That experience ultimately began my cannabis career.  Over time, I ended up starting a couple of different farms and learned both outdoor and indoor cultivation,” Kurt says.

For about 10 years, Kurt operated in the gray market of medical cannabis in California and was able to help his mom pay the mortgage. However, after a narcotics task force raided his operation, he realized California’s legal landscape wasn’t stable.

A fortunate connection pulled him from the legal uncertainty of California’s cannabis scene. Adam Buff, a long-time friend and the founder of Harmony Farms, was heading to Washington to be part of the state’s emerging legal cannabis industry. He extended an invitation to Kurt. “I took a quick tour of the facility and saw the potential. Within no time, I made the decision to move up there,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve now been in this industry for about 20 years, and I’ve seen it grow from a black market to a legal, regulated and thriving industry.”
 
A Safer Industry, A Better Product
Kurt is a veteran in the cannabis world, and his perspective offers unique insights into the industry's evolution. One of the most significant changes, according to him, is the emphasis on public health and safety.

“Twenty years ago, if you bought cannabis, you had no idea what you were getting,” he recalls. “There was zero accountability—no testing for pesticides, mold, or harmful chemicals. Today, it’s like night and day. Regulatory frameworks now ensure that cannabis is tested, clean, and safe for consumption. That shift has given consumers confidence in what they’re buying.”

For Kurt, this transformation isn’t just about business—it's personal. He’s witnessed firsthand how better, cleaner cannabis can help people, and he's proud to be part of an industry that’s getting it right. “This shift has given people confidence in what they’re buying, which wasn't possible back in the unregulated days,” he says.
 
Building a Business That Feels Like Family
When Kurt joined Harmony Farms, he knew he wanted to create more than just a successful cannabis business—he wanted to be part of a company where people were treated with care and respect.

“We positioned Harmony Farms as a premium brand offering high-quality cannabis at a mid-shelf price. We have an exceptional product,” he explains. “But what truly sets us apart is how we treat our employees. We’ve created a family feel. If someone has a personal emergency, like a broken water heater, or whatever, the dog gets out of the yard, we’re flexible. We offer support because we understand that life happens.”

This family-oriented approach has paid off. Most of the leadership team has been with Harmony Farms for 10 years, an impressive feat in an industry known for high turnover. “New hires, especially those coming from competitors, consistently tell us that we treat our people far better,” Kurt says with pride. “This has created a loyal team that’s willing to step up in tough times because they know we value them as individuals, not just cogs in the machine. That loyalty pays off in ways you can’t always measure, but it’s made us a stronger, more resilient company.”
 
Finding the Right Banking Partner
One of the biggest hurdles for cannabis businesses is securing reliable banking services. For Harmony Farms, the solution came in the form of O Bee Credit Union. Kurt recounts their early struggles with larger institutional banks, which quickly became unsustainable. “O Bee stepped in and provided a seamless banking experience”.

“They’ve treated us well from the start,” Kurt says. “We’ve never had any reason to reconsider our choice. O Bee has made the banking process simple and reliable, which is something many cannabis businesses in other states still struggle with.”

O Bee’s support has extended beyond just basic banking. Harmony Farms welcomes the expanded prospects for business loans that O Bee offers -- a rare opportunity for a cannabis business in a heavily regulated and often stigmatized industry.

“The fact that O Bee is offering loans to cannabis companies is huge,” Kurt emphasizes. “They’re helping level the playing field by treating us like any other business.”
 
Passion, Not Profit, Is the Key to Success
As someone who’s been in the industry for two decades, Kurt has seen the cannabis world through its ups and downs. He's met people who entered the field with dollar signs in their eyes, only to burn out when the reality of the work sets in.

“I remember the early days when people thought cannabis was a fast track to early retirement or quick cash,” he says. “But if you’re only in it for profit, you won’t last.”

For Kurt, cannabis is more than just a product to be sold—it’s a plant with healing properties, a source of comfort, and a symbol of cultural significance. “Success comes from balancing a passion for the plant with solid business sense,” he explains. “You need both.”
 
Looking Forward
Kurt’s journey in the cannabis industry has been shaped by personal loss, resilience, and a deep respect for the plant. He’s seen the industry grow from an underground market to a regulated, thriving business, and he’s proud of the role he’s played in that transformation.

As Harmony Farms continues to expand, Kurt remains committed to building a business rooted in family values, passion for the product, and care for the people who make it all possible.

“Those who focus only on money or only on their love for cannabis tend to struggle. Success comes from combining both passion and practical business skills,” he says. “I’m in this because I believe in the plant and its potential to help people. And I think that’s why we’ve been successful. We’re in it for the right reasons.”
 
Learn more about Harmony Farms: https://www.harmonyfarmsnw.com/