Claudia Post Shares Her Entrepreneurial Journey With MOST Consulting Group

Most Consulting was founded 13 years ago in Philadelphia by Claudia Post.

Two years ago they began their transition to MOST, as they built their new model and teams around consulting, design, and advertising. Innovation, creativity, and strategic thinking have been important to them from the beginning.

They work in the U.S. and Canada with cannabis companies, hemp/CBD companies, headshops, kratom brands, and all other ancillary industries.

Tell us about yourself and MOST Consulting Group.

I am an entrepreneur, pioneer, groundbreaker, speaker, generous introducer, and power connector. Having recognized cannabis as the next frontier 13 years ago, I founded MOST Consulting Group, which is a one-stop shop for cannabis businesses. We provide marketing, advertising, design, and strategy for the cannabis industry. Twenty years ago, I founded Diamond Transportation Group, a same-day, time-critical delivery service. I found it at my dining room table with four people. I opened up several warehouses up and down the east coast and provided trucking, pick-pack-ship, chain of custody, logistics, supply chain, and a variety of other services to her clients. From my humble beginnings, I grew to 12 locations and became a multi-million dollar company. I have a local, regional, and national presence. I am noted as a subject matter expert in transportation and logistics. Scarlet Express is an extension of my logistics, supply chain, and chain of custody expertise into the cannabis industry. Scarlet Express is a delivery service that provides discreet, secure, and expert cannabis supply chain management in any state where legal. 

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?

“You inspire me” is the greatest praise I have ever received. This has been said to me a lot, and it makes me feel humble.

How would your parents describe what you do?

My parents would be excited for me and the entrepreneurial path I have taken. I’ve always been someone who colored outside the lines and that trait was encouraged by my parents. My mother used to say, “don’t be a follower, be a leader.” 

What does your morning routine look like?

I get up around 5 or 6 a.m. and read for approximately 2 hours. This can be anything from checking emails to reading industry publications and of course, general news.

What motivated you to start MOST Consulting Group? How did the idea come about?

My son is a famous heady glassblower, Snic Barnes (I wouldn’t be a mother if I didn’t encourage you to check out his work). 15 years ago, he encouraged me to get into the cannabis industry because it was going to blow up, and he was right! So 13 years ago, I created Smokin’ Hot Solutions. I had an intern, Jonathan Monk, who had become my partner. Together, we decided to create a more professional name, so we combined our last names to make MOST Consulting Group.

What was your mission at the beginning of starting your business?

My mission was to provide excellent service with attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and to service our clients in this newly emerging industry. 

What do you attribute your success to? Is there a trait you have or a person who helped you along the way?

I attribute my success to being resilient and tenacious. I’ve had the great fortune of having mentors who have all taken the time to guide me along the path. I now mentor others as a way of paying it forward.

When times get tough, what would you say motivates you to keep going and to not hit the snooze button and to keep fighting for your goals?

I have never, ever given up! The worry that I could capsize or fail to survive is what drives me to keep going.

Employees are one of the most important pieces of running a successful players to success in business. What do you look for in an employee?

I always look to surround myself with people whose skill sets compliment mine. I like to surround myself with smart, open, coachable, and creative people. 

What is unique about your business? Is there a competitive advantage that you have over the rest?

For starters, I am in a unique industry–cannabis. My competitive advantage is that I am a well-rounded business person. Someone who has built a sizable company and understands all that goes into maintaining a well-oiled machine. I also bring creativity, a curious nature, and a willingness to be a lifelong learner to whatever I do. 

Have you ever gotten a disappointed client or customer? If so, how did you handle the situation?

Naturally, when you are in business,there are clients that will be dissatisfied. However, you must not run away from difficult conversations. You must face them head on, talk to your client, and try to diffuse the situation and provide a workable resolution. Be an problem–solver. Additionally, I’ve learned to leave my ego at the door and listen to what the client is saying.

Is there a type of marketing that has worked amazingly for MOST Consulting Group? If so, how did you stumble upon it?

Everyone that works at MOST Consulting Group is professionally trained.  At MOST Consulting Group we focus on marketing, advertising, design, and strategy. 

Is there any resource or resources that helped you on your journey to becoming a business owner?

Networking with other professionals, as well as,  joining trade organisations have always been very beneficial to me.

What are the three best pieces of advice that you would give to women starting a business? What do they need to know from the very beginning?

1. You cannot have everything.
2. If you have a business and a career, that was your decision.  Sometimes, you have to make very difficult choices.Three choices in a woman’s life are career, children, and a significant other. You have to decide where to put your focus. I focused on my family and my business. 
3. Let’s face it, you can’t know everything. My advice is to surround yourself with the best people you possibly can who will support you in those areas where you are less skillful.