Hidden Gems: Meet Isaac Thompson of The Puff Club

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac Thompson.

Hi Isaac, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Puff Club itself was born at the height of the pandemic.

At the time, there was a lot of uncertainty looming in the air, for everyone; myself especially. I was working for the State of Arizona, helping low-income families file claims for government assistance. While working, I was also in school full time. Undoubtedly, I’ve felt happiest in a position where I am genuinely helping people; no matter what capacity that may be in. Even though my job was directly geared toward helping others, I didn’t feel fulfilled.

In October of 2020, I decided to open a business and work for myself. The local Phoenix Park N’ Swap allowed me to set up shop and I began my journey as a smoke shop owner. Cannabis has been a big part of my life for quite some time. I’ve had the privilege of watching the stigma around Cannabis slowly change in Arizona as the years go by. Luckily, by November 2020 Marijuana was officially deemed recreational in Arizona; which changed the landscape immensely.

My main goal and mission were to keep prices as low as possible. The purpose wasn’t to beat out the competition but to apply my mantra of helping people in whatever I do. This concept was very well received by the community and we’ve gotten nothing but a warm welcome. I’m hoping to continue making ripples in this massive Cannabis industry as things continue to change.

People feel the difference that we are here to make, and we are determined to turn our ripples into a wave.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been a bumpy ride, and I absolutely love it. This is my first time operating a business, going into it, I assumed it to be a simpler task. I had to learn that working for yourself does not mean working less hours.

The store is something that’s always going to be on your mind 24/7; which has its pros and cons. Aside from that, I would say my biggest hump was getting thru the Summer. Being in an open-air market, we depend on the community coming out and supporting their local vendor.

The heat would make that very hard for people to do. So I had the opportunity to learn how to operate and grow a business that’s seeing a dramatic loss in revenue. I’m in an amazing space of growth and learning every day, the process is beautiful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Puff Club?
The Puff Club is a local smoke shop, serving the valley with quality products at great prices. We take pride in being different. Not only do we sell smoke accessories but we’ve done our best to diversify. When you come into our shop, it’s rare that you’ll see the same piece twice!

We source our glass from many different areas, so we don’t look like the big box stores in the city. Lastly, we take pride in the high-quality puff club Merch that we sell. Our hats and tees have been a real hit, keeping customers on their toes for the next Merch drop. What I’m most proud of is that I have continued to keep my prices extremely low, keeping to the values that I started the shop with.

Regardless of if you’re buying a shirt, a hat, or a bong; we’re reshaping the market and cutting frivolous price hikes on quality pieces! We offer online shopping and local delivery, as well as free shipping on orders over $50 on our site at www.thepuff.club.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Personally, I think that a life without risk is a life wasted.

I’m not one to take a jump out of a plane with a parachute, but I find it necessary to take calculated risks however possible. When I left the workforce and started The Puff Club, it definitely felt like I was jumping out of a plane; and I didn’t know if my parachute would work.

If anything, risk-taking will teach you a lot about yourself and your ability to persevere.

Contact Info:

• Email: theoriginalpuffclub@gmail.com
• Website: www.thepuff.club
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoriginalpuffclub/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepuffclub

Image Credits
@iluportraits and @barterforchange