Her Story
About Mary
Mary Hegstrom is the Retail Director for Higher Love Cannabis Co., where she oversees retail operations across multiple dispensary locations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. During more than five years with the company, she has advanced through several leadership roles, helping drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, and deliver consistent customer experiences in one of the nation's most highly regulated industries. In her current position, she leads strategic initiatives, mentors emerging leaders, ensures compliance with evolving cannabis regulations, and prepares stores to meet rigorous inspection standards while maintaining a customer-first culture.
Hegstrom's leadership journey began in the hospitality industry, where she spent more than a decade with Texas Roadhouse, rising from server to service manager before becoming bar manager at a local golf course restaurant. She was recruited from that role to help launch Higher Love's hometown dispensary, marking the beginning of a successful career in cannabis retail. A graduate of cosmetology school and later a paralegal program, she brings a diverse professional background and a strong foundation in leadership, organization, and customer service. She considers one of her greatest professional accomplishments to be developing team members who have gone on to earn promotions into leadership roles throughout the organization.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Hegstrom is deeply committed to serving her community. As Vice President of her local Lions Club, she volunteers at community events and fundraising initiatives, including efforts supporting childhood cancer causes. She credits her success to the work ethic instilled by her upbringing in a small town, the example set by her father during his 45 years as a business owner, and the lessons she learned by entering the workforce at a young age. Guided by the values of integrity, transparency, and family, Hegstrom encourages the next generation of women leaders to advocate for themselves, ask questions without hesitation, and approach every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. In 2026, she was selected for inclusion in Influential Women in recognition of her leadership and contributions to her industry and community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values I developed growing up in a small town and the example set by my father, who owned and operated his business for more than 45 years. Watching his dedication, work ethic, and commitment to serving others shaped my approach to leadership and entrepreneurship. I also began working at the age of 14, which taught me the importance of responsibility, accountability, and perseverance—qualities that continue to guide me throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that if you're 10 minutes early, you're on time, and if you arrive on time, you're already late. That lesson instilled in me the importance of punctuality, preparation, and respect for other people's time. I believe being consistently prepared and dependable demonstrates professionalism and sets the tone for success in any role.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in your abilities, advocate for yourself, and never hesitate to ask questions. Confidence comes from being willing to learn, and seeking clarification shows a genuine commitment to understanding and growing professionally. Trust your capabilities, continue developing your skills, and don't be afraid to make your voice heard.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is keeping pace with constant industry changes, evolving regulations, and increasingly complex compliance requirements. Being prepared for inspections and maintaining high standards requires continuous learning and attention to detail. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities for organizations that prioritize education, adaptability, and operational excellence to distinguish themselves and build lasting trust with their clients.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are integrity, transparency, and family. I believe honesty and open communication are the foundation of strong relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or loved ones. I strive to lead with integrity in every decision I make while maintaining a healthy balance between my professional responsibilities and the people who matter most in my personal life.
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