Meet Travis Lee Howard from the Charleston, South Carolina Metropolitan Area. Travis is a seasoned entrepreneur and coach with over 20 years of experience in leadership, law, and the cannabis industry. He is dedicated to helping executives and teams reach their full potential through mindful management and strategic insight.
Early Life and Education
Travis’s journey into the world of leadership and entrepreneurship began with a solid educational foundation. He attended Colorado State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, graduating in 2000. This education provided the groundwork for his future endeavors, giving him the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of business.
Following his undergraduate studies, Travis pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) at the University of Colorado, specializing in Business, Tax, and Real Estate. This legal education further equipped him with the tools to excel in the business world, combining his understanding of legal frameworks with his business acumen. During his time at law school, Travis also participated in the CU Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, assisting start-up companies with due diligence and strategic legal planning. This experience honed his ability to provide practical and strategic advice to budding businesses, setting the stage for his future roles.
Early Career Ventures
Sun Microsystems: Laying the Technological Foundation
Travis began his professional career at Sun Microsystems as a System Technologist. From 2000 to 2003, he worked as a Certified Systems and Network Administrator in Broomfield County, Colorado. This role allowed him to gain valuable experience in the tech industry, where he developed his technical skills and learned the importance of robust system administration. This early exposure to technology would later influence his entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in fields that intersected with tech innovations.
Thistle Community Housing: Bridging Law and Development
While attending law school, Travis worked at Thistle Community Housing as a Development and Finance Assistant from 2004 to 2006. Here, he directly assisted the Executive Director, Lead Developer, and Finance Director, engaging in various finance and development projects. His work included public bonds deals, tax credit deals, and land trusts, which gave him hands-on experience in complex financial and legal transactions. This role not only complemented his legal studies but also provided a practical understanding of community-focused housing projects.
Stepping into Entrepreneurship and Leadership
DealersLink®: Disrupting the Auto Industry
Travis’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap when he joined DealersLink® as Vice President from 2005 to 2006 and then again from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in launching a disruptive software company aimed at delivering value to auto dealerships nationwide. His responsibilities spanned legal, human resources, marketing, strategic planning, and direct sales. His leadership helped navigate the company through the challenging economic climate of the late 2000s, coaching dealer principals and management staff through one of the worst auto markets in history. This period solidified his reputation as a resilient and strategic leader capable of steering companies through turbulent times.
Building a Legacy in the Cannabis Industry
KindReviews, LLC: Setting the Standard for Quality
In 2009, Travis co-founded KindReviews, LLC, serving as Chief Executive Officer until 2015. Under his leadership, the company established itself as a premier web presence, acting as the arbiter of safe and quality medical cannabis products. The robust product photography library and in-depth reviews built by Travis and his team became industry benchmarks. This venture concluded with a financially successful exit, as the company and its intellectual property were invested into PotGuide.com, which was later acquired by a public company.
Shift Cannabis Co.: Innovating and Leading
Travis’s next major venture was Shift Cannabis Co., where he initially served as Chief Executive Officer from 2015 to 2018 and later as Chief Strategy Officer until 2020. At Shift, he was instrumental in building a cannabis brand that integrated policy, plant passion, and business principles. His leadership saw the brand achieve significant wholesale revenue and a dedicated following. Travis’s strategic vision and hands-on approach in various roles, including brand visionary, creative director, and sales coach, propelled Shift to new heights. His decision to refocus on customer and product following a personal reflection period after his father’s passing exemplifies his commitment to aligning personal values with professional goals.
Dalwhinnie Farms: Integrating Technology and Agriculture
From 2016 to 2020, Travis served as the Managing Owner of Dalwhinnie Farms, where he designed and executed a business operating model for a phytochemical agricultural research facility. This facility, which included an integrated AI platform, tissue culture lab, and hybrid greenhouse, was a testament to Travis’s ability to combine technology with agriculture. The luxury-based B2B2C and B2C brand developed under his leadership highlighted his innovative approach to business development and his ability to create high-value products and services.
Health Services, LLC: Pioneering Alternative Health
Travis also co-managed Health Services, LLC, from 2010 to 2019, where he helped build Boulder’s premier alternative health clinic. The clinic specialized in high-need patients and was recognized for its quality and craftsmanship. Travis’s efforts in managing operations, acquiring capital, and navigating regulatory frameworks were crucial to the clinic’s success. The eventual sale of the clinic to a co-founder and investor marked another successful exit in his entrepreneurial career.
Expanding Influence and Mentorship
CanopyBoulder: Mentoring the Next Generation
From 2013 to 2015, Travis contributed to CanopyBoulder as a coach and business mentor. This role allowed him to leverage his extensive industry experience to guide start-ups within the best cannabis accelerator in the industry. His mentorship helped numerous companies, including BDS Analytics and PotGuide.com, achieve significant milestones. Travis’s ability to nurture and develop entrepreneurial talent demonstrated his commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the cannabis industry.
Current Roles and Vision
Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, LLC: Legal Expertise with a Human Touch
Since 2007, Travis has been a pivotal part of Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, LLC, initially as a partner and currently as a managing partner. His focus on managing the non-legal and non-litigation aspects of the firm’s operations has been instrumental in building and scaling a plaintiff’s firm known for its compassionate and high-quality legal representation. Travis’s vision of maintaining a culture of respect and empathy within the firm has set it apart in the legal industry.
Dr. Greenthumb, Inc.: Leading Cannabis Innovation
Travis also serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Dr. Greenthumb, Inc., where he has been responsible for managing the company’s intellectual property licensing business since 2021. His role encompasses product development, marketing, sales, and customer service across multiple brands. Under his leadership, the company has expanded nationally, enhancing its footprint through strategic licensing agreements and new product innovations.
Mindful Management: Coaching for Conscious Leadership
In his latest venture, Mindful Management, Travis has embraced his role as a coach, consultant, and speaker. Since 2023, he has been dedicated to helping executives and teams achieve their full potential through mindful management practices. Combining over two decades of entrepreneurial experience with insights from yogic and meditative practices, Travis offers a unique and impactful coaching paradigm. His approach focuses on fostering growth, connection, and purpose, making him a sought-after coach for modern executives seeking balance and effectiveness in their leadership.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Beyond his professional achievements, Travis is a proud husband and father, cherishing his role as a family man. His personal philosophy of integrating mindfulness and conscious leadership into his professional life reflects his commitment to authenticity and holistic success. Travis’s journey is a testament to his ability to navigate diverse industries, innovate with purpose, and lead with empathy and strategic vision.
Conclusion
Travis Lee Howard’s career is a remarkable blend of entrepreneurship, leadership, and mindful management. From his early days in technology and law to his pioneering work in the cannabis industry and his current role as a coach and consultant, Travis’s journey is marked by continuous growth and impactful contributions. His dedication to fostering innovation, compassion, and strategic excellence makes him a standout figure in the modern business landscape.
5 leadership lessons
- Embrace Change: Adaptability is key to navigating evolving industries.
- Lead with Purpose: Align personal values with professional endeavors.
- Foster Innovation: Stay ahead by embracing and driving innovation.
- Cultivate Empathy: Build strong connections through empathetic leadership.
- Prioritize Growth: Commit to continuous learning and development.
Editorial notes
Travis Lee Howard’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership, inspiring others to share their stories. Executives Diary invites leaders to contribute their biographies at executivesdiary.com/blog/submit-biography. Share your journey with a global audience, free of cost, and inspire fellow executives worldwide.
