METRO DETROIT (WWJ) - If you're a fast food worker affected by the recent closings of several Burger King locations in Metro Detroit, there may be a job for you — if you don't mind rolling a joint.
Stiiizy, owned by L.A.-based cannabis holding company The Shryne Group, is "hiring like crazy" for nearly 200 positions at their Orion Township campus, managing partner Ryan Jundt told WWJ's Mike Campbell, and they're hoping to attract hundreds of local workers who recently lost their jobs.
"Last night I actually read the Detroit News article where it spoke about 400 plus people losing their jobs from Burger King and, at the same time when there's a depressing message, we wanted to bring a message of hope," Jundt explained.
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Stiizy is ranked as the best-selling cannabis vape brand in the U.S. and the best-selling cannabis brand in California -- in 2022, it picked Michigan for its first non-Golden State location and operates three retail stores in Metro Detroit.
The company's wholesale products are also sold in over 500 stores across the Mitten.
"We're hiring a lot of people in our manufacturing department, which is very similar to fast food, the job skill set," Jundt said.
Pay begins at $16/hour for the day positions and $16.50/hour for the night shift.
"So what would they be doing?" Campbell asked.
"Well, so they would be rolling blunts," Jundt replied, in addition to filling vape cartridge pots. "So, they would it be going from burgers to blunts and joints!"
Jundt said the company's manufacturing facility consists of employees from all different backgrounds, including those that have retired from different careers and are looking to get back into the workforce.
"It's a great work environment, full time hours. You get full benefits after 90 days and people seem to enjoy it," Jundt added.
Stiiizy was founded in 2017 by former U.S. servicemember James Kim who named the company after a skateboarding term that combines the words "style" and "ease" -- a phrase that is very much a part of the company's culture.
According to an April 2022 Forbes report. the company brings in about $300 million in annual revenue.
Jundt said the hourly rate is just a starting point for new employees and there are many opportunities to advance in pay and position. He estimated about 90% of the company's management were all workers that started "on day one at entry-level jobs."
"We're growing crazy here in Michigan, we actually have only been able to launch about half of our product lines," Jundt added. "So we need many, many jobs and when there's more jobs, you need more managers. And so, as long as you're willing to work hard and be dedicated to what you do, you can move up very quickly in this company."
Jundt said those that are interested only need to send their first and last name, phone number and email address to mioffice@shrynegroup.com. If you have a resume, you can also attach it to the email, but it isn't required.
"Right now we're actually looking to fill a little over 200 positions, near immediately, so if you were to apply the likelihood of you getting hired is high, Jundt said.
He added that in the next three to four months, the company plans to add additional positions that would be able to take on another 200 employees, which would be enough to employ nearly all the Burger King workers suddenly out of job.
"We're really excited to, to have people apply," Jundt added.