1. Can you introduce yourself and let us know your background?
Hi, I'm McKenzie Reed and I go by Mack. I am one of the founders of Engine52, with a focus on the cannabis extraction process and manufacturing market. I am a Mechanical Engineer by education and I have been working within the field of Industrial Automation for the last 8 years. I am also a self-taught woodworker making furniture for customers in the Chicagoland area for the last 3 years. My passion is creating a business from nothing, and growing that business into something that can provide opportunities and value for others, all while giving back to the local community in need around Chicago.
2. Why did you start Engine52?
We started Engine52 to get into cannabis extraction, even before Illinois was next on the growing list to legalize recreational use. As we were trying to leverage our industrial and process automation knowledge, we learned two things. Firstly, there was a vacuum of information about getting started in cannabis extraction without having the direct experience of already doing it somewhere else. Secondly, if you didn't have that direct experience, it was unlikely that you would work with suppliers and distributors of the product, and even more unlikely that you would get one of the precious first few licenses in Illinois. It was at that point we decided to take everything we already knew about manufacturing and efficient automation practices and pair it with a commitment to learn as much as possible, allowing us to provide value to others that are currently in the exact same position we were in one year ago.
3. What are you most excited about in the growing cannabis market?
Honestly, it has to be the extraction machinery and processes themselves. I am a nerd that wanted to make good on my interests so I went into Mechanical Engineering. I then used that springboard to go to work for one of the largest Industrial Automation companies in the world as a Field Service Engineer. I got to be a roughneck in dirty manufacturing plants all over the United States, even sometimes working 1000 feet underground in mines, getting ungodly large machinery up and running for the first time. I went into a management role after that, but have always missed the technical aspect, so what we are doing with Engine52 is a natural fit for me. Every week a new process of cleaner, less wasteful, more efficient cannabis extraction is developed, and my mind has been blown by not only the increases in existing machinery but also the new machinery constantly being developed using new technology and methods to serve market needs.
4. What do you want customers to know about your company?
Honesty is key. I don't subscribe to "Fake it until you make it" as a business model. Engine52 is new to the cannabis market, no question. But I think you would be hard pressed to find two individuals that know more about the industrial and process automation industry than Will and I. The money you invest in our consulting services will go further than other organizations that have perfectly polished website and social media content. Know that if you see something from us that doesn't have Hollywood grade production quality it's because that, while we know all of that content is important, our main focus and where we are spending all of our time is providing value for you.
5. What's the one final thing you want those considering the cannabis market to know?
You aren't too late. Start now, build something. But most importantly, put your target customer base at the center of everything you do. Throughout the process you should be thinking, "Does this provide value to my current and future customers?" That's what we strive to do every day. There is a lot out there for all of us to learn about the cannabis market. Engine52 is just trying to make that part easier.
