I am giving 5 stars to US Bloom because of their amazing Manager Michelle and her ability to turn a terrible experience around; a particular Black Talon security guard forced a pat down on me and then followed me inside and even after my paperwork was done he continued to project an unwelcoming demeanor. Somewhat like a prejudice convenience store clerk following a customer around the aisles.
I am a return patient. When it comes to security guards I believe in compliance; I say yes sir, please, and thank you. I wave and I introduce myself with a positive attitude. I was sober and looking to pick up some medication. I had ran out of this year's harvest and now had to go back to dispensaries for my meds till next fall. Of course my first choice is US Bloom!
That particular Black Talon security guard came off ego tripping to the fullest when he was patting me down and following me inside. In my eight years of going to dispensaries I have never been patted down (i.e. I've never been patted down at Harborside Healthcare and Steve DeAngelo and his team set the bar of excellence for canna-patient care). Would gropey-guard have denied me access to meds if I had a 2 1/2 inch pocket knife? He really came off like a wannabe cop poser. It felt like he kept trying to slickly stick his hands in my vests pockets. He rubbed his hands down my outer thighs and calves. It was a really dirty feeling and gave such a bad lasting impression. In the end it was unnecessary, I came to pick up meds but he singled me out as if I came for trouble. I am such a convenient and considerate client, I usually know what I want so I don't take up the tenders' time.
Thank God my tender was also the Manager Michelle!! Mid transaction I mentioned the pat down and quietly requested the gropey-guard's name. She looked a bit shocked, she very diplomatically stated that he was new. She mentioned that she would request the security company not to post that particular Black Talon security guard at their dispensary anymore. Michelle instantly earned back my faith and loyalty as a patient/patron. Michelle's responsiveness and tact as the Manager was admirable.
The Manager came to the door with me as I was leaving so she could call the guards in to talk about being excessive with a patient. Upon my exit I looked at the gropey-guard and said "shame..shame", what I was hoping to convey in fewer words was 'shame on you for making US Bloom look bad and coming off hostile to a return patient'. Michelle saved the day and I am earnestly grateful for her professional conflict resolution skills. As much as I love US Bloom, their amazing staff, vast selection, and great prices, but to us be honest I won't feel all too comfortable coming in to purchase meds if I see the gropey-guard still standing around in the parking lot.