Jacob Alford is a budtender and assistant manager at Portal 503, one of Portland’s newest Cannabis dispensaries. An Oregon native and a lifelong recreational consumer, he has always possessed a steadfast passion for the plant.
Starting his career in the Cannabis industry in 2021, he has sharpened his skill set in a variety of roles, from trimming flower to producing prerolls to front-end sales.
“From a pretty young age, (Cannabis) has kept me grounded,” Jacob said. “I’m fortunate enough to have a career in an area I really care about. It’s been a real blessing.”
Getting to interact with customers and assist them in finding a product that fits their individual needs is a significant part of the budtender experience for Jacob. “People are going through all sorts of different kinds of things, and just being able to listen to them as you’re helping them find some weed that might make their day better is rewarding,” he said.
When it comes to connecting with clientele, he models the Golden Rule: treat patrons how he would want to be treated. As a long-time connoisseur, Jacob has been on the other side of the counter and knows all too well how important customer service is. By leveraging a person-centered approach along with his extensive experience and knowledge, he is able to help shoppers make more informed decisions.
Upon inquiring about preferred brands, Jacob named Evans Creek, Brave Hearts and Bo’s Nose Knows as some of his favorites. “I just try to be honest from my own experiences, and, you know, luckily, we usually carry a lot of products that I’m actually passionate about at Portal 503,” he said. “There’s so many amazing farms that we have in this state.”
Outside of Cannabis, Jacob very much enjoys spending time in nature, which in Oregon can include everything from the beach-lined coast to old-growth forests. Be it hiking, camping or floating a river, he is always down for an adventure. During his off time, he can usually be found exploring some of the most scenic destinations and vistas in the state.
It’s worth mentioning that Jacob is also a huge fan of glass art and functional smoking pieces. With a collection that includes a 2016 Mothership rig, a Toro straight tube and a Jason Charles full-sized egg, he has a zeal for purchasing and maintaining high-end American-made glass.
“People take for granted how much amazing glass art there is around and how many local artists there are. I’m very passionate about my small glass collection,” he said.
Jacob’s excitement for the finer aspects of smoking is tangible, and not only that, it’s relatable. By utilizing his love for Cannabis along with his own personal taste, customers find him a trustworthy source of information and guidance when seeking out products that suit their needs.
Budtenders are pivotal members of the Cannabis industry, and having dispensary representatives who lead with enthusiasm lends to a more elevated and satisfying shopping experience. A huge amount of respect and credit to Jacob and others like him for holding down the culture in retail outlets across the state.
