Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiel Rushton.
Hi Kiel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was adopted from Korea in 1982, and raised in Iowa, the son of a Pastor and Piano Teacher. My family moved to Preston, Minnesota in 1998, my parents intentionally brought us to Minnesota for better educational opportunities.
After high school, I moved to St. Paul, and briefly attended Concordia University for Music Education, transferred to Brown Institute for Graphic Design, but finally landed on Law Enforcement. I served as a Police Officer for 12 years but quit in early 2023.
I realized that the things I had seen in my career had taken their toll, and it was time to take care of myself and my family. During my journey, I also realized the laws around Cannabis were wrong. I interacted daily with those suffering from addiction, and all that surrounds the affliction. I sought out a friend from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mike Gawlik, who owns Natreum Hemp Wellness in St. Louis Park. Together, we embarked on a journey of entrepreneurial mentorship, which lead me to open Natreum Buck Hill in Lakeville. I turned in my notice at work, cashed out my pension, and got to work.
I discovered that I can help so many more people who are suffering from the same kinds of afflictions as those whom I served as a Police Officer, but thru the use of natural cannabinoids. I’ve seen that I can help a much. more intimate level. I hope to make Cannabis approachable for those who might be skeptical and be a resource to the local Twin Cities community. I carry over 80 different beverages and over 50 edibles, as well as Tinctures, Topicals, Beauty Products, Personal Care Products, and even Pet CBD!
My store is right next to Buck Hill Ski Resort, at County Road 46 and Interstate 35 in Lakeville.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The largest struggle will always be self-doubt. Having been in public service for over 20 years, and now shifting to private business, there was a lot to learn, and at times, the journey seems impossibly daunting.
I did have the opportunity to make meaningful connections to people during my time in public service, and those relationships have greatly aided in my journey, but the struggle remains on how to make it all work well together.
We’ve been impressed with Natreum Buck Hill, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Natreum Buck Hill is a Hemp-Derived THC/CBD store. We carry products that contain CBD and THC from Hemp in Topical, Tincture, and Consumable form. We have one of the largest selections of THC and CBD beverages, over 80 different drinks, along with over 50 varieties of edibles.
We engage everyone, and if need be, will educate those with little or no experience with cannabinoids. We want to offer a unique experience and make cannabinoids accessible to those who don’t want to go into a tobacco store or head shop.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I have learned quite a bit from Leafly.Com, and always find the Joe Rogan Experience very interesting.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.natreum.com
- Instagram: @NatreumBuckHill
- Facebook: FB.com/NatreumBuckHill
- Twitter: @NatreumBuckHill
- Snapchat: @NatreumBuckHill
Image Credits
Kiel Rushton and Gabrielle Jacobs
