Meet Amy Speciale, Director of Operations
East Fork was highly fortunate to add Amy Speciale to our llama herd in late 2020. Originally slated to manage Hemp Bar, Amy’s responsibilities quickly grew to encompass a much-needed Director of Operations role for the company at large.
Amy was born and raised in western New York and has called Portland, Oregon home since 2013. Her last name is pronounced “special”, and we have found that she certainly is! A logistics and problem-solving powerhouse, Amy brings a team-boosting approach to her work at East Fork. Her general operating methods feature not only a tremendous work ethic, but also plenty of sunshine-y good cheer with a bonus of funny jokes.
Amy has a passion for adventure, yoga, gardening, and good food. When not on the job, she can be found swimming in random bodies of water, experimenting with a new recipe, at a yoga workshop, or curled up with her cat and a good book.
Q&A with Amy
What brought you to the cannabis industry?
I’m a Service Industry professional by trade. After 15 years of managing high volume restaurants I was ready to flex my skills in a new way. I took some time to reflect on my values and passions. My love for the cannabis plant and its ability to help people made the decision to join this industry feel like the natural next step in my life.
What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd start a nonprofit to help teens in under funded areas travel internationally. Exposure to other cultures, especially at a young age, is an incredible way to cultivate compassion towards one’s fellow human beings. (And, you know, keep working at East Fork Cultivars.)
What is your favorite East Fork original cultivar?
My current favorite is Llama Kush. It’s just what I want after a long day.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.” - Brené Brown
Alternately...
“‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’ - Wayne Gretzky” - Michael Scott
What's the most inspiring part of your job?
Watching people discover the positive effect cannabis can have on their lives. Being a part of that discovery is such a profoundly rewarding experience.
