Case Study
- Location: Ewing, NJ
- Company Size: 4 employees
- Offering: vapes and extracts
- Website: https://jerseysmooth.com/
Jersey Smooth, led by CEO Aslan Zadeh and COO John Chere, is a New Jersey-based cannabis brand rooted in the rich culture of the state.
Established in 2022, the company has positioned itself as “The New Jersey Brand,” with locally inspired product names such as Boardwalk Bliss and High Bush Blueberry.
With a small, agile team, Jersey Smooth combines an authentic connection to its home state with a commitment to delivering high-quality cannabis products
Photo: Aslan Zadeh (CEO, Jersey Smooth), Dustin Steerman (Founder, Vert), John Chere (COO, Jersey Smooth)
Jersey Smooth’s Cannabis Packaging Challenges
Supply Chain Complexities
The business relied on numerous vendors, leading to organizational inefficiencies and delays in production timelines.
Packaging Procurement Speed
With rapid scaling and increasing demand, the company needed faster turnaround times for packaging orders to remain competitive in the young and dynamic New Jersey cannabis market
Strategic Support
As a small, hands-on team, Jersey Smooth required expert guidance to navigate product and packaging decisions to maximize market impact.
Jersey Smooth was introduced to Vert through Active Hardware (formerly AVD) at a time when both companies were in high-growth phases. As they explored potential solutions, Jersey Smooth was looking for more than an order taker for packaging—they needed a partner who could help optimize processes and improve speed-to-market.
COO John Chere noted that what stood out was the hands-on, strategic approach. The right packaging decisions weren’t just about aesthetics; they played a role in efficiency, brand perception, and ultimately, retail success.
How Jersey Smooth Benefited from the Vert Experience
Custom Packaging Design
From branded shipper boxes to pre-labeled tubes, packaging was tailored to enhance brand visibility and operational ease.
Faster Turnaround Times
Eliminating the long lead times of overseas suppliers helped Jersey Smooth move quickly in a competitive market.
Strategic Guidance
From SKU optimization to packaging selection, expert insights supported Jersey Smooth in making informed decisions that aligned with its business goals
The shipper boxes, designed for dispensary efficiency, streamlined inventory handling and reinforced Jersey Smooth’s brand presence at retail
Vert’s Impact on Jersey Smooth’s Business
Stronger Brand Identity
Thoughtfully designed packaging reinforced a cohesive and professional brand presence.
Operational Efficiency
Time-saving packaging solutions allowed the team to focus on growth and sales.
Increased Competitiveness
Faster lead times meant products could hit shelves sooner, helping the brand keep pace with market demand.
The reason we're in a box right now is due to that strategic advice, which has been very well received. Even the custom shipper case boxes—that was something we hadn't even thought about. Retailers love it, not just because it perfectly fits what’s going in there, but because it’s clearly defined on the package itself. That kind of strategic advice, backed by experience, is why we went with Vert.
Key Takeaways
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✓ Optimized packaging processes translated to faster execution and reduced supply chain bottlenecks.
✓ More Than Packaging: Strategic insights played a key role in shaping product and go-to-market strategies.
✓ The Right Partnerships Matter: Finding a packaging provider that aligns with growth goals can create a competitive edge.
For Jersey Smooth, optimizing packaging wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was a critical step in scaling efficiently.
By streamlining procurement, improving lead times, and refining product strategy, they built a foundation for long-term success in a fast-moving market.