Joe Karapetyan and Garib Karapetyan share a last name, though they’re not related. But most importantly, they share a vision. Overseeing six KOLAS retail stores within the city of Sacramento and four cultivation sites, these local entrepreneurs have become regional leaders in every facet of the cannabis industry and have formed strong community ties through their philanthropic endeavors.
Karapetyan and Karapetyan came into the business organically, bolstered by their social network, and their business remains community-minded and socially responsible, with a philosophy of elevating the lives of customers, employees and the community. KOLAS has supported community and cultural events and initiatives since its inception in 2007.
“Many local residents have supported our company’s mission and we strive to be a strong reciprocal partner, focusing on art and culture,” says CEO Jimmy Crabbé. “Our partnerships range from monetary support to employee volunteerism in the realm of food, music, art and diverse culture — anything that elevates life.”
KOLAS thinks globally but acts locally, supporting community initiatives by raising funds or providing resources for charitable organizations as well as local events like Concerts in the Park, Wide Open Walls mural festival and the Aftershock Festival.
“Many local residents have supported our company’s mission and we strive to be a strong reciprocal partner, focusing on art and culture.”
— Jimmy Crabbé, CEO
KOLAS is connected to Sacramento at both the citizen and civic level. Local residents appreciate how the company conducts itself as a good neighbor and model citizen. This community-minded culture has not gone unnoticed — KOLAS was the recipient of the “Champion of the Arts” 2021 Sacramento Business Journal Corporate Citizenship Award.
“These relationships have inspired us to continually give back to the community which has nurtured our survival and success during this uncharted historical context of cannabis acceptance,” Crabbé says. “Cannabis has been used in community-based rituals for thousands of years, and KOLAS is continuing that ritual today.”
