Sean O’Hearn: A Veteran Manufacturing Specialist Driving Vermont’s Cannabis Industry Forward

Sean O’Hearn is a seasoned manufacturing specialist based in Vermont with over a decade of experience in the manufacturing and cannabis industries. His professional journey is marked by leadership roles in several prominent Vermont-based companies, including Grassroots Vermont, Satori VT, Northeast Processing LLC, Newton Hill Labs, and Twincraft Skincare. With a strong educational foundation from Champlain College, Sean has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing cannabis manufacturing and product quality in the Green Mountain State.

Early Life and Education: The Foundation of a Specialist

Sean O’Hearn’s journey into manufacturing and cannabis began with a solid educational background. He earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree in Secondary Education and Teaching from Champlain College, located in Burlington, Vermont. This education equipped him not only with technical knowledge but also with skills in leadership, communication, and process management, which have proven invaluable throughout his career.

Champlain College is known for its hands-on, career-focused education, which influenced Sean’s practical approach to manufacturing and operational excellence. His background in education likely shaped his ability to manage teams, streamline processes, and develop training programs in the companies he has served.

Career Path: Growing Expertise in Manufacturing and Cannabis

Sean’s career reflects a steady climb through the ranks of Vermont’s manufacturing and cannabis sectors. His experience spans various roles, from production supervision to executive leadership, showcasing his versatile skill set and adaptability.

Grassroots Vermont: Leading Manufacturing Innovation

Sean currently holds the position of Director of Manufacturing at Grassroots Vermont, a company recognised for its pioneering work in the cannabis industry. Since November 2024, Sean has been instrumental in managing product development, business process improvement, and overall manufacturing operations in Brandon, Vermont.

In this role, Sean is responsible for ensuring that production processes are efficient, compliant, and capable of delivering high-quality cannabis products. His work contributes directly to the company’s reputation for excellence and innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

Satori VT: Expertise in Cultivation and Extraction

Before his current role, Sean was the Manufacturing Manager at Satori VT in Middlebury, Vermont, from May 2022 to March 2025. At Satori, he managed cultivation, extraction, and production processes, combining his knowledge of plant biology with manufacturing expertise to optimise product quality.

Sean’s tenure at Satori demonstrated his ability to oversee complex manufacturing operations and ensure that production met stringent quality and safety standards. His work in product management and business process improvement helped position Satori as a key player in Vermont’s cannabis scene.

Northeast Processing LLC: Contracting for Success

From June 2021 to June 2022, Sean worked as the General Manager on a contract basis for Northeast Processing LLC in Brattleboro, Vermont. In this capacity, he continued to apply his skills in product management and process improvement, further broadening his experience in the cannabis manufacturing landscape.

Newton Hill Labs: Specialised in CBD Manufacturing and Extraction

Sean served as the Director of Operations at Newton Hill Labs in Milton, Vermont, from November 2019 to March 2022. Here, he specialised in CBD manufacturing and extraction, leading teams and overseeing the production of hemp-derived products.

Newton Hill Labs faced regulatory challenges related to Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive compound derived from hemp, which Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture ruled against. Sean and his colleagues raised concerns about how restrictive regulations could impact the local cannabis industry and businesses. His experience navigating these regulatory waters has given him valuable insight into the legal and compliance aspects of cannabis manufacturing.

Twincraft Skincare: Expanding into Product Manufacturing

Before entering the cannabis industry, Sean worked as a Production Supervisor at Twincraft Skincare from January 2018 to September 2019. This role provided him with broader manufacturing experience outside cannabis, focusing on product management and production operations.

His work at Twincraft helped him hone his skills in managing production workflows and maintaining quality standards, which translated well when he transitioned fully into cannabis manufacturing.

Sean O’Hearn in Vermont’s Cannabis Landscape

Vermont’s cannabis industry is still relatively young but growing rapidly. Professionals like Sean O’Hearn have been pivotal in shaping its development by bringing manufacturing expertise, quality control, and regulatory compliance to the forefront.

Sean’s leadership roles reflect a commitment to not only producing high-quality cannabis products but also advocating for sensible regulations that support the industry’s growth in Vermont. His experience with hemp processing, CBD extraction, and manufacturing positions him as a thought leader in this space.

Emphasis on Quality and Compliance

One of Sean’s key contributions has been ensuring that companies comply with Vermont’s regulatory framework while maintaining high manufacturing standards. This dual focus is crucial in a sector where legal compliance can be complex and constantly evolving.

By improving business processes and emphasising product management, Sean has helped companies maintain competitive advantages while meeting customer expectations for safety and quality.

Advocacy and Industry Challenges

Sean’s experience during the Delta-8 THC regulatory challenges at Newton Hill Labs illustrates his role as more than just a manufacturing specialist; he is also an advocate for the cannabis industry. He understands the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and business viability, which is essential for sustainable growth in Vermont’s cannabis market.

Skills and Expertise

Throughout his career, Sean O’Hearn has developed a robust skill set that includes:

• Product Management
• Business Process Improvement
• Manufacturing Operations
• Extraction and Cultivation Processes
• Regulatory Compliance
• Team Leadership and Training

These skills have allowed him to make significant contributions to each company he has worked for and have solidified his reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable manufacturing specialist.

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Conclusion: Sean O’Hearn’s Impact on Vermont’s Manufacturing and Cannabis Sectors

Sean O’Hearn’s career is a testament to the impact that dedicated professionals can have on emerging industries like cannabis manufacturing. His comprehensive experience, from production supervision to executive management, combined with his educational background from Champlain College, has positioned him as a key figure in Vermont’s manufacturing landscape.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Sean’s expertise will likely remain in high demand. His commitment to quality, compliance, and business process optimisation ensures that companies like Grassroots Vermont and others can thrive in a competitive and regulated environment.

Sean O’Hearn’s story is not just about individual success; it reflects the broader story of Vermont’s evolving cannabis industry and the professionals driving its future.