Cultivating Success // BeneLeaves
BeneLeaves Opens a Cannabis Facility Designed for Foodservice-Level Quality and Compliance
As a leading cannabis provider, BeneLeaves is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with its patients, inspiring them toward greater well-being and happiness. Proudly based in Ohio, the company places patient care at the heart of its mission. BeneLeaves produces medical marijuana products in accordance with stringent pharmaceutical standards and manufacturing practices that align with FDA and USDA compliance.
This family owned business is the professional and entrepreneurial masterpiece of Jeff and Peggy Hollenback. BeneLeaves was born out of a labor of love, blending the Hollenbacks' deep expertise in food manufacturing with their sincere desire to offer medical patients comfort and hope through natural medicine.
Bill and Jason Williams (left and right) stand with BeneLeaves founder Jeff Hollenback (center) as construction of the facility takes shape.
A Recipe for Relief
Food Manufacturing and Personal Resilience Inspire the Path Forward
After establishing a strong foundation in the restaurant industry, Jeff Hollenback transitioned into an operational role at Glory Foods—a manufacturer known for its canned southern-style vegetable recipes. It was at Glory Foods that Jeff and Peggy Hollenback were joined by future BeneLeaves president, Bill Williams Jr. Together, they refined their expertise in producing shelf-stable, consumer-ready food products.
Before redirecting their manufacturing expertise toward cannabis processing, Peggy Hollenback was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. While pharmaceutical treatments were available, they came with a host of uncomfortable side effects. Seeking a more natural alternative, Peggy turned to medicinal cannabis—and experienced profoundly positive results.
It Starts With an Idea
From Culinary Cuisine to Medical Cannabis Confections
The Hollenbacks earned widespread recognition for their deep roots in the foodservice industry. Having worked across a variety of restaurants throughout the Buckeye State, their culinary expertise and influence helped inspire many of the region's top chefs to pursue their own paths—leading to the creation of some of the finest gourmet establishments in the country.
BeneLeaves Takes Root
Momentum Begins With a Nudge
After experiencing relief from her rheumatoid arthritis through medicinal cannabis, Peggy turned to Jeff and said, "If you can do vegetables, you can do cannabis. How hard can it be?" With years of experience manufacturing shelf-stable food products, the Hollenbacks recognized clear parallels in producing high-quality, cannabis-infused edibles. Embracing the opportunity, they made the leap into cannabis manufacturing and in 2017, Jeff and Peggy founded BeneLeaves.
"Working with Omega has been transformative for our business. Their expertise and support made all the difference in our success."
Peggy Hollenback
Co-Founder, BeneLeaves
The Hollenbacks' mission—then and now—is to deliver exceptional cannabis products made from the highest-quality strains. Driven by a commitment to patient care, BeneLeaves was founded on the principle of using only certified, lab-tested flower sourced from trusted growers.
In addition to procuring quality ingredients, the Hollenbacks knew their facility needed to reflect the precision and professionalism of a standard-setting cannabis kitchen. Launching BeneLeaves meant building both a state-of-the-art cannabis processing lab and an FDA-compliant commercial kitchen, ensuring every product met the highest standards of safety and quality.
The Challenge
Finding an Equipment Supplier to Outfit an FDA-Compliant Cannabis Manufacturing Facility
BeneLeaves made significant progress in selecting a location and assembling a skilled team, but furnishing the manufacturing facility required equipment that met strict certifications. Every piece had to withstand inspections from multiple agencies, including the health department and Ohio's departments of commerce and pharmacy—the regulatory bodies overseeing the state's emerging cannabis market at the time.
When the Hollenbacks first engaged with cannabis-industry consultants, the experience proved disappointing. Reflecting on those early interactions, Peggy recalled, "It felt like they were using smoke and mirrors to make the process more complicated."
Jeff and Peggy were far from an easy mark. With deep expertise in product manufacturing and commercial kitchens, they quickly recognized the shortcomings of the advice they received. After that frustrating encounter, the Hollenbacks turned to partners they trusted to simplify sourcing and procurement. Jeff reached out to the Omega team—and we were thrilled to get involved.
BeneLeaves was meticulous in designing and constructing its FDA-compliant facility—built to meet strict state regulations.
"The cannabis consultants tried to make the BeneLeaves build-out mystical just because we were going to be manufacturing cannabis products. They were unknowledgeable and expensive. It felt like they were using smoke and mirrors to make the process more complicated."
Peggy Hollenback
Co-Founder, BeneLeaves
The Omega Advantage
A Cannabis Equipment Supplier With Deep Supply Chain and Logistics Expertise
As it turns out, designing, building, and outfitting commercial manufacturing spaces is one of Omega's core specialties. The Hollenbacks maintained a strong relationship with several Omega team members from previous projects and trusted our supply chain to be as dependable as our service.
Omega provides more than just the equipment and supplies needed to build a grow room, processing lab, or retail space. We help cannabis operations streamline their SOPs and manage budgets effectively. We don't simply drop products at your liftgate and leave; our team of experts stays engaged, guiding customers through every step of the process.
A Potent Solution
Omega Provides Commercial Equipment, Logistical Expertise, and a Reliable Supply-Chain Solution
The Hollenbacks were unwavering in their vision to launch an FDA-compliant facility with a proud, open-door policy. They wanted inspectors and state representatives to feel welcome at any time and see firsthand that BeneLeaves stood for cleanliness and safety.
At Omega, we understand exactly which commercial equipment certifications are essential for outfitting a cannabis manufacturing facility designed to produce pharmaceutical-grade products. To ensure smooth health department inspections, we verify that all equipment meets NSF, UL, or ETL certification standards.
Omega Provides Commercial Equipment (Cont.)
Omega equipped BeneLeaves with a wide range of commercial-grade equipment—including utility carts, sinks, rolling racks, shelving, cooking equipment for edible creation, and commercial refrigeration units. As we installed each piece of equipment, we kept safety and compliance front and center. Our team understands the importance of NSF-approved worktables and FDA-required hand sinks to ensure proper sanitation. In addition, Omega helped procure the essential supplies needed to keep the new facility operating at peak performance.
Omega's specialties reflect decades of experience in facility design, product procurement, supply chain management, and operational streamlining. We know what it takes to secure a Certificate of Operation and help clients avoid costly delays by anticipating their needs well in advance.
Although the Hollenbacks were well-versed in developing professional manufacturing facilities, they still benefited from Omega's comprehensive expertise and support.
The Results
A Seed Planted, a Business Grown, and a Lasting Collaboration
The BeneLeaves facility launched as a benchmark of quality, safety, transparency, and innovation among its cannabis-processing peers. The Hollenbacks' dream of providing safe, effective, medical-grade cannabis products to patients across Ohio had become a reality—and we are proud of the role Omega played in bringing that vision to life.
Omega continues to maintain a close partnership with the BeneLeaves family. We believe that building genuine relationships with every customer fosters clear communication and mutual success.
As the cannabis industry continues through its own "industrial revolution," we share the Hollenbacks' belief that every facility should strive for manufacturing excellence and produce rigorously tested, consumer-safe products. This commitment builds public trust and propels the industry forward.
Ready to Grow? We've Helped Operators Just Like You
Every great cannabis business starts with a passion for innovation — and we've helped turn those ideas into thriving operations. At Omega Equipment & Supply, we partner with cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries at every stage of growth because we believe in the long game: building a stronger, more sustainable industry together.
Whether you're launching your first facility or scaling your next one, our team, tools, and know-how are here to make it happen.
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