The Fire Station Cannabis Co. began with a bold vision, a frigid night in Negaunee Township, and the dream of two recent Northern Michigan University graduates. Friends and founders Logan Stauber and Stosh Wasik opened the first Fire Station location in 2019—introducing the second medical dispensary and the very first recreational cannabis store in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Turning a Car Dealership into a Dispensary
Opening day didn’t come easy. The building—a former car dealership—was in rough shape. “We spent every dollar we had opening Negaunee,” said Stauber. The structure had straw insulation in the walls, and significant work was required just to bring it up to code. Even the local planning commission was shocked by their determination.
Working With the Community
Stauber and Wasik knew they had a lot to learn. They worked closely with the Negaunee Township Planning Council throughout the process. “I cannot give Negaunee Township enough praise,” Stauber said. “It takes a lot of forward thinking to imagine what’s possible.”
When the township council approved zoning for medical cannabis facilities, only two applications would be released. Determined to secure one, the two friends camped out overnight at the township building. They took turns warming up in the car while the other held their place in line.
“We didn’t know how many others would be interested in the applications at the time, and we were determined that we would get one of them.”
That night was cold—but the chance to help shape the future of legal cannabis in the U.P. made it worthwhile.
Bootstrapped and Built to Last
The biggest challenge? Product cost. At the time, a single gram of flower cost $28, driven up by transportation and acquisition expenses. Without corporate investors, Logan and Stosh had to bootstrap everything. Every dollar went back into the business.
As two of the youngest dispensary owners in Michigan, they’ve grown The Fire Station from the ground up. Their hard work and dedication helped turn a single storefront into a thriving company.
Shedding Light on Cannabis in the U.P.
Although cannabis has long existed in the Upper Peninsula, The Fire Station’s mission is to bring it into the light. “The difference now,” Logan explained, “is that people can legally and proudly access it.” The company encourages open conversations around cannabis and aims to highlight its medicinal and psychological benefits.
What was once used discreetly is now becoming part of daily life—with less stigma and more understanding.
Where We Are Now
Today, The Fire Station operates ten locations across the U.P. and employs over 150 team members. With plans to expand into new municipalities outside of the U.P., Logan and Stosh’s dream has grown into something much bigger.
“We’re humbled to have the opportunity to not only provide friendly, safe access to the plant, but to also give back to the U.P. communities we live in. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for TFS and the cannabis industry.”
