Talaria, a Pennsylvania-based company founded in 2017, specializes in transporting cannabis products and cash. The firm aims to establish itself as the largest employer of retired law enforcement officers in the United States. According to Talaria’s founder and CEO, Ari Raptis, the decision to hire exclusively retired law enforcement and military professionals is driven by their training, discipline, and real-world experience in managing high-risk operations.
Raptis emphasized that retired officers are not only trustworthy but also bring a high level of integrity and accountability to their work. Employees like William Teper, who shared insights into the company’s operations, noted that they prioritize punctuality and safety, adhering to speed limits while on the job.
Currently, Talaria employs 170 people in Pennsylvania, including a part-time officer who was the chief of police in East Pennsboro Township. Another employee is a former Major of the Pennsylvania State Police with over 30 years of experience. Teper, who retired in 2018, expressed that the flexibility of the job allows retired officers to reconnect with each other, highlighting that they often miss the camaraderie found in law enforcement.
Talaria operates in 30 states, including areas where recreational marijuana is legal. Raptis stated that if Pennsylvania were to legalize recreational cannabis, the company would need to significantly expand its workforce, potentially hiring five times the current number of employees.
This initiative reflects a growing trend in the cannabis industry to incorporate experienced professionals in roles that require high levels of responsibility and trust.
