Meet Joncarlo Cortese | Cannabis Grower, musician (The Real Goonie Jay)

We had the good fortune of talking to the Owner of Goonie Genetics, Joncarlo Cortese, otherwise known as “The Real Goonie Jay” and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joncarlo, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
My life has been filled with challenges, mostly caused by my own doing. I feel like if you want to achieve something bad enough giving up is only for the weak. With music it took me over 10 years to turn a profit. But the vision and the steps over the 10 years make the rest of the journey easier. It’s the same thing with my actual buisnesses as well. Goonie Genetics is my first legitimate attempt in the cannabis industry. All the arrests didn’t make me want to give up, they taught me to keep trying until the formula is right. In more ways than one. Which if I had just “gave up” I firmly believe even if it was temporary, I couldn’t leave freely as I do now.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Luckily both my buisnesses have become intertwined. At the age of 9 years old I began writing, producing and engineering my own music. Shortly after I was introduced to cannabis, which lead to a lengthy relationship both positively and negatively. Over the years I fine tuned my crafts, and brought myself to the forefront of my community. I began to generate a buzz through solo shows, and my entrepreneurial spirit managed to introduce me to the more exciting side of life at a young age. In 2018 it came to a screeching hault as I was arrested for cultivation in Connecticut which lead to the loss of my home, freedom, and what seemed like the end of my prosperous music career. Rather than dwell in the past I went harder , studied algorithms, celebrities, and everything I could to try and duplicate my favorite artists success, but in my own bodies of work. Just when I was ready to “retire” on music I managed to take in 6 figure streaming numbers in 2020 as well as followed by the same in 2021. 2021 also opened the door for me legally to once again be qualified to pursue a career growing which I always dreamed off. I took my knowledge, my minimal finances and went all in on my dreams. Luckily they all came true! Goonie genetics stands for organic love of our products, and the culture of the industry. We hope to keep the personal side of things at the forefront.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Normally stepping out isn’t the easiest thing to do on my plate as I am also a full time single father. But if the baby sitter is in town, and so are you than my Schedule is usually pretty simple.

If we spent the day together you probably would be taking a ride to come check the ph of my nutrients and feeds, inspect the garden and more than likely enjoy some relaxation !

During my free time I enjoy exploring new places, it’s rare to see me in the same place twice. I enjoy supporting local buisness and finding interesting meals along the way.

If I’m in my hometown of Manchester you are likely to find me at Elicit brewery on a weekend, or Connecticut people records on a weeknight.

My perfect vacation would be somewhere with no cell phones, no technology and my closest friends with some good food, drinks and some terps

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success is self driven with a fantastic team to motivate me and point me in the right direction. Regarding music.
Alex Klimkoski – camera man
Connecticut people records – studio
Drew Mcnally – beats

regarding Goonie Genetics my assistant grower Ryan Gomez (owner of Ryan’s fantasy clothing line) has stuck by my side through the failures and triumph.

Website: https://www.gooniegenetics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealgooniejay/?hl=en

Facebook: www.facebook.com/therealgooniejay

Youtube: www.youtube.com/therealgooniejay

Image Credits
Alex Klimkoski