Thinking Outside The Bud

Jason Ambrosino, Founder & CEO of Veterans Holdings Inc.Jason Ambrosino, born on April 11, 1982, in Gloversville, NY, is a decorated retired military officer who dedicated a decade to the U.S. Army, earning a Bronze Star in Iraq. Following his honorable discharge, Jason embarked on a successful entrepreneurial journey, establishing multiple ventures in the cannabis industry. He is the founder and owner of Veterans Holdings, a licensed NYS cannabis processing and manufacturing facility, Veterans Hemp Market, a hemp and CBD company, and American Veteran Enterprise Team LLC, a procurement and logistics company. His brands, including New York Honey, Space Buds, and Veterans Choice Creations, are known for their quality and innovation.Jason's commitment to his community and his fellow veterans is evident through his work. He has created brands that not only deliver exceptional products but also support veteran groups and local economies. As a 100% Service Disabled Combat Veteran, Jason brings a unique perspective and dedication to his businesses, emphasizing living wages, full benefits, and a strong sense of community.In addition to his business acumen, Jason is a family man, deeply committed to his wife Sonja, who is the COO of Veterans Holdings, and their young son Soren. The Ambrosino family has a rich history in Gloversville, with roots that span over a century. Jason's journey from a decorated military career to a thriving entrepreneur showcases his resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.www.veteranschoicecreations.comwww.newyorkhoneyvapes.com@veteranschoicecreations

Max Majot, Technical Manager & Grow Expert at Royal Queen SeedsMax Majot is a cannabis cultivation authority who excels at project and infrastructure development and management. His command of grow techniques and cultivation site idiosyncrasies ensures that Royal Queen Seeds (RQS) maintains a high level of quality and consistently delivers elite products across all of its markets. Max also collaborates closely with the research and development team that drives the ever-expanding RQS seed and strain library, and uses his knowledge of supply chain logistics to efficiently scale company expansion. A teacher at heart, Max enjoys visiting RQS farms to advise on best practices.Max grew up in New Caledonia and now resides in Lyon, France. He studied international commerce and earned his master's degree in logistics and supply chain management from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. An avid cook and foodie, Max also likes to spend time with his dogs and travel the globe.https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/us/

David Kostiner, CEO & Co-Founder of Lumenary, and Robbie Schneider, Inventor and CTODavid Kostiner and Robbie Schneider are the driving forces behind Lumenary, a company at the forefront of cannabis technology and innovation.David Kostiner is a multifaceted entrepreneur and legal expert with a rich background in both the music and legal industries. He began his career as a professional drummer and member of the Dreamworks artist Creeper Lagoon. Driven by his passion for law, David transitioned to studying and practicing entertainment law, becoming the managing partner of Counsel LLP since 2009, and sharing his expertise as a law professor at UC San Francisco School of Law. A serial entrepreneur, David has co-founded several startups, including the Independent Online Distribution Alliance, and has collaborated with industry figures like Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap, an investor in Lumenary. His dedication to representing artists and his passion for cannabis innovation led him to co-found Lumenary, where he supports the development of cutting-edge technology like the Beam laser vaporizer.Robbie Schneider, Lumenary's Inventor and CTO, is an artist and musician with a deep passion for technology. He has spent the majority of his life immersed in the cannabis industry, mastering the art of growing, vending, and extracting. With the help of a talented team of engineers, Robbie has dedicated the past decade to creating the finest cannabis device they could envision. The Beam, a product of this dream, is a testament to Robbie's commitment to blending artistry with technological innovation, making a significant impact in the cannabis industry.Together, David Kostiner and Robbie Schneider have combined their unique talents and experiences to push the boundaries of cannabis technology, leading Lumenary in its mission to revolutionize the industry with the Beam laser vaporizer.David Kostiner LinkedInthebeamlaser.comInstagram

Harrison Bard, CEO & Co-Founder, Custom Cones USA & DaySaversHarrison Bard is an accomplished entrepreneur, having started multiple companies in the eCommerce space. His first business, an avant-garde trophy company, was started during college, and has worked with many Fortune 500 companies including Mcdonald's, Facebook, Yelp, Zappos, Wholefoods, and UPS.Upon graduating from the Kenan Flagler Business School at The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Harrison worked for Amazon, managing the great Japanese power tool company Makita, as well as other key accounts in the power tools category for Amazon retail.Most recently, Harrison co-founded Custom Cones USA, which is the leading ancillary company in the pre-roll space. Through Custom Cones USA, Harrison has worked with publicly traded LPs and MSOs, leading U.S brands, and companies of every size in between.His expertise in every facet of the Pre-Roll sector, from paper science, to pre-roll manufacturing technology and techniques, to a deep understanding of packaging and compliance regulations, has allowed Custom Cones USA to help create new products, scale brands, and bring more consistency to the pre-roll sector of the industry. https://customconesusa.com/https://daysavers.com/https://www.instagram.com/onlydaysavers/https://www.instagram.com/customconesusa/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrmzkoV6UBjIH1QxegLjS6Qhttps://www.facebook.com/CustomConesUSA/

Tracey Lancaster Miller, Executive VP of Peake ReLeafTracey Lancaster Miller is the Executive Vice President, founding member and owner-operator of Peake ReLeaf, a cannabis dispensary in Rockville, Maryland. She has been appointed by the Governor to the state's Advisory Board for Medical and Adult Use Cannabis and is also the Past President of the Maryland Dispensary Association (MDDA), the professional trade association in Maryland representing dispensaries.Born and raised in Maryland, she has been working in the cannabis industry for 15 years, gaining her initial experience in Colorado with licensee operations and compliance before founding Peake ReLeaf in her home state with her two business partners in 2015. https://www.instagram.com/peakestagram/https://www.youtube.com/@peakereleaftwitter.com/PeakeReLeafhttps://www.facebook.com/peakereleaf/https://peakereleaf.com/

Unlocking Opportunities in Cannabis: Compliance and Market Dynamics with David Zelinger, Partner at Canis Major PartnersDavid Zelinger, the founder and Managing Partner of Canis Major Partners (CMP), brings nearly 20 years of experience in global investment banking and fintech. He began his career managing credit derivatives and global USD swap trading, then transitioned to fintech in 2012, taking on leadership roles at various startups and multinational firms, where he drove significant growth and innovation.In 2020, David founded Canis Major Partners, focusing on delivering innovative cannabis products and services in New York and beyond. CMP is well-positioned to meet the needs of the diverse and energetic New York City market. Under David's leadership, CMP has rapidly expanded, leveraging unique relationships and technology platforms to stay ahead of market trends.David's vision for CMP includes launching a range of brands, from luxury cannabis products to unique offerings like Cannastrology, Brooklyn Bud Company, and Get Chai Gummies. CMP's innovative Tap4Token platform ensures product authenticity and enhances customer engagement. By centralizing brand relationships and maintaining full ownership of client data, CMP can offer customized and high-quality cannabis experiences to New Yorkers.David is dedicated to building the relationships and infrastructure needed to support a diverse portfolio of brands and products in the fast-growing NY adult-use cannabis market. He lives in Long Beach, NY, and is the proud father of three.@vaporbar.nyc@klikpass@citytreesofficialhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzelinger/

Wellness Waves: Surfing the CBD and Botanicals with Jacana's CEO & Co-Founder, Alexandra ChongAlexandra Chong is the CEO & Co-Founder of JACANA, Jamaica's leading wellness brand, is committed to bringing plant-based solutions to the forefront of holistic wellness. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on harnessing the inherent powers of plants to create therapeutic experiences for the mind, body, and spirit. With a strong focus on provenance and sustainability, JACANA cultivates, develops, and distributes Jamaican-grown botanicals, both domestically and internationally. Prior to JACANA, Alexandra founded Lulu, an innovative top-10 app for young women. In addition, Alexandra sits on the Advisory Board of MedShr, the world's largest online network for doctors to connect and share data, served on the board of Elvie, a pioneering women's consumer health technology business, and also represents Jamaica at the Global Blockchain Business Council. Alexandra is a proud Jamaican, having played tennis for Jamaica at the Federation Cup and Central American & Caribbean Games.https://jacana.lifehttps://jacanawellness.com

Charting Success: A Conversation with Pankaj, President & CEO at Renaissance Park CorporationPankaj is a seasoned executive with a remarkable track record of driving growth and innovation across various sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and SaaS. He has held key leadership positions in notable companies like McAfee, Compliance Online, and MentorCloud, where he demonstrated his ability to scale businesses, drive revenue growth, and achieve successful exits. Pankaj's strategic leadership has been pivotal in transforming struggling businesses into thriving enterprises, earning him recognition through prestigious awards and accolades. Beyond his executive roles, Pankaj is deeply involved in mentoring and advisory work, guiding numerous founders and startups to success. With a solid academic background and a passion for fostering the next generation of business leaders, Pankaj brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Renaissance Park Corporation as its President & CEO. His strategic acumen, operational excellence, and mentoring prowess position him as a valuable asset in navigating today's dynamic business landscape.www.linkedin.com/in/pnkjs

Rolling Forward: Innovations in Cannabis Automation with Kyle LoucksKyle Loucks is the Founder and CEO of RollPros, an automation company revolutionizing the cannabis industry with its cutting-edge TruRoll technology, which replicates the precision of hand-rolled premium joints on a large scale.Before establishing RollPros, Kyle held various leadership positions in engineering and technology at companies ranging from pioneering medical device startups to industry giants like Hewlett-Packard and Georgia Pacific. Notably, he contributed to the development of optical hardware for Facebook's Oculus VR system.Recognizing the inconsistency and low quality associated with traditional pre-roll production methods, Kyle seized the opportunity for innovation and automation. Since 2020, he and the RollPros team have empowered cannabis businesses with state-of-the-art technology, enabling them to craft top-tier pre-rolls that foster customer loyalty, streamline operations, and eliminate manual labor.Kyle earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University in Pullman, WA.http://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleloucks/http://www.instagram.com/rollpros/?hl=enhttp://www.facebook.com/p/RollPros-100064353715251/ 

High Finance: Deciphering Cannabis Economics with Guillermo Rodriguez, the Virtual CFOColton Keluche is a dynamic marketing and communications expert renowned for his prowess in high-growth enterprises. With a natural flair for innovation, he seamlessly navigates the complexities of both startup ventures and Fortune 500 corporations. Rooted in his core are robust communication skills and adept project management abilities, complemented by a rich background in cross-cultural advisory and startup go-to-market strategies. Over the past eight years, Keluche has held numerous senior roles in cannabis consulting and marketing, spanning product development, technology integration, and cutting-edge advertising campaigns. His unwavering dedication lies in empowering and championing the trailblazers of this dynamic industry, driving his passion to new heights.https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-keluche-2625618b/

High Finance: Deciphering Cannabis Economics with Guillermo Rodriguez, the Virtual CFOWhen the pandemic struck, it presented an opportunity for Guillermo to reassess his priorities. Like many others, he saw it as a blank slate to reflect on what truly mattered. As events unfolded, he felt compelled to adopt a more preventative approach to health, well-being, and his response to the pandemic. However, he found himself constrained by corporate and government restrictions and mandates.During this transformative phase, a significant connection was made with the cannabis industry. Guillermo was drawn to an industry that empowers people to embrace their own freedom in choosing unconventional medicine. This newfound passion led him to make the decision to become an activeparticipant in this industry, as he recognized the potential for positive impact and the opportunity to be part of a movement promoting individual autonomy and well-being. Using his accounting and financial background, Guillermo advocates for the cannabis industry as a Virtual CFO, helping guide cannabis operators down the path of profitability through dynamic forecasting, understanding KPIs, and profit-focused accounting.https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillermo-rodriguez-cpa/https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-cannabis/

Exploring the Sweet Side of Cannabis: Matha Figaro's Journey with ButACakeIn this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt chats with Matha Figaro, CEO of ButACake, a cannabis edibles company. Matha shares her journey from culinary arts to cannabis entrepreneurship, highlighting her motivation for entering the cannabis space and her experience as one of the first black women to obtain a cannabis license in New Jersey.She discusses how her passion for baking led her to create her own business, initially selling butter cakes at farmers' markets before transitioning to edibles. Matha candidly talks about the challenges of incorporating cannabis into her products and navigating the licensing process in New Jersey, including financial burdens and regulatory hurdles.Matha gives insights into her product lineup, which includes items like peanut butter and jelly brownies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and oral dissolvable strips. She also discusses her venture into beverages, offering hibiscus and peach elixirs in Delaware's medical market.Throughout the conversation, Matha emphasizes her commitment to providing affordable cannabis products for diverse demographics and advocates for social equity in the industry. She calls for more collaboration among independent operators to drive industry-wide changes.The episode wraps up with Matha's excitement about launching New Jersey's first legal pot brownie and where listeners can purchase her products. Overall, Matha's journey offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the cannabis industry and her vision for the future of her business.https://butacake.comhttps://www.discord.com/users/butacakehttps://www.facebook.com/615435548604514https://www.instagram.com/ButACakehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/cannpowerment/https://www.tiktok.com/@butacakehttps://www.twitter.com/ButACakeTweetshttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/6DcePU0oe8tTIkNEgh4Lnm?si=n34irRnMQc2xcyQuZa51Hg&pi=u-N6H8Wpm6Q9e-

Cultivating Change: Christine De La Rosa's Journey in CannabisIn this podcast episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Christine De La Rosa, CEO and National Co-Founder of The People's Ecosystem and Founder & Fund Manager of The People's Group. Christine's impact in the cannabis industry is undeniable, with accolades such as being named to the MGO 2024 Cannabis 50 List and Forbes Cannabis50 list. She brings a wealth of experience, having spent over 20 years in technology before transitioning to cannabis.Christine's journey to the cannabis industry is deeply personal. After facing life-threatening complications from undiagnosed Lupus during her tech career, she discovered the healing power of cannabis. This experience led her to co-found The People's Dispensary in 2016, aiming to provide access to cannabis for those in need. Today, she continues to expand her footprint in the industry, advocating for social equity and access to capital.As a thought leader and advisor, Christine's influence extends beyond her businesses. She's actively involved in shaping cannabis regulations at both state and federal levels, serving on advisory boards and committees. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in her work, as she strives to create opportunities for marginalized communities in the cannabis space.Christine's journey exemplifies resilience, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. From her early career in technology to her impactful work in cannabis, she continues to inspire others with her passion and dedication to making a difference. Join us as we explore Christine's journey and the future of the cannabis industry through her perspective.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizchris/https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepeoplesecosystemTwitter: @peoplescannabisInstagram & Facebook: @thepeoples.ecosystemTwitter, Instagram & Facebook: @mizchris

Cannabis and Ownership: Exploring ESOP Strategies with Darren GleemanIn this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Darren Gleeman, a financial expert renowned for his ESOP knowledge and financial acumen. Darren serves as the Managing Partner of MBO Ventures, bringing with him a wealth of experience in various ventures, including e-Coupons, GMD Trading, and GB Trading. He is highly regarded for his expertise in ESOPs and is recognized as a prolific angel investor, with notable investments in companies such as Screaming Media (NASDAQ: SCRM), Blackboard (NASDAQ: BBBB), Social Radar, ClassEdu, and Accelerant Manufacturing.Darren's journey in finance began at Wharton, where he developed a strong foundation in quantitative modeling and the scientific method. He founded a firm that pioneered high-frequency trading platforms, demonstrating his ability to leverage technology in the financial sector.Currently, as the managing partner of MBO Ventures, Darren leads a team that specializes in ESOP investment banking. MBO Ventures offers expertise in ESOPs and can provide capital investments alongside company owners and management teams. The firm assists in implementing various exit strategies, including family succession, management buy-outs, or complete sales to employees, ensuring tailored solutions for each client's needs.https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrengleeman/www.mboventures.com

Emerging Innovations: Lucid Green's Cannabis Supply Chain Revolution with Filip LuneskiIn this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, Bruce Eckfeldt hosts Filip Luneski, VP Head of Marketing at Lucid Green, a company revolutionizing the cannabis industry through data and supply chain organization. Bruce and Filip discuss the intricate landscape of the cannabis industry, including state-by-state regulations and challenges in brand development and consumer engagement. Filip shares his transition from the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector to cannabis, emphasizing Lucid Green's groundbreaking technology, such as Lucid IDs—unique QR codes transforming the industry. These Lucid IDs enable brands to enhance production efficiency, monitor inventory in real-time, and directly engage with consumers via the Lucid Connect platform. With a commitment to transparency and authenticity, Lucid Green is leading the charge towards a more interconnected and transparent cannabis market. Join Bruce and Filip as they explore the future of cannabis and the pivotal role of technology in catalyzing industry-wide transformation.https://www.linkedin.com/in/filip-luneski-33419b7/

Blazing Trails: Navigating Cannabis Consumption Culture with Bryan BergmanBryan Bergman is an innovative and forward-thinking business attorney that focuses on monetization and deal making and helping clients at all stages of their business lifecycle with a laser focus on helping businesses be authentically successful and maximize their efforts in every area. He brings strategic expertise and legal services to complex business transactions endemic to fortune 500 companies. He also speaks regularly on industry-related legal and business topics and educates operators and other professionals, including attorneys and accountants. His role as a civil litigator for over fifteen years further informs and assists him when navigating potential litigation issues for every type of entrepreneurial venture. He is an officer of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Cannabis Section and has also served on multiple cannabis trade organization boards as a director. He regularly teaches continuing legal education and classes to professionals and operators on a variety of issues affecting the cannabis industry.www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-bergman-ba65447

High-Tech Healing: Izzy Kirsh Unveils mode's Cannabis RevolutionIn this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Izzy Kirsh, the founder and CEO of mode, a company focusing on innovative cannabis consumption devices. They discuss various aspects of the cannabis industry, including consumer trends, product innovation, and challenges in the market.Izzy begins by sharing his background, mentioning his experience in product design and technology startups. He explains how his interest in cannabis was sparked by personal experiences with chronic pain and the need for more precise dosing options.The conversation delves into Mode's journey, from ideation to product development. Izzy highlights the challenges they faced in securing funding due to the cannabis industry's unique regulatory landscape. Despite these hurdles, mode developed a sophisticated dosing platform integrated with a mobile app, aiming to provide users with personalized cannabis consumption experiences.They discuss the design choices behind Mode's product, emphasizing its user-friendly interface and premium aesthetics. Izzy explains the importance of catering to both medical patients and recreational users while maintaining a health and wellness-focused brand image.They also touch on the data collection aspect of mode's platform, which gathers anonymized user data to improve dosing recommendations and product efficacy. Izzy outlines their vision for expanding internationally and potentially diversifying into related industries such as nicotine cessation and psychedelics.Finally, Izzy reflects on the challenges of marketing cannabis-related products in a restrictive online environment and expresses optimism about the industry's future as regulatory barriers evolve.Overall, the conversation provides insights into mode's innovative approach to cannabis consumption and its potential to shape the future of the industry.https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzykirsh/ 

Sipping on the Green Wave: Exploring Cannabis Beverages with Paul Weaver of Boston Beer CompanyIn this engaging episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt leads a captivating conversation with Paul Weaver, Director, Head of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company. The episode centers on the cannabis beverage industry, exploring regulatory changes, market intricacies, and challenges inherent in entering the cannabis sector. Weaver shares his professional journey from the beer industry to leading product innovation at Canopy Growth Corp, eventually spearheading a cannabis R&D department for the Boston Beer Company and successfully launching their cannabis-infused iced tea, Tea Pot.Weaver emphasizes the social acceptability and powerful branding impact of cannabis drinks, incorporating personal anecdotes, insights into industry evolution, and considerations of potential competition with alcohol. The conversation covers critical factors such as flavor and potency stability, addressing both challenges and opportunities in crafting appealing cannabis products. Delving into disparities in cannabis and alcohol consumption, the dialogue explores onset times, potency variations, and the importance of responsible use.The episode provides valuable insights into the cannabis beverage market, highlighting the rise of rare cannabinoids and the significance of low-dose products. Weaver and Eckfeldt unravel the intricacies of consumer education, particularly regarding onset times and moderation, drawing parallels between public consumption in the cannabis and alcohol industries. The discussion concludes with a focus on branding strategies, where Weaver emphasizes the necessity of exceptional products and discusses challenges stemming from cannabis marketing restrictions. He introduces a double-sale approach to foster brand loyalty by targeting both consumers and budtenders. In its entirety, the episode offers a thorough exploration of the dynamic landscape of the cannabis beverage market, providing considerations for navigating regulations and expanding into diverse markets.www.instagram.com/drinkteapot

Budding Success: Crafting Cannabis Brands with Andrew DeAngelo and Christopher PeakIn this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt, the host, welcomes two guests, Andrew DeAngelo, founder of Andrew DeAngelo Consulting, and Christopher Peak, SVP of Retail Development at ACV Consulting. The discussion revolves around the challenges and innovations in the cannabis industry, particularly focusing on new products and solutions. Andrew, with his background in the vertically integrated cannabis company, Harbor Side, highlights the industry's crossroads and the influx of professionals from diverse backgrounds. Christopher, drawing from his extensive experience in retail development for Universal Studios and Apple, discusses the significance of branding in creating a meaningful and honest connection with consumers. The conversation touches upon the current state of the cannabis industry, the urgency of branding, and the need for sophisticated marketing solutions. Both guests share insights into their advisory business, emphasizing the importance of branding for cannabis companies to survive and thrive in a competitive market. The episode provides a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry and the pivotal role that branding plays in its development.https://www.instagram.com/andrew_deangelohttps://www.instagram.com/acv.consulting

Empowering Health: Debi Wimberley's Journey with Medical Cannabis and the Vision Behind Effective Cannabis NewsletterIn this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, your host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Debi Wimberley, the visionary founder of Effective Cannabis Newsletter. Debi, a resilient advocate for medical cannabis education, shares her journey of overcoming chronic pain and lung disease. With a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital labs, she seized control of her well-being. The episode delves into how Debi, equipped with certifications in Medical Cannabis applications and patient care, is revolutionizing the discourse around medical cannabis. Collaborating with experts in cannabis education, health coaching, and medical professionals, Debi centralizes high-quality, accurate, and fact-based education on her innovative platform, Effective Cannabis. The conversation touches on challenges in the cannabis industry, the need for accurate information, and the importance of education. Join Bruce and Debi in this insightful discussion on the impactful present and promising future of medical cannabis.Debi Wimberley, the visionary founder of Effective Cannabis Newsletter, is an unwavering advocate for medical cannabis education and the empowerment of individuals in the pursuit of healthy living. Overcoming decades of chronic pain and lung disease, Debi's resilience and hope endured in the face of discouraging medical prognoses. Equipped with a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital labs, she assumed control of her own well-being. Debi's adaptability and agility led her to secure certifications in Medical Cannabis applications, Patient Care, and professional communication, specializing in cannabis.A genuine trailblazer, Debi is committed to revolutionizing the discourse surrounding medical cannabis. Collaborating with certified cannabis educators, health coaches, scientists, and medical professionals, she endeavors to centralize high-quality, accurate, and fact-based education. As the Founder of Effective Cannabis, an innovative website she is dedicated to studying, learning, and teaching how cannabis positively influences health outcomes, Debi spearheads the advancement of this crucial dialogue. Her impact extends beyond digital platforms, as evidenced by her compelling public speaking engagements, including an impactful TEDx talk.https://www.instagram.com/ecnewsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/89833168/admin/feed/posts/ 

Navigating the Cannabis Landscape with Kris Walker Co-Founder at HoodieIn this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Kris Walker, President and Co-founder at Hoodie, as the special guest. Together, they navigate the intriguing intersection of cannabis and data analytics, delving into the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry. The conversation explores how data insights are transforming various aspects of cannabis businesses, from product sales to strategic decision-making. Kris Walker, with a wealth of experience in data analytics and technology, sheds light on the unique challenges and opportunities within the cannabis space. The episode unveils how Hoodie is pioneering a revolution by making data as comfortable as a favorite hoodie, empowering businesses to thrive in the dynamic cannabis market. Join them for an insightful discussion on the current and future dynamics of cannabis and data. Kris Walker is the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Commercial Officer at Hoodie. Hoodie tracks over 3.5MM daily unique offers in over 10,500+ dispensaries in the US & Canada, making Hoodie the largest and most impactful platform for next day insights into leading sales metrics such as cannabis pricing, promotion, stocking status, distribution and share of shelf. Hoodie combines this unparalleled coverage with first-of-its-kind, next-day insights so businesses can access market trends and data within hours. Kris leads Hoodie's customer acquisition and customer experience efforts — overseeing sales, marketing, analytics, product strategy, and the delivery of successful client outcomes.Prior to Hoodie, Kris was Senior Vice President and Global Client Leader for Nielsen, the S&P 500 firm and global leader in audience insights, data, and analytics that shape the future of media. At Nielsen, Kris drove product innovation, leveraging Nielsen's data marketplace and broad analytics capabilities to deliver exceptional value for clients' business performance worldwide. Kris is also the co-founder of Big Chalk Analytics, a technology-enabled analytics consulting firm that connects progressive companies with world-class analytics, insights, and talent — including individuals, teams, and suppliers through a proprietary talent network aligned with the most important analytics and insights issues facing the CPG/FMCG industry.Kris is a passionate global executive with proven experience in transforming start-up and turnaround businesses. He's awarded and recognized for leading through innovation, building enviable teams and clients, and leveraging strategic and analytical skills to consistently exceed revenue and EBITDA targets. Kris holds a Bachelors of Science in Commerce with Concentrations in Marketing and International Business from the University of Virginia. https://www.hoodieanalytics.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoodieanalytics/

Unveiling the green horizon: A conversation with Dan Huerter on CBD, Cannabis, and the Ever-Changing Landscape of Regulation and Business Join us as Bruce explores the dynamics of the hemp and cannabis industry with Dan Huerter, CEO of Pure Spectrum CBD, unraveling the complexities of regulations, business challenges, and the transformative power of CBD in health and wellness. Daniel Huerter brings his entrepreneurial spirit back to the company he co-founded in 2016.After graduating from University of Kansas in 2012, Huerter pursued a successful career with a Fortune 500 software company. He quickly gained the trust of high-level clients in the public sector like SMU, Cal Poly, and even The United States Senate.His drive and passion to create something he believed in, helped push him to take the risk and leave that career behind - rolling the dice with a cannabis startup in the early days of the CBD boom.Huerter would become the first person to ever speak about the benefits of CBD for athletes on national television, highlighting the company's partnership with The CrossFit Games on CBS Sports in 2018. He would continue to help Pure Spectrum grow and achieve history - making milestones, before stepping down as COO in 2019.After co-founding and helping run a hemp distribution company from 2019 to 2021. Huerter answered the call from his first company asking him to return and take over as CEO.If Daniel isn't at his desk at Pure Spectrum's headquarters, you might be able to find him at the music studio he co-founded, volunteering for organizations that help young entrepreneurs or crushing a workout before spending time with his family, girlfriend, and dog. https://purespectrumcbd.com/https://www.instagram.com/purespectrumhemp/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/purespectrumofficial/https://www.instagram.com/danielblakehuerter/?hl=en

Cultivating Success: Inside the High-End Cannabis Industry with Joanne WilsonIn this episode, we have Joanne Wilson, Founder and CEO of Gotham NYC, a prominent cannabis dispensary in New York. Joanne shares her professional journey, highlighting her venture into the cannabis industry and the challenges faced within the New York regulatory landscape. The conversation delves into the intricacies of building a distinctive brand, emphasizing the need for a high-end luxury experience for customers. Joanne discusses the dynamic nature of the cannabis market, reflecting on her vision for the future, potential expansion into other states, and the incorporation of psilocybin products. Joanne is a successful early-stage angel investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a diverse background in retail, wholesale, media, real estate, and technology. She has over 140 companies in her investment portfolio such as Food52, Eater, Just Works and Parachute Home, and has invested in several restaurants throughout downtown New York City. Joanne is the co-founder of Frame Home, a Brooklyn-based residential real estate development company that prioritizes sustainability with style. In addition to her business ventures, Joanne is actively involved in non-profits as she sits on the board of The Highline and The Public Housing Community Fund in NYC. Joanne's passion for innovation and community development is evident in this latest venture, GOTHAM, which she cannot wait to share with the city she loves.IG @gotham.ny - https://www.instagram.com/gotham.ny/?hl=enTikTok @gotham_nyc - https://www.tiktok.com/@gotham_nyc

Navigating New York's Cannabis Landscape: Insights from Legal Expert Katie NeerIn this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Katie Neer, of counsel at Dickinson and Avella, to discuss the world of cannabis with a focus on the New York market. The conversation covers various aspects of the cannabis industry, including the challenges and opportunities it presents. Katie shares insights into her journey from law school to becoming involved in the cannabis sector, emphasizing the complexities of the legal landscape and the unique challenges faced by cannabis businesses. The discussion delves into the New York market, its regulatory environment, and efforts to address the illicit cannabis market. Katie provides a detailed overview of New York's social equity initiatives, highlighting the state's strong commitment to reinvesting tax revenue into communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition.Katie is a cannabis regulatory attorney and the go-to expert for cannabis industry players who need help navigating this legal minefield in New York and throughout the Northeast.She serves as Of Counsel at Dickinson & Avella, a leading New York government affairs law firm, where she assists dozens of clients on NY regulatory compliance issues in heavily regulated industries, including cannabis, gaming, and financial services.Until recently, Katie was the General Counsel and VP of Industry Affairs at Lantern, an e-commerce marketplace that facilitated the home delivery of cannabis in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Michigan.Katie also previously worked as the Director of Government Affairs for Acreage Holdings, a public company with a portfolio of cannabis cultivation, processing, and dispensing operations in the U.S., and served as Chair of the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association.Website: https://www.dickinsonavella.com/About Katie: https://www.dickinsonavella.com/katie-neer

Bridging Equity: A Journey through Cannabis Entrepreneurship with Annu KhotTune in as Annu Khot shares her journey, challenges faced in the cannabis business, and insights into the evolving market dynamics. Emphasizing social equity, Annu shares her experiences employing individuals from impacted communities and explores efforts to rehabilitate those with cannabis-related convictions. The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the industry's future, addressing product trends, regulatory changes, and the need for more research and education. Don't miss this insightful exploration of the multifaceted cannabis landscape.Annu Khot is an award-winning Founder, CEO, and Innovator who is transforming the cannabis industry to foster greater inclusivity and benefits for all. Driven by a commitment to acknowledge, value, and empower every individual, Khot is on a mission to bridge societal divides, create economic opportunities for underrepresented communities, and enhance well-being.https://www.annukhot.io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/annukhot/https://www.instagram.com/annukhot/https://www.tiktok.com/@annukhot9?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Navigating Regulations and Reshaping the Industry Landscape with Leslie BocskorTune in to this conversation with Leslie Bocskor, Chairman of Indoor Harvest and Executive Chairman at Electrum Partners. Delve into Lesley's seasoned perspective on the cannabis market's current state, regulatory challenges, and the potential impact of federal rescheduling. Gain valuable insights as Lesley discusses multi-state operations, historical parallels, and strategic approaches to position for success in this dynamic industry. Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of the green frontier.Beloved by policymakers and growers, technologists and scientists, doctors and patients, Bocskor has curated the unrivaled network necessary to shepherd them all into achieving goals and prosperity.Pundit status aside, when he's not winning over crowds, Bocskor is courting politicians, industry leaders, and investors, who seek out his groundbreaking analysis and insight into the cannabis economy.At Electrum Partners, Bocskor advises global concerns, businesses, policymakers and nonprofits, using his unique lens and understanding of what is, what will be, and what is needed. His gregarious presence is indispensable everywhere from the International Cannabis Economy Conference in Barcelona to the National Cannabis Industry association [NCIA] Conference in New York City, to ArcView Conferences around the country, Bocskor has become one of the most influential people in the cannabis space, guiding policy and reform.Named most valued investor member of the ArcView Investor Group in 2015, and CEO of the year by The Weed Blog, the most highly trafficked industry trade publication, it fortified his former designation by The Cannabis Business Executive (CBE) as one of the top 100 most influential people in the industry.As founding chairman of the Nevada Cannabis Industry Association, he hopes to create the model for regulation and policy around the world, as Nevada did with gaming. Leslie began his career at Lehman Brothers and later went on to co-found Mason Cabot, a New York based investment bank focused on emerging technologies and finance. In 2005, he served as ManagingPartner with Lennox Hill Partners.https://indoorharvest.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliebocskorhttps://twitter.com/lesliebocskor

From Challenges to Opportunities: A Deep Dive into the Cannabis Market with Paper Planes CEO, Paul WeissBeginning with market opportunities and challenges, Paul Weiss shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of a balanced management team. The discussion delves into the intricacies of cannabis products and operations, with a focus on strategic decisions, data-driven choices, and the challenges posed by industry volatility. Uncover the challenges and opportunities specific to the California cannabis market, addressing issues like liquidity, regulatory complexities, and the impact of illicit markets. Gain valuable insights into Paper Planes' growth strategy and their perspective on federal legalization.Paul Weiss is the CEO of PaperPlanes, bringing passion, authenticity and skill to the role. After a career in financial services, Paul left the industry to focus on private equity investing in other sectors. Paul entered the cannabis space as an investor in 2018, and subsequently met PaperPlanes founder Carter Latimer in 2020. Over time Paul and Carter developed a shared vision of how to best develop and build Paper Planes into a world class brand, and Paul then joined the company as CEO in February of 2021.As CEO, Paul works to keep the company adequately capitalized, raising $7 million since 2021 to secure the company's operations. Additionally, Paul oversees PaperPlanes' M&A activities and ensures the efficiency and quality of the company's accounting, legal, governance and decision-making processes. Under Paul's leadership, PaperPlanes has grown substantially, increasing revenue by millions of dollars and opening new cultivation and manufacturing operations while expanding the brand into several hundred dispensaries. As a leader, Paul is passionate about shaping the nascent cannabis industry into a great place for job-seekers to land.Paul graduated from SUNY Purchase with a degree in economics. Beyond PaperPlanes, Paul spends time sculpting bonsai trees, practicing jiu-jitsu, golfing, and biking.https://www.paperplanes-ca.com/https://www.instagram.com/paperplanes.extracts/

Data-Driven Strategies in Cannabis: A Deep Dive with Roy Bingham of BDSARoy Bingham co-founded BDSA in 2015 after recognizing that the cannabis industry lacked the kind of sophisticated data that is both commonplace and essential in other industries. His drive to help the industry understand consumer behavior and capture growth opportunities has built BDSA into the powerhouse it is today. As Chief Executive Officer, Roy drives company growth by working closely with the Board of Directors to oversee operations and implement strategic plans that help BDSA deliver the best solutions and expertise to its clients and partners, including leading cannabis brands, MSOs, LPs and financial services companies.Bingham is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of data analytics and market research experience in the natural products, healthcare and nutrition industries. He has a deep understanding of the global consumer marketplace from both the investor and technology-based service provider perspective, with firsthand experience in the U.S. and internationally.A Harvard MBA, former McKinsey consultant and chartered banker, Bingham has enjoyed a successful career as a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record in creating successful businesses that drive growth and impact. Before BDSA, he co-founded Realize Therapeutics, a health, wellness and longevity business, and Cutting Edge Cultures, a specialty microbiome company. His other ventures include Nutrition Business Journal, Health Business Partners, Health Strategies Consulting and the NBJ Summit.BDSA Website: https://bdsa.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roybingham/BDSA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdsa-insights/Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoybinghamBDSA Twitter: https://twitter.com/BDSA_Insights

Sustainable Cannabis Cultivation and Market Expansion with Stone Road's CEO, Lex CorwinIn this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Lex Corwin, the CEO and Founder of Stone Road. We delve into sustainable cannabis cultivation practices and Stone Road's journey of market expansion. Lex shares his experiences, including his background in farming and how his brand has thrived in various states, focusing on community engagement, unique branding strategies, and business growth. Explore the world of cannabis and gain valuable insights from Lex Corwin's extensive experience in the industry.Founded in 2016 at the age of 23 by founder and CEO Lex Corwin, Stone Road was created as a queer-led, family run brand committed to harvesting and creating accessible, affordable cannabis products without sacrificing style. Through Stone Road, Lex is reimagining what affordable cannabis can look like, taste, and feel like with design-forward, sustainable packaging and avant-garde campaign imagery. Raised in New York City, Lex moved West for college and began working as the co-manager of a boutique, family-owned medical cannabis cooperative in Portland, OR. He cut his teeth in the legal cannabis space with roles in cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution while working towards his degree. Lex has come a long way since those early days in Portland and has propelled Stone Road to becoming one of the fastest growing cannabis companies in the California, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, and Michigan markets. Today, Stone Road is available in over 400 retail outlets across four states with New Mexico coming next, and additional expansions in the works. When he's not running the brand from Stone Road's Venice office, Lex is tending to Stone Road's 57 acre, off-grid, biodynamic family farm in Nevada City, CA.https://stoneroad.org/https://www.instagram.com/stoneroadfarms/

Crafting Successful Cannabis Brands: Tips from Evan Eneman, Founder & CEO, Sands Lane and Harmony Craft BeveragesIn this episode, Evan Adelman, Founder and CEO of Sands Lane and Harmony Craft Beverages, shares his insights about the evolving world of cannabis. Evan discusses the importance of cannabis branding, lifestyle attributes, and navigating the complex regulatory environment. Evan shares his personal journey into the cannabis industry and explores the diverse range of cannabis products and their impact on consumers. Tune in to gain valuable insights into this dynamic and rapidly growing industry.Evan Eneman is a New York born, L.A.-based entrepreneur, investor, and advisor specializing in the cannabis, psychedelic and beverage industries.He is the founder and CEO of Sands Lane and its operating companies, including a venture studio, creative and marketing agencies, an investment platform, and foundation that works with early-stage, high-growth lifestyle businesses and nonprofits that are intent on changing the world for the better.https://www.sandslane.com/https://harmonycraftbeverages.com/@harmonycraftbeverageshttps://www.instagram.com/harmonycraftbeverages/

Anthony Coniglio, President & CEO of NewLake Capital Partners on the Intersection of Real Estate and Cannabis IndustryExplore the dynamic world of cannabis and real estate in this engaging episode featuring Anthony Coniglio, CEO of New Lake Capital Partners. Discover the unique challenges and opportunities in the cannabis industry, delve into sale-leaseback transactions, and gain insights into the evolving landscape of this thriving sector. Join us as we navigate the intersection of real estate and cannabis with an industry expert.Anthony Coniglio is the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (OTCQX: NLCP), a leading provider of real estate capital to state-licensed cannabis operators through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases, as well as funding for build-to-suit projects. NewLake owns a diversified portfolio of 32 cultivation facilities and dispensaries that are leased to single tenants on a triple-net basis.Prior to NewLake, Anthony was the former CEO of Primary Capital Mortgage and was a Managing Director at JPMorgan, leading three separate investment banking businesses to #1 positions over his 14-year career at the firm. Mr. Coniglio is an experienced NYSE Board member, Advisory Board Member, Speaker, Volunteer, and recipient of United Hospital Fund's 2018 Distinguished Trustee Award.Twitter - @NewLakeCapitalLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/newlake/

Challenges and Opportunities in New York's Emerging Cannabis Market: Insights from Nicolas Guarino, CEO and Founder of NaturaeNicolas Guarino, CEO of Naturae shares his insights about the cannabis extraction industry and the evolving New York market. Guarino shares his journey from CBD to THC-focused brands, discusses the challenges in the market, and outlines the company's strategies. They explore the future of New York's cannabis market, supply and demand, and maintaining a strong market share. Tune in for insights into the cannabis industry and Naturae Oils' path to success.Nicolas Guarino is CEO and Founder of Naturae. Naturae is currently one of six cannabis companies licensed in New York State for all supply chain activities and they are the largest producer of CO2-extracted cannabis oils in the state. Their house brand, Jaunty, is New York's number-one-selling cannabis vape brand, available in all of the state's licensed dispensaries, and the only brand to use CO2-extracted cannabis oil in all its productshttps://naturaenewyork.com/@naturaenewyorkinfo@naturaenewyork.com

Navigating Cannabis Financing: A Conversation with Rob Sechrist of Pelorus Capital GroupIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of cannabis financing and lending with our special guest, Rob Sechrist, the Co-Founding President of Pelorus Capital Group. Join us as we explore Rob's journey into the cannabis lending industry, how his company has evolved to become a leading player, and the unique insights they've gained through data-driven strategies. Discover the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic market, and gain valuable knowledge about cannabis investment, market evolution, and the potential impact of federal legalization. If you're interested in the intersection of finance and cannabis, this episode is a must-listen. Rob is a co-founder and president of Pelorus Equity Group (“Pelorus”), the leading provider of value-add bridge commercial real estate loans to cannabis businesses and owners with cannabis-related real estate and Pelorus Fund, a private mortgage real estate investment trust (“mREIT”).Rob brings nearly 23 years of experience in the real estate finance industry. Since the formation of Pelorus in 2010, he has raised more than $250MM in secured real estate transactions. Rob's primary role at Pelorus as a manager of the Pelorus Fund, development of strategic alliances with both private and institutional investors, formation of equity partnerships, and coordinating the company's growth into new markets. Today, Pelorus raises tens of million a month through the company's investors and equity partnerships. Prior to joining the real estate industry, Rob was the founder and CEO of an international action sports manufacturing company. He has also managed medical product sales in Southern California as well as trained the sales reps nationally for an orthopedic manufacturer.Rob earned a BA from San Diego State University. Licenses include California Real Estate Broker's License, NMLS License and designated expert witness as an asset based lender. He is also the CEO of JRS Capital USA, Inc., a real estate consulting firm based out of Newport Beach, California.https://pelorusequitygroup.com/Instagram: @robsechristTwitter: @PelorusEquityGrTwitter: @m5_rob

Innovations in Cannabis: A Conversation with George Breiwa, Founder of DynaVapTune in to this episode with George Breiwa, the founder of DynaVap, as we dive into the world of cannabis, product development, and the innovative technology behind DynaVap's cannabis consumption devices. George shares his journey into the cannabis industry and how he came up with the idea for DynaVap, emphasizing the importance of finding a better way to consume cannabis without the harmful byproducts of smoking. Exploring the science behind thermal extraction and how DynaVap's products offer control, flavor, and a range of effects. This episode also touches on the ritualistic aspects of cannabis consumption and how anticipation plays a significant role in the experience. George was born in rural Wisconsin and was an early graduate from Lego university at the age of 6. In 7th grade lasers came into focus and with the help of a few teachers convinced the school to purchase its first laser. The drive to invent and solve problems has been a lifelong passion.Now a serial entrepreneur, inventor with multiple patents across 14 countries, and the founder of DynaVap, LLC, a company with the mission to "Make Smoking History".Under George's leadership, DynaVap has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the US, making the Inc. 5000 list 2 years running.George is also a speaker on topics related to cannabis and enjoys sharing products and ideas with others.When not physically working he may be found on one-wheeled vehicles.https://www.dynavap.com/Facebook & Instagram: @dynavapYouTube: @Dynavapllc@dynatography

Strategies for Thriving in the Competitive Cannabis Market: A Conversation with Edward Schmults, CEO of StateHouse HoldingsEd Schmults, CEO of Statehouse Holdings, a major player in the cannabis industry shares his unconventional journey from Wall Street and outdoor clothing to becoming a leader in the cannabis world. He delves into the challenges and opportunities of the evolving California cannabis market, discussing the impact of the illicit market, brand strategies, customer segmentation, and more. With deep insights into the industry's nuances, Ed sheds light on the importance of focusing on customers, innovation, and building strategic relationships for success.LinkedIn (Ed Schmults): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-schmults-89097/LinkedIn (StateHouse Holdings): https://www.linkedin.com/company/statehouse-holdings/?trk=similar-pages

Charlene Estrada, Management and Business Consultant, Elevate BeyondAs a management and business consultant, Charlene helps cannabis companies build the right organizational and operational structures to drive business success through strategic alignment, employee engagement, increased productivity, and reduced risk.Prior to her career pivot to cannabis, she spent 25+ years in the health care industry working to solve healthcare inequities and improving the lives of others.Charlene founded Elevate Beyond on the premise that everyone should have safe and legal access to plant medicine because she believes health care is human right, not a privilege.As a trusted advisor in the cannabis industry Charlene continues to champion affordable and equitable care and thinks plant medicine will play a transformative role in our societies' health and wellness.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/charleneestradaEmail: charlene@elevatebeyondconsulting.comWebsite: www.elevatebeyondconsulting.com

Kyle Moffitt, Chief Executive Officer, STEM Cultivation, Inc.Kyle Moffitt is the CEO of STEM Cultivation. Kyle was raised on a farm in Ohio, studied architecture at MIT, and has been a cannabis user for most of his adult life. But, after spending the first 20 years of his career in software sales and marketing, he returned to his roots and started STEM in 2017, combining his passions for design, cannabis, and agriculture to create a scalable cultivation platform that applies the manufacturing ethos of efficiency, consistency, and predictability to commercial indoor growing. The result was the STEM Box, a ground-breaking solution to the fundamental production and economic challenges negatively impacting the cannabis supply chain.https://www.stemcultivation.com/kyle@stemcultivation.com

Angela Mays, Founder & CEO, The Blunt AccountantAngela has over 25 years of experience in accounting, audit, fraud risk management and business process reengineering. She is not your typical number cruncher. She considers herself a business strategist. She looks beyond debits and credits by thinking outside the box and focusing on how the accounting function impacts the entire organization. She specializes in cannabis accounting and working with cannabis (plant-touching) businesses. She focuses on the specific pain points dispensaries, cultivation, and manufacturing businesses face and tailors her accounting and advisory services to address those specific areas.https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelalbarrett/https://www.instagram.com/angelalmays/https://www.facebook.com/thebluntaccountant/https://twitter.com/AngelaLMays

Nathan Russell, CEO, CUSTOMPACKCO, The LabAfter graduating from Humboldt State University in 2012 with dual degrees in English and Botany with a focus on Ethnobotany, Nate managed some of the first large scale medical grows and extraction labs in Northern California that fed the early So-Cal dispensary market.As true operational legality remained in limbo, Nate left Northern CA and cultivated as a caregiver in Northern MI for several years, until he stepped away from cannabis, and build his first ‘legitimate' business: a music festival merchandise company, which sold lapel pins and apparel at events across the country.During that time, I spent extensive time developing manufacturing relationships in China and domestically, and launched a second business based on retail product design, manufacture, and logistics, ultimately producing merchandise and packaging for entertainment industry clients ranging from Kim Kardashian to the NCAA.As the cannabis market grew in legitimacy, Nate leveraged his relationships and staff to expanded his company's offering to include an array of packaging products for the cannabis industry. Several years later, CUSTOMPACKCO has expanded to offer a broad range of supply chain solutions to cannabis companies, including packaging development and production, branding, logistics and import, marketing support and promotional integrations.Most recently, Nate opened the doors to his new full-scale processing facility in Northern Michigan, The Lab, which offers white label, co-packing, and distribution services to the legal market in the state. The Lab's goal is to create a true end-to-end service model in which cultivators can focus on doing what they do best, while The Lab does all the dirty work of processing, packaging, warehousing and distributing productsOutside of his core mission of brand building in regards to clients, Nate is a firm believer in worker's rights, worker's value, and using the industry as a tool to right some of the wrongs brought on by prohibition. The Lab employs felons, drug offenders, and those with large gaps in their work history. The company also continues to build a progressive workplace, including 4-day work weeks, industry leading pay rates, shared profits for completed projects, a hire-from-within policy, and 1 day of PTO earned per 15 days worked.Aside from CUSTOMPACKCO and The Lab, Nate grows in living soil for personal rosin and flower, plays with legos, reads avidly, and travels as much as possible, especially to see Phish.IG: @natesaysdolesshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-russell-5b2136113www.CUSTOMPACKCO.comwww.TheLabMI.comwww.RoadTripSupply.cowww.Mikrodos.com

Alex Boone, Managing Director, BotaniAlex Boone is Managing Director of Botani. With 20+ years of experience at SWM International, Alex has led sales, marketing and product development teams for North American and international markets. In 2018, Alex was a part of the company's entrance into the cannabis and hemp markets. Alex received his Bachelor of Arts in Management from Gettysburg College. To learn more, visit Botani.com.https://botani.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/botani-by-swm/https://www.instagram.com/botani_intl/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-boone-1b2a8b13/

Jeffrey Hoffman, Cannabis Attorney, Jeffrey Hoffman & Associates PLLCJeffrey is a cannabis attorney and legalization activist with over 25 years of experience starting, operating, advising, and selling businesses. He is a leader in promoting pro bono advocacy for the rights of those impacted by anti-cannabis enforcement in the United States. Jeffrey holds a JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a BA in Russian and East European Studies from the University of North Carolina.https://www.420jurist.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/heavyj/

Sundie Seefried, Founder and President/CEO, Safe Harbor FinancialSundie Seefried is Founder and President/CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, the leading provider of reliable financing solutions to the cannabis industry.A 39-year credit union industry veteran, Seefried was the former CEO of Partner Colorado Credit Union (PCCU). Established in 2015 by PCCU, Safe Harbor was formed to provide an unmet need – compliant banking and financial services to the rapidly growing U.S. cannabis industry. Seefried designed a full scope Cannabis Banking Program for PCCU known as the Safe Harbor program, which has withstood the scrutiny of 16 federal and state exams to date. Now in its 8th year, Safe Harbor has grown in excess of 600 accounts spanning 20 states, and processed over $14 billion in cannabis-related transactions.Seefried worked with PCCU to fully decoupled Safe Harbor from the credit union as a separate entity in 2021 as it moved through the process to obtain a public company status listed on the NASDAQ. It was successfully listed on NASDAQ September 2022; allowing it access to capital markets and the ability to scale nationally.Seefried regularly provides cannabis banking education and expertise to legislators, regulators, attorneys generals, state officials, and financial institutions. She is on a mission to normalize banking for the cannabis industry, while assisting law enforcement and federal agencies to be more effective at combating illicit activities and protecting the financial system.To share her knowledge, Seefried authored the book ‘Navigating Safe Harbor – Cannabis Banking in Uncertain Times' in 2016, as well as contributed a chapter on cannabis banking in the university textbook ‘The Politics of Marijuana: A New Paradigm' by Timothy McGettigan.LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/safeharbor-financial/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SafeHarborFinancialLLC

Peter Cardoz, Founder & Owner, Cardoz Blended GourmetMaking Gourmet Cannabis Approachable. As a veteran laboratory researcher and passionate cannabis advocate with a family background in food and hospitality, Peter is the founder of Cardoz Blended Gourmet, a unique cannabis and hemp company that looks to demystify cannabis cooking. He recently released the first line of hemp derived live resin infused culinary oils and was a competitor on America's Test Kitchen: The Next Generation Season 1.https://www.cardozblendedgourmet.com/https://www.instagram.com/pcardoz/https://www.instagram.com/CardozBlendedGourmet/https://www.tiktok.com/@pcardozhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2asfdexhSrkeiWVY93sRVwhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pcardoz/

Ben Burstein, Strategist, LeafLinkBen Burstein is LeafLink's Strategist, helping manage industry research, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic partnerships for the company. He's been featured as an industry expert both on-air (ABC, FOX, NPR) and through digital channels (Cannabis Business Times, MJBizDaily, St. Louis Business Journal, Santa Fe Reporter). Prior to LeafLink, he worked at Citi Equity Research and Tuatara Capital. Ben is a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminburstein/https://www.instagram.com/leaflink_/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/leaflink/https://twitter.com/LeafLinkUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Christopher LaPorte, Founder, RESETAfter closing his award-winning nightclub INSERT COIN(S), Chris founded RESET, a consulting firm focused on innovation in entertainment and nightlife in Las Vegas. He was asked to lend his operational insights into the development of regulations for consumption lounges in 2017. After five years of working with multiple jurisdictions, government officials, and local stakeholders, Nevada passed AB341 allowing for the development and operation of cannabis social-use lounges. Today, partnered with THRIVE CANNABIS MARKETPLACE, Chris looks to expand the reach of the cannabis industry with a food and beverage-driven entertainment venue attracting non-endemic markets from 40M tourists visiting Las Vegas annually.www.reset.vegashttps://www.instagram.com/chrisofcoins/https://twitter.com/ChrisOfCoinshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-laporte-52471b52/

Antonio Panella, Cofounder & CEO, BleaumAntonio Panella is the Co-Founder & CEO of Bleaum, a software company that develops a unique and customizable online ordering engine for retailers, wholesalers and distribution operations with various features such as app ordering, web ordering, kiosk, CRM and others.http://www.bleaum.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bleaumhttps://www.instagram.com/bleaumwithushttps://www.twitter.com/bleaumwithus

Christopher Walker, CEO, Co-Founder of HyPAR.farmChris Walker is currently CEO and co-Founder of HyPAR.farm. As General Manager of Heliospectra he installed commercial and craft style facilities with LED and software from the plant sciences company out of Sweden. This is where Chris discovered the HyPAR technology and decided to not only join the team, but fund the patent. Chris has a background in commercializing cutting edge agriculture and biofuel based technologies. With a passion for clean tech and other climate crisis mitigating technologies, Chris sees his pursuit to commercialize HyPAR as globally critical to saving the the world. Chris views the overly consumptive energy waste that is currently status quo in indoor growing as short sighted driven by the pursuit to automate everything.http://www.HyPAR.farmhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/86905565/admin/

Andrés Fajardo, CEO of Clever LeavesAndrés Fajardo, CEO of Clever Leaves, has over 20 years of leadership and management experience. He has served as a director of the Clever Leaves board since December 2020 and as president since 2019, and in various other roles at the Company since its establishment in 2016. Prior to Clever Leaves, Fajardo was a founding partner of Mojo Ventures, CEO of IQ Outsourcing, and a principal member at Booz & Company. He obtained a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Economics from Los Andes University in Colombia.https://cleverleaves.com/Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-fajardo-3581a5/Clever Leaves Linked in – https://www.linkedin.com/company/clever-leaves/Clever Leaves Twitter – https://twitter.com/clever_leaves

Merril Gilbert, Co-founder & CEO, TraceTrustMerril Gilbert is the co-founder and CEO of TraceTrust. After 25 years of experience counseling startups from concept to table or shelf in food and beverage, Merril joined the cannabis industry in 2015. Since then, she has guided innovators, disruptors, and refiners in bringing their ideas to life. Merril is a provocative thought leader in the future of food and cannabis consumable innovations. Her ability to bring together strategic, operational management and vision for daily operations establishes standards for safety, accuracy, credibility, and profitability. Merril is on the NCIA Risk Management and Insurance Committee, an Arcview member, founding member of Women Employed in Cannabis, advisor at MISTA, and board member at Slow Money NorCal, where she has spent the past five years mentoring entrepreneurs.https://www.linkedin.com/company/tracetrust/https://www.linkedin.com/in/merril-gilbert/

Sean Yoder, Co-founder, Aldertine Cannabis CFOsSean Yoder is the Co-founder of Aldertine Cannabis CFOs, providing world-class accounting management to the cannabis industry. He has more than 30 years of accounting experience, was a successful music industry entrepreneur in Los Angeles, and founded a successful non-canna accounting management firm in 2017. Sean grew up in Chico, CA, worked in the accounting department at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., is a graduate of the California State University, Chico Center for Regional and Continuing Education certified bookkeeping program, and considered the late Joey Ramone a good friend. He has been an AIPB-certified bookkeeper since 2012 and a member of the Dope CFO VIP network since 2020. His experience in the cannabis industry stretches back nearly 30 years and he maintains strong ties to the legacy growers in rural Northern California's Emerald Triangle with memberships in each county's cannabis association.https://www.aldertinegroup.com/http://www.facebook.com/aldertinegroupInstagramhttp://www.instagram.com/aldertinecannabiscfos/LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-yoder-cannabis-cfo/

John Lykouretzos, Co-founder, CEO, FocusGrowth Asset ManagementJohn Lykouretzos is a co-founder and CEO of FocusGrowth Asset Management, LP. (“FGAM”). Prior to FGAM, he was the founder and CIO of Hoplite Capital Management, a long/short equity hedge fund he launched in 2003 and grew to peak assets of $3.7 billion before returning capital to investors in 2019. Prior to Hoplite, John was an Analyst and Portfolio Manager at Viking Global Investors and worked as an Industrials Analyst at Tiger Management. John started his career as a Financial Analyst at Goldman Sachs in the Investment Banking Division & Principal Investment Area. John graduated from Yale University with a BA in Economics and International Studies. He is a Trustee of the Tiger Foundation, a Trustee and Chair of the Investment Committee for the American Museum of Natural History and is also a member of the Yale Development Council.https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-t-lykouretzos-48b2b0182/https://www.focusgrowth.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/focusgrowth-asset-management-lp/