Kaya Cast: Recent Episodes
Kaya Push
The Kaya Cast podcast is a weekly show where we interview thought leaders in the cannabis industry about their experience and expertise of working with cannabis. The aim of the show is to help cannabis retailers do what they love and share their stories.
In this compelling episode, we delve into the world of the cannabis industry with Brit Smith from Different Leaf Podcast. During our discussion, we identify key challenges within the industry, from the heavy red tape and policy hurdles challenging cannabis entrepreneurs to the need for advocacy in shaping the future of cannabis in states like New York.
Smith enlightens us on the customer experience in a modern dispensary, highlighting the burgeoning demand for clear guidance and precise expectations for cannabis experiences from new users. She underscores the essential role bud tenders play in this process, bridging the gap between product and patron, and details the importance of comprehensive, coherent staff training and education.
We explore creatives ways for cannabis brands to stand out amid the growing competition, focusing on the power of personal connections at events and the utilization of medical professionals within dispensaries for enhanced customer support.
Lastly, Smith gives budding cannabis business owners a crucial tip for growth and success: forming a trustworthy and knowledgeable team around you. This episode is packed with insights from an industry insider that will inspire and inform both aspiring entrepreneurs and established dispensary owners. Tune in now to garner a wealth of knowledge to help your cannabis business thrive.
We are delighted to welcome our guest, Brit Smith, who serves as the Podcast Host, Editorial Lead, and Writer for Different Leaf, a leading magazine dedicated to guiding readers through the rapidly evolving world of legal cannabis. A proud graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology, Brit boasts over a decade of experience in journalism and the legal cannabis sphere. As a passionate advocate for both the cannabis and LGBTQ+ communities, Brit strives to help the burgeoning industry flourish by facilitating insightful conversations on cannabis business and increasing awareness of cannabis culture in the United States.
Find out more about Different Leaf at:
- https://www.differentleaf.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/brit-smith-197705109/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/differentleaf/
- https://pod.link/differentleaf
- https://www.instagram.com/differentleaf/
- https://twitter.com/different_leaf
- https://www.facebook.com/differentleaf
Welcome to another episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, join us for an insightful conversation with Chris Eggers from CC Security Solutions.
Chris has been crucial in bringing forward the security challenges that many cannabis businesses face today. In this episode, Chris revolutionizes the idea of cannabis security and how drone technology is empowering cannabis businesses in no-fly zone spaces while being cost-effective. With the discussion on common misconceptions in the field, we dig into the status quo of cannabis security and the pitfalls of the DIY approach.
Chris brings to light the role security plays in contributing to community livelihood and how local law enforcement leverages security from cannabis facilities to gear up their investigations.
Towards the end of our chat, Chris shares his advice to aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs on tackling road bumps and growing their business. Listen in as he underlines the importance of staying calm, moving forward, and setting the right expectations. Don't miss out on this mix of insights on technology, misconceptions, industry hurdles, and ultimate business growth.
So tune in now for an exciting venture into the world of cannabis security, an area often overlooked but one Chris has managed to delve into comprehensively and explosively. Don't miss it!
Chris Eggers is a nationally recognized figure in the fields of cannabis security and cannabis risk management. Prior to founding CCSS, Eggers served 12+ years as a Law Enforcement Officer with both the San Francisco and Oakland Police Departments. His law enforcement experience included working undercover in Oakland, involvement in a broad range of burglary and robbery investigations (including cannabis facilities), and a broad range of compliance and other training and certifications (including cannabis).
These experiences were central to “Why” he founded CCSS - and the origin of CCSS’ Mission and Vision. Over the past two years Mr. Eggers has become an increasingly relied upon and trusted resource within the broader commercial cannabis community, different municipalities in California and other state regulatory bodies, and contact for various California and national media outlets on cannabis security and risk management matters.
Find out more about CC Security Solutions at:
- https://ccsecuritysolutions.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophereggers/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabis-compliant-security-solutions/
Welcome to a brand new episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, where we're all about empowering dispensaries to flourish. Today, we're giving budding businesses a deep insight into innovative marketing with Dan Serard from the Cannabis Creative Group. Dan shares how the power of well-segmented and purposeful email and SMS drip campaigns can dramatically boost dispensary success. With invaluable tips on crafting engaging content that captivates and drives conversion, this episode is a gold mine for dispensaries eager to grow.
Our conversation with Dan doesn't stop at content optimization. He stresses the importance of a scalable, performant, and thoughtfully designed website. From converting videos into static images to bringing forth your star products, he elaborates on effective website optimization strategies. In an era where digital footprints are just as crucial, if not more, than physical storefronts, Dan makes a compelling case for SEO investments that leave lasting impressions and boost discoverability.
But fear not if those budgets seem beyond reach. For smaller brands and social fairness applicants, Dan proposes a frugal yet effective solution: optimizing your Google My Business profile. With advice on how to seize and use Google reviews to their fullest potential, even dispensaries on a shoestring budget can cash in on the enormous benefits of superior online reputation management.
And one last tip that Dan leaves us with? Don't bank on the "build it, and they will come" strategy, but instead, invest time and effort in laying a strong brand foundation. Tune into this illuminating conversation to reap the rewards for not just the next six months, but far into your cannabis business's future.
Dan Serard heads business development and strategic partnerships for Cannabis Creative Group. He has been working in the cannabis industry for over four years and has been a part of marketing over 200+ brands. He is a member of many cannabis associations, and holds Co-Chair of Education and Content for the National Cannabis Industry Association‘s Marketing and Advertising Committee.
Dan is also a well respected writer and speaker for various cannabis industry events. With years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Dan’s background as a business development professional complements his interest in the innovating world of cannabis. Dan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management and Policy with a focus in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire. Today, when he’s not in the office, Dan can most likely be found outside – his passions include hiking, snowboarding, fishing, camping, traveling, and playing basketball, to name a few.
Find out more about Cannabis Creative Group at:
- https://cannabiscreative.com/
- linkedin.com/in/dserard
- linkedin.com/company/cannabis-creative-group/
- youtube.com/@cannabiscreative
- instagram.com/cannabiscreativegroup
- twitter.com/Cannabis_CG
Welcome to another episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast! On today's episode, we continue our conversation with Jazz Samra, founder of the VIP Media Group. Jazz dives deep into the state of the independent cannabis retail sector, sharing his observations on the perils of running a cannabis shop on a shoestring budget, learning from the fate of Alberta's independent stores, and the importance of diversification.
Throughout the episode, Jazz underlines the need for cannabis retailers to be well-capitalized and also the value of giving their budtenders a sense of ownership. He contrasts the passion and connection of independent stores with the detached, boardroom approach of big corporates.
We also talk about scaling at a minimum of three locations, the significance of training and educating business owners, managing a diverse menu for clients, and the importance of strategic alignment with LP's, and of course, the passion for the product that greets happy customers every day.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone running or aspiring to start a cannabis business, with an emphasis on best practices, sales strategies, and solid business skills. Join us for the journey as Jazz Samra unravels what it takes to launch, scale and grow in the cannabis industry, making it a business like no other. You won't want to miss it!
Jazz Samra is the founder of VIP Media Group, a collaborative cannabis retailer network aimed at empowering the industry to strive for excellence and equity by creating opportunities for all cannabis operators. Jazz is passionate about helping independent cannabis businesses succeed.
Jazz is also the President of Sativa Bliss Cannabis Boutique. A chain of licensed cannabis stores with locations throughout Ontario, Canada. Sativa Bliss is an independent, Canadian owned & operated Cannabis Retail Company committed to providing a unique shopping experience that delights the senses and provides customers with the right products they need.
Find out more about VIP Media Group at:
- https://vipmediagroup.ca/
- https://sativabliss.ca/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazz-samra-8b23ba242/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/vip-media-group-to/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy4xDbb6LX2MfMNteBqKTBQ
- https://instagram.com/vipmediagroup101/
- https://twitter.com/VIPMediaGroup1
- https://www.facebook.com/VIP-Media-Group-104931365515034
Join us for an eye-opening discussion with industry expert, Jazz Samra President of Sativa Bliss.
Discover a trove of insights on the crucial role of location in the success and expansion of enterprises in the cannabis industry. Jazz dissects the importance of geo-specific demographics and the value of retaining a robust belt of regular clientele in your path to sustainable growth. Cannabis is much like a convenience store model where maximum traffic is steered from the two-kilometer-radius surrounding your store.
Jazz recounts his experiences and emphasizes on having proper business systems that ensure smooth operation, even in the owner's absence. Learn from Jazz as he shares insights on effective time management strategies for dispensary owners. He staunchly believes in the owners focusing more on managing the business rather than doing a budtender's job. This episode teems with discussions on strategies to upscale your business, network with fellow store owners, engage in community activities, understand customer behaviour and much more.
Jazz Samra is the founder of VIP Media Group, a collaborative cannabis retailer network aimed at empowering the industry to strive for excellence and equity by creating opportunities for all cannabis operators. Jazz is passionate about helping independent cannabis businesses succeed.
Jazz is also the President of Sativa Bliss Cannabis Boutique. A chain of licensed cannabis stores with locations throughout Ontario, Canada. Sativa Bliss is an independent, Canadian owned & operated Cannabis Retail Company committed to providing a unique shopping experience that delights the senses and provides customers with the right products they need.
Find out more about Sativa Bliss at:
- https://vipmediagroup.ca/
- https://sativabliss.ca/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazz-samra-8b23ba242/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/vip-media-group-to/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy4xDbb6LX2MfMNteBqKTBQ
- https://instagram.com/vipmediagroup101/
- https://twitter.com/VIPMediaGroup1
- https://www.facebook.com/VIP-Media-Group-104931365515034
In this enlightening episode of Kaya Cast, we delve deep into the cannabis business with renowned cannabis attorney, Alana Hans Cohen. From the importance of building a strong team to navigating the tricky legal terrain, Alana shares invaluable insights and tips for budding cannabis entrepreneurs.
Listen as Alana discusses the hurdles faced by cannabis businesses, the anticipated impact of federal legalization, and the do's and don'ts of going into business with friends and family. Whether you are an entrepreneur exploring the cannabis space or a cannabis enthusiast curious about the behind-the-scenes workings, this episode is a must-listen packed with lots of value and advice.
Alana Hans-Cohen is a passionate cannabis attorney licensed in six states across the US. As part of the cannabis group at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, Alana is a self-proclaimed "cannabis nerd," who specializes in navigating the complex world of cannabis law and policy. As an expert in the field, Alana has built an impressive career helping businesses navigate the complex world of cannabis law and regulations. She's not only a strong advocate for her clients but also a champion for greater diversity within the industry.
Join us as we dive into Alana's wealth of knowledge and experience, discussing her work with businesses and individuals across all levels of the cannabis supply chain, as well as her involvement in government and private sector conversations on cannabis legislation and regulation. With her unique blend of expertise and charisma, Alana proves that lawyers can be anything but boring.
Find out more about Pashman Stein Walder Hayden at:
- https://alanahanscohen.com/
- https://www.pashmanstein.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanamhans/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/pashman-stein-pc/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabis-advisory-group/about/
In the latest episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we have a conversation with Betsy Morem and Mark Waller, co-founders and managing partners of Morem & Waller, CPAs, PLLC. They'll be unlocking valuable insights on the dynamic relationships between accounting and other crucial business departments within your cannabis business.
Covering an array of practical topics from understanding key financial statements to effectively maneuvering the challenges 280e presents. Dive into the importance of solid bookkeeping and documentation and discover strategies to audit-proof your business. An accountant's role extends beyond number crunching, they are foundational to your business operations. Learn how having the right accountant can facilitate proactive financial management and create synergies towards your business growth.
The episode ends on a high note with the absolute 'must-do's' for every business owner prepping to launch, scale or grow their business. Don't miss out, the world of finance isn't as daunting as it seems with Kaya Cast Podcast!
Mark R. Waller, CPA, co-founder and managing partner of Morem & Waller, CPAs, PLLC, has 15+ years of experience working as a public accountant as well as a controller in the private sector. He partners with CEOs, founders, and interested parties in the cannabis industry to help them stay compliant, achieve world-class financial records and financial reporting, and provide tax planning, preparation, and filing.
Betsy Morem, CPA, co-founder and managing partner of Morem & Waller, CPAs, PLLC, enjoys helping small businesses and start-ups create, maintain, and improve their accounting systems. She partners with CEOs, founders, and interested parties in the cannabis industry to help them stay compliant, achieve world-class financial records and financial reporting, and provide tax planning, preparation, and filing.
Find out more about Morem & Waller, CPAs at:
- https://moremwaller.cpa/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrwaller/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/moremwallercpa/
- https://moremwaller.hubspotpagebuilder.com/operational-checklist
Join us in this exciting episode of the Kaya Cast podcast as we speak with Irfan Bhola, the CEO and founder of The Flower Agency.
Irfan shares his extensive knowledge and experience in digital marketing and breaking traditional norms to build a brand presence, especially in the ever-growing cannabis industry. We delve into what makes a brand stand out, the importance of personalization, and how omnichannel marketing strategies can be used effectively.
Whether you're a mom and pop dispensary, a social equity licensee and even a huge brand like Kiva Gummies, Irfan offers practical tips and insights on how to grow your brand in this increasingly competitive market. Tune in to learn more and get inspired on your own cannabis business journey.
Irfan Bhola has over 15 years of experience as a digital marketer, making him an exceptionally qualified and skilled professional. In order to develop tactics that continuously produce outstanding results, he has continually honed his skills across a range of marketing channels, including search, social media, influencer marketing, programmatic advertising, digital out-of-home, SMS, email, audio, TV, and affiliate marketing.
Irfan has built complete growth and performance marketing campaigns for a wide range of customers throughout his career, including like Spotify, Uber, Grubhub, Expedia, Netflix, P&G, Apple, and eBay. Irfan entered the cannabis market in 2019 by starting The Flower Agency, a custom omni-channel marketing firm that focuses on working with cannabis and psychedelic brands, retailers, advocacy organizations, and ancillary services like MJ Unpacked, Cann, Houseplant, FundCanna, Kiva, Caliva, Grassdoor, and Harborside. In the cannabis market, it has been demonstrated that focusing on client acquisition, engagement, retention, and awareness is quite effective.
Find out more about The Flower Agency at:
- https://www.theflower.agency
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/irfanbhola
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-flower-agency
Join us as we continue our conversation with Jessica Cranney, Managing Partner at GRN Mile High. Jessica reveals the four pillars of employee retention that are critical in creating a successful and harmonious work environment, and provides actionable advice on how to implement them. Jessica meticulously breaks down:
- Onboarding: Ensuring new recruits feel valued from day one, with gestures from personalized letters to initiation kits.
- Consistent Engagement and Communication: Cultivating a sense of community and collective goals. Jessica shares a unique "spirit-week" idea designed to heighten engagement and foster a fun workforce environment.
- Performance Management: Establishing strategies that prioritize employee recognition before accountability, with an emphasis on setting and maintaining consistent standards.
- Offboarding: Treating the end of an employee's tenure with as much importance as their arrival, through implementable strategies such as exit interviews and farewell thank you messages.
From effective onboarding processes and engaging communications to performance management strategies and respectful offboarding tactics, Jessica shares the key ingredients for creating an inclusive, enjoyable, and motivating company culture. Tune in to learn the strategies and initiatives you need to succeed in creating a cohesive and engaged workforce.
Nominate Kaya Cast for EMJAYS: https://web.kayapush.com/3ItNfK9
Jessica Cranney is the Managing Partner & Chief Connection Officer at GRN Mile High, a prestigious cannabis consulting and recruiting firm. With an impressive background spanning over two decades, Jessica possesses extensive expertise in leadership, organizational development, and retail management.
Jessica spent more than 15 years honing her skills at a Fortune 500 TeleCom company. Her innate passion for people development enabled her to cultivate highly motivated and engaged teams that consistently achieved success. Jessica's remarkable career trajectory led her to the position of Vice President, where she was responsible for managing over 200+ stores and leading a diverse cross-functional team of more than 500+ professionals across five states.
Eventually, Jessica's professional pursuits and personal interests converged, leading her to the thriving cannabis industry. Leveraging her proven track record in organizational and talent development, labor management, exceptional sales performance, and innovative marketing strategies, Jessica has found the perfect synergy that allows her to excel in the cannabis sector.
Find out more about GRN Mile High at:
- https://grnmilehigh.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacranney/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/grnmilehigh/
- https://www.youtube.com/@grnmilehighletsbebuds
- https://www.instagram.com/grn_milehigh/
- https://www.facebook.com/grnmilehigh
In this episode of Kaya Cast, we have an engaging conversation with Jessica Cranney, a seasoned leader in talent recruitment and consulting in the cannabis industry. Jessica, who transitions from a successful telecom career to cannabis, shares her strategy of recruit, train, and retain, which has been the cornerstone of her success.
Jessica sheds light on how to attract high-performing leaders and how to train them to be productive, all while maintaining a conducive environment that motivates them to stay. Moreover, Jessica dives into the realm of consulting, explaining how her organization provides services from organizational development to getting the “right butts in the right seats.”
Jessica also shares valuable insights on how to get started in the cannabis industry, the importance of doing one’s homework before jumping into the field, and understanding the industry’s cultural and financial nuances.
Lastly, Jessica delves deeper into her strategy with practical examples and tips, shares the three levels of hierarchy that her training encompasses, and talks about the impressive ROI for retention and the importance of optimizing schedules based on consumers' needs. She wraps up the conversation with a powerful tip for business owners on hiring and recruiting talent: the need for transparency and authenticity.
Jessica Cranney is the Managing Partner & Chief Connection Officer at GRN Mile High, a prestigious cannabis consulting and recruiting firm. With an impressive background spanning over two decades, Jessica possesses extensive expertise in leadership, organizational development, and retail management.
Jessica spent more than 15 years honing her skills at a Fortune 500 TeleCom company. Her innate passion for people development enabled her to cultivate highly motivated and engaged teams that consistently achieved success. Jessica's remarkable career trajectory led her to the position of Vice President, where she was responsible for managing over 200+ stores and leading a diverse cross-functional team of more than 500+ professionals across five states.
Eventually, Jessica's professional pursuits and personal interests converged, leading her to the thriving cannabis industry. Leveraging her proven track record in organizational and talent development, labor management, exceptional sales performance, and innovative marketing strategies, Jessica has found the perfect synergy that allows her to excel in the cannabis sector.
Find out more about GRN Mile High at:
- https://grnmilehigh.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacranney/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/grnmilehigh/
- https://www.youtube.com/@grnmilehighletsbebuds
- https://www.instagram.com/grn_milehigh/
- https://www.facebook.com/grnmilehigh
Nominate Kaya Cast for EMJAYS: https://web.kayapush.com/3ItNfK9
On this engaging episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we talk with Felicia Hunter from Euphoric Accounting. Felicia shares critical financial insights on thriving within the cannabis industry. She underlines the importance of staying vigilant with your financials and engaging in constant dialogue with your CFO. Felicia explains how to better comprehend techniques for reducing taxes, cutting costs, curbing expenses, and potential growth avenues.
She also provides a fascinating history of the 280e tax code and its prevalent impact on the cannabis industry. Felicia highlights the significance of correctly configuring your POS systems, the role of having an accurate inventory, and the importance of an all-inclusive overview of your taxes.
Indispensable advice is given on managing excise tax confusion, and the hopes and potential changes in tax regulations going forward. Felicia also discusses the evolving role of technology in ensuring compliance and tax management within the industry. This episode is a rich reservoir of information for current or aspiring cannabis business owners. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with essential guidance.
Felicia Hunter, CPA is an experienced accounting and finance professional with over 13 years in corporate manufacturing/asset management. She has extensive experience in all controllership functions including transactional accounting, GAAP accounting, cost accounting, entire month end-close, and reporting and analysis. In addition to her controllership experience, she has worked in process design and improvements, system implementation and automations, and management of financial controls and internal controls. She uses this experience when working with growing companies to build scalable processes and derive value from the accounting and reporting function.
Felicia decided to build an outsourced CFO and full-service accounting firm that focuses on the cannabis and psychedelics industry, because she wanted to help businesses thrive and understand their numbers in this highly regulated space. Her belief is that in order to properly and effectively provide results in an industry, the service provider has to be passionate and enjoy the industry they are servicing. Felicia has obtained specialized cannabis accounting training from National Association of Cannabis Accounting and Tax Professional and DopeCFO.
Find out more about Euphoric Accounting at:
- www.euphoricaccounting.com
- www.linkedin.com/in/feliciahunter
- www.facebook.com/Euphoric.Accounting
- www.instagram.com/euphoric.accounting
- www.linkedin.com/company/euphoric-accounting
In this episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, we dive deep into the world of cannabis cultivation with Jesús Burrola, CEO of the POSIBL Project. Jesús shares the unique approach that sets the POSIBL Project apart from other cannabis businesses, focusing on sustainable and cost-effective methods to deliver high-quality products.
We discuss the challenges of balancing indoor and outdoor cultivation, how their methodology leads to more sustainable cultivation, and the collaboration with legacy breeders to create unique strains.
Jesús also opens up about the current state of the cannabis market, the need for regulatory changes, and his vision for the future of the POSIBL Project. So, join us as we explore this booming industry and learn how the POSIBL Project aims to revolutionize cannabis cultivation for the better.
Jesus Burrola is Chief Executive Officer of POSIBL, the cannabis farm of the future and engine for several of California’s leading brands. With over 2,000,000 units of packaged product to date, POSIBL is redefining what it means to produce the highest quality cannabis. Jesus is a proven leader who believes in his teams as the primary driver of growth. He leads the organization’s growth strategy in sales and operations and the best team at POSIBL to position the company as a global market leader. Prior to POSIBL, Jesus worked for 15 years at Beacon Building Products, the largest publicly traded building materials distributor in North America. Jesus was at the company during growth from $1 Billion to $8 Billion — through a combination of 30+ acquisitions and launches into new markets. Jesus worked his way up from a trainee to a National Vice President, managing a $700M business segment. During Jesus’ time there, he held roles in both Sales Management and Operations, and was tasked with integrating several large acquisitions. Jesus holds a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University. He enjoys quality time with his family, playing golf, and exploring great cuisine.
Find out more about POSIBL at:
- http://www.posiblproject.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-burrola-2b1b2070/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/posibl
- https://www.instagram.com/posiblproject/
In this episode of Kaya Cast, we sit down with Ed Linetskiy, Chief Compliance Officer for GreenSpacePro, to discuss the importance of inventory accountability, the impact of regulations on businesses in the cannabis industry, and the need for collaboration throughout the supply chain.
Ed emphasizes the assets of a licensee, including employees, raw materials, inventory, and the need for proper accounting. He also shares insights on how regulations can be interpreted and navigated, and how businesses can work with regulators to ensure compliance while considering the needs of customers.
Ed stresses that compliance programs and checks and balances are essential for the success of any business in the cannabis industry, and encourages open communication between employers and employees to address issues and improve processes.
Eduard Linetskiy is the founder of Green Space Pro, a cannabis business consulting firm. He has over 10 years of experience in the field, and has consulted with some of the biggest players in the industry. He is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, and has been featured on many cannabis business podcasts.
Eduard is a passionate advocate for cannabis, and is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed in this rapidly growing industry. He is an expert on topics such as business strategies, financial planning, marketing, and product development. He is passionate about helping businesses optimize their operations to maximize their success.
Find out more about GreenSpacePro at:
- greenspacepro.com
- anamitech.com
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduard-linetskiy/
- linkedin.com/company/greenspacepro
- youtube.com/@greenspacepro2854
- instagram.com/greenspace_pro
- twitter.com/GreenSpacePro1
- facebook.com/GreenSpacePro
Live from MjBizCon 2022!
Tony Gallo is a licensed security consultant and Managing Partner for Sapphire Risk Advisory Group, named one of the Top 100 ancillary companies in the cannabis industry.
Tony has more than 30 years of retail experience in the Loss Prevention, Audit, Safety, and Risk/Emergency Management fields. He is considered one of the leading authorities in cannabis security, armed robberies and burglary investigations. Tony is a published author on cannabis security designs and over the last seven years has spoken at numerous cannabis business conferences across the country.
Tony shares insights from his 30 years of experience in the security field for how cannabis retailers and cultivators can mitigate the risks involved in running a cannabis business. This includes high tech security systems as well as training and monitoring of staff and customers.
Security starts with building a loyal community of customers and staff who will work together to help your business stay secure and thrive. He also shares insights into how Sapphire helps improve the odds of getting a cannabis license.
Find out more about Sapphire Risk:
- Website
- YouTube
- Tony Gallo
Live from MjBizCon 2022!
Toi Hutchinson served as an Illinois Senator, representing the 40th District from 2009 to 2019. During her time in the Senate, Hutchinson championed a variety of causes including protecting women and children from violence, modernizing the state’s tax structure, and legalizing cannabis. Prior to leaving the Senate, she served as the 46th president of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Toi is an original co-sponsor of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), the first most equity-centric law in the nation to legalize adult-use cannabis.
In January 2022, Toi left the administration and became the first women President & CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project, an organization that’s solely focused on ending marijuana prohibition.
In this live conversation from MjBizCon 2022, Toi and Tom discuss the future of the cannabis industry and what policies need to change to create a more inclusive future for everyone involved. From changing laws in the remaining states where cannabis is still criminal, to empowering black and brown entrepreneurs to create new businesses, to embracing the power of strong women in the industry.
Toi is leading the charge to bring real change to the industry through the Marijuana Policy Project. Find out more here:
- Marijuana Policy Project
- YouTube
- Toi Hutchinson
Christopher Violas is the CEO and Founder of Blaze. With a BA in Information Technology, Chris has built a best in class seed to sale cannabis platform that is making cannabis tech easy!
BLAZE is a cannabis software suite providing best-in-class tools for operators in the seed-to-sale supply chain. The BLAZE team is comprised of former operators and industry experts passionate about automating the day-to-day tasks and compliance needed to run a successful cannabis business.
During my conversation with Chris we discussed how Blaze is using cutting edge technology and security to help cannabis retailers blaze a new path forward in the cannabis industry. We also talked about some of the unique features which make Blaze the top choice for most cannabis companies.
Find out more about Blaze here:
- Blaze
- YouTube
- Chris Violas
Have you been dreaming of starting a career in the cannabis industry but you’re not sure where to begin? It can be overwhelming changing careers or starting something new, especially in the ever changing cannabiz!
In this conversation with Tommy Truong we give practical steps to begin your journey into the cannabis industry. It begins with knowing what you want and where you want to be. Investigating potential employers and receiving the required certifications.
If you would like to get started in your career with Kaya Push check out the Kaya Push Careers page for open positions.
Have you been dreaming of starting a career in the cannabis industry but you’re not sure where to begin? It can be overwhelming changing careers or starting something new, especially in the ever changing cannabiz!
In this conversation with Tommy Truong we give practical steps to begin your journey into the cannabis industry. It begins with knowing what you want and where you want to be. Investigating potential employers and receiving the required certifications.
If you would like to get started in your career with Kaya Push check out the Kaya Push Careers page for open positions.
Christine Gervais has been a licensed CPA since 2010 using her skills to help small businesses grow and achieve their fullest potential.
With a Master’s degree in accounting, in addition to years of experience both in public accounting as well as serving as the CFO for large private organizations, Christine has the knowledge base to provide comprehensive accounting and consulting services to Cultivate’s clients.
Christine shares her insights into the importance of having a cannabis specific accountant who can advise you on rules and regulations in the ever changing industry. She also unpacks what cannabis retailers need to know about 280e and 471 tax codes.
Find out more about Christine and Cultivate Consulting:
- Cultivate Consulting
- Christine Gervais
Christine Gervais has been a licensed CPA since 2010 using her skills to help small businesses grow and achieve their fullest potential.
With a Master’s degree in accounting, in addition to years of experience both in public accounting as well as serving as the CFO for large private organizations, Christine has the knowledge base to provide comprehensive accounting and consulting services to Cultivate’s clients.
Christine shares her insights into the importance of having a cannabis specific accountant who can advise you on rules and regulations in the ever changing industry. She also unpacks what cannabis retailers need to know about 280e and 471 tax codes.
Find out more about Christine and Cultivate Consulting:
- Cultivate Consulting
- Christine Gervais
Patrick Grenier is the Coordinator of Marketing for PreRoll-Er out of Montreal, Quebec. PreRoll-Er specializes in the manufacturing of validated solutions for your pre-rolls or any other cannabis products. As a market leader in the manufacturing industry, their solutions have been tested and proven.
Patrick shares his insights into what dispensary owners need to be aware of when it comes to the quality of the cannabis product in their retail stores. His advice for business owners is to smoke your stuff so you know what’s good and what’s not.
There is an ongoing need for education with bud tenders and business owners to grow in their understanding and experience with the product they are selling. He also unpacks the manufacturing process of pre-rolls using the PreRoll-Er’s state of the art technology.
Find out more about Patrick Grenier and PreRoll-Er:
- PreRoll-Er
- PreRoll-Er Instagram
- PreRoll-Er Linkedin
- PreRoll-Er YouTube
- Patrick Grenier
Jon Bond is the Director of Partnerships at Dutchie. He has a long history in the Cannabis industry from launching a dispensary in the early days of legalization to working at the largest Cannatech company in the industry.
Jon shares his insights into building people first cannabis companies with the aim of training, growing, and investing in world class teams. Jon has been a part of developing the DNA of Dutchie which has grown to be one of the largest Cannatech companies. Investing in great people is the heart and soul of any growing organization.
He also shares insights into what it takes to grow a cannabis business and how technology can improve the efficiency of your retail operation.
Find out more about Jon Bond and Dutchie:
- Dutchie
- Dutchie for Business
- Jon Bond
Social media has the power to connect people across the globe. It allows content creators to share their stories and dog owners to post cute pup pics for all the world to see.
Even though cannabis is legal in the majority of the U.S. states and Canada, there are still large limitations to advertising and posting on mainstream social networks. The most popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have strict community guidelines on what cannabis businesses can share. This may be in part because in the USA, cannabis is still considered to be a controlled substance. So where do you go to promote, engage and connect? Enter cannabis business social networks.
Cannabis business social networks are where industry leaders, business owners, and enthusiasts can interact openly and share their thoughts and experiences. Are you curious to learn about some of our favourite cannabis friendly social networks?
Read our blog article: 10 Cannabis Business Social Networks You Should Check Out
Amber Erickson is an experienced cannabis technology marketer. She is Head of Marketing at Seed Technology, empowering dispensary owners and operators with digital signage and interactive solutions to decrease wait times, increase revenue, and reduce staffing costs.
In my conversation with Amber we discussed how to create impactful in-store digital experiences within your dispensary. We also discussed how Seed Technology is using their technology to impact the customer journey for dispensaries and consumption lounges.
The Cannabis Consumer Survey aims to help the industry understand how customers and patients feel about their dispensary experience so that we can improve and grow.
Find out more about Seed Technology:
- Amber Erickson
- Seed Technology
- Cannabis Consumer Survey 2022
- Jars Cannabis
Tahir Johnson is the Director of Social Equity and Inclusion at the Marijuana Policy Project where he developed and launched an internship program in partnership with the Congressional Black Caucus foundation placing interns at some of the most prominent companies in the industry. He advises legislators, regulators, and other industry stakeholders on best practices to ensure equitable cannabis laws and programs.
He is also the host of The Cannabis Diversity Report Podcast. Featuring cannabis industry operators, advocates, and allies discussing issues related to social equity and highlights of their experiences, challenges, and success stories as minorities in the cannabis industry.
Together we unpack the recent reform on cannabis policy announced from the white house on October 6, 2022. This is a huge step in the right direction towards legalization of cannabis. Our expert guest, Tahir Johnson, dives into what this announcement means for the industry and how we can create a more equitable future for cannabis.
Find out more about Tahir Johnson:
- Tahir Johnson
- Marijuana Policy Project
- Simply Pure Trenton NJ
- The Cannabis Diversity Podcast
- President Biden’s Announcement
As of 2022, more than 400 thousand cannabis industry jobs were created in the United States alone (that's 33% from the prior year.)
That number hit over 151 thousand cannabis industry jobs in Canada, with the market size growing by 83% over five years.
Here are the Top 10 Cannabis Jobs:
- 1. Budtender
- Dispensary Manager
- Dispensary Owner
- Inventory Manager
- Cannabis Cultivator
- Cannabis Accounting
- Security Services
- CannaTech
- Sales and Marketing
- Cannabis Consultant
Find a cannabis job you love at Kaya Push. Check out our careers page at: https://www.kayapush.com/careers
Tommy Truong (CPA) is the co-founder and CEO of KayaPush. With over $1 Billion of payroll processed last year, Kayapush helps dispensaries scale through an easy people management platform. Tommy has helped thousands of business owners grow their companies through simplifying workforce management.
In the first of many conversations with Tommy, we discuss growth principles for your bud tenders and dispensary teams. It all starts with investing in the futures of each of your team members and having growth conversations now. This will lead to higher retention rates for your teams and create a more fun place to work.
Tommy Truong will be coming back every month with new cannabis industry insights from his conversations with hundreds of cannabis retailers across North America.
- Tommy Truong
- Kaya Push
Dianna Tarbell is the General Manager and Myan Adams is the Sales Manager for Seven Leaf which is the first 100% indigenous-owned and –operated Cannabis producer to receive a Health Canada license.
In this episode, we discuss the story of building Seven Leaf which is an indigenous owned and operated cannabis producer. Our guests discuss the challenges facing First Nations professionals looking to enter the cannabis industry and how Seven Leaf positioned their company to be one of the first producers operating on Indigenous land.
Seven Leaf’s motto is “happy people grow happy plants!” and this is foundational in every aspect of the business. They are building a company that honours the generations that have come before, and invests in the future of the generations to come.
Find out more about Seven Leaf here:
- Seven Leaf Website
- Dianna Tarbell
- Myan Adams
Tom and Maria discuss some of the most important insights from our recent cannabis industry seminars that we hosted in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Portland, Maine.
We joined with our partners across the country to share growth techniques to successfully launch and grow a dispensary. It was fantastic to connect with cannabis retailers and hear their stories.
This week’s episode features the “Greatest Hits” from our cannabis industry seminar that we hosted in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Portland, Maine.
Designed to help you navigate the process of opening a cannabis dispensary with best practices of over 3000 dispensaries and how they succeeded.
Gary Cohen, CEO of Cova Gary Cohen is the CEO of the most trusted award-winning POS brand in North America. He has met with nearly 2000 dispensary operators from coast to coast and leveraged expert knowledge to provide cannabis retailers the support they need to get a license, pass inspection, launch a store, and improve operations. Gary frequently leads seminars on retail technology, compliance, business operations, and cannabis banking laws at some of the industry’s largest events including NCIA and MJBizCon.
https://www.covasoftware.com/
Naomi Granger, Founder of NACATS Pros, CPA, MBA Naomi Granger is the only CPA to have been featured in The Wall Street Journal for her unique approach to helping accounting professionals expand their practice to support the legal Cannabis industry. She’s provided her support, consulting, and business development skills to over 600 accounting professionals across the United States.
Naomi entered the cannabis industry in 2017 and went from start-up to exceeding $3 million in revenue in just over two years. She’ll guide you to your own solid revenue gains in the highly regulated Cannabis industry with a strong foothold in the market.
https://nacatpros.org/
Tommy Truong, CEO of KayaPush Tommy Truong (CPA) is the co-founder and CEO of KayaPush. With over $1 Billion of payroll processed last year, Kayapush helps dispensaries scale through an easy people management platform. Tommy has helped thousands of business owners grow their companies through simplifying workforce management.
https://www.kayapush.com/
Christine Gervais, CFO Cultivate Consulting Christine has been a licensed CPA since 2010 using her skills to help small businesses grow and achieve their fullest potential.
With a Master’s degree in accounting, in addition to years of experience both in public accounting as well as serving as the CFO for large private organizations, Christine has the knowledge base to provide comprehensive accounting and consulting services to Cultivate’s clients. Most notably, Christine is also a nationally recognized speaker and 280(e) expert, providing cannabis tax education not only to her clients but to other accountants.
http://www.cultivateconsulting.co/
Kirk Morrison, Co-Founder Budsense Kirk is one of the founding partners of BudSense and has a background in product development, marketing, sales and management consulting. Kirk has been involved in the creation of a number of technology products in the retail sector and has been working with cannabis retailers since the earliest days of federal legalization in Canada.
https://www.mybudsense.com/
Neal Chaudhary is the founder of Red Pill Labs and Irie Systems.
Neil is a consultant with cannabis retailers on best practices, strategies, and finding unique solutions for businesses. To use innovative techniques and technology to make their systems and their retail operations grow.
He is here to help solve those complex business problems all cannabis retailers face. We also talked about Bob Marley, Red Hot Chili Peppers and how to help your budtenders deliver exceptional service.
Be sure to check out Neal and Red Pill Labs
- Red Pill Labs
- Irie Systems
- Red Pill Labs Linkedin
- Irie Systems Linkedin
- Neal Chaudhary
Ernest Toney is the founder of BIPOCANN, and leads the strategic efforts to improve equitable representation for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) entrepreneurs and business owners in the cannabis industry’s state-legal markets.
Ernest Toney shares practical insights for BIPOC people who are looking to enter the industry and businesses that are looking to connect with those individuals. He also gives insights into strategies for the cannabis industry to become a more social equitable industry.
It starts with business owners and cannabis retailers changing their mindset and promoting black owned businesses. It's exciting to hear some of the momentum and changes that are happening within the industry.
Be sure to check out BIPOCANN
- Ernest Toney Linkedin
- BIPOCANN
As a dispensary owner, you need different technology and softwares to help you with all your daily operations, like your sales and your inventory management, and even your security.
Cannabis Technology helps you manage your people and streamline operations, which saves you time and money.
Today, we want to talk about the top six dispensary technologies that you need to run a growing cannabis store.
Our top 6 Cannabis Technologies are:
- A compliant POS System
- Website, E-commerce, and product menus
- Integrated payroll software
- Security system
- Inventory management software
- Employee management system.
Haley Glover is the Senior Security Consultant at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group and has over a decade of experience in the security industry.
Haley shares her insights into everything SECURITY and CANNABIS. From setting up security when you first apply for your application to ongoing security training with your employees and really working as a team to make sure that your cannabis retail location is secure.
Cannabis security risks also include cybersecurity and internal theft protection cameras. She goes through all of it today on the show, and we're so excited to talk to Haley and really just learn from their expertise in this field.
If you wanna find out more about Sapphire and the work they're doing, or maybe you want Sapphire to come and help you as you either launch or grow your dispensary visit:
- Website
- YouTube
- Haley Glover
In today's episode, we're gonna talk about five ways dispensary owners can retain great employees and keep them engaged.
Engaged employees are going to be happy employees and happy employees don't want to leave. They will be committed to the business. But it's not just finding good employees because that's only half the battle. It's keeping them. That's what the dispensaries are struggling with.
Our 5 tips for retaining great employees are:
- Focus on Total Compensation
- Invest in your employees w/ growth opportunities
- Track employee progress
- Annual reviews and reward longevity
- Make work fun
David Thomas is the CEO & Founder of Budsense and the Co-Founder of Douglasdale Cannabis in Calgary, AB Canada.
In this episode of podcast we talk with David Thomas about infusing joy and delight into the customer experience of buying cannabis. This means helping your cannabis retail business sell the experience with knowledge and insights into the industry. Through training, digital and analog signage, and the overall layout of your store, you can tell a story to every customer that walks into your store.
Budsense makes selling weed easy. Build Better Menus and Sell More Weed. BudSense is a paper and digital Cannabis menu and marketing platform for retail cannabis store operators. To find out more about Budsense check out:
- Website
- David Thomas
In today's episode, we're gonna look at five tips that dispensary owners can use today, to make your profits go up and through the roof.
The growth and sustainability of a cannabis dispensary depends on a delicate balance of revenue vs. expenses. Turning a healthy profit can be difficult with all of the costs in launch and scaling a cannabis business.
Our 5 tips for increasing your profits are:
- Increase dispensary profits with smart ordering
- Learn how to use the data
- Invest in good people
- Make dispensary marketing a team sport
- Cut back on admin costs
Naomi Granger, is the only CPA to have been featured in The Wall Street Journal for her unique approach to helping accounting professionals expand their practice to support the legal Cannabis industry. She’s provided her support, consulting, and business development skills to over 600 accounting professionals across the United States.
In this episode of the podcast Naomi helps cannabis retailers decode the confusing world of accounting, taxes, and cash when it comes to running a successful cannabis retail operation. Knowing your product, knowing the industry, and surrounding yourself with experts in the cannabis industry are essential to growth of your cannabis retail location.
Feel free to reach out to Naomi and anyone at NACAT about what they're doing and to make sure that your business is compliant and going on the right track.
Find out more about Naomi Granger and the National Association of Cannabis Accounting and Tax Professionals:
- Website - https://nacatpros.org/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nacatpros/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Nacatpros
- Instagram - instagram.com/nacatpros
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/nacatpros
- Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFuIT-PG7UEmfIavRYuOPg
We all know that marketing is an essential aspect of business, but when it comes to marketing and cannabis you need to learn how to be a Ninja Marketer 🥷
From social media to email marketing we give you some inside tips to help you improve your marketing and grow your business.
Mike Wilson is the Founder and President of Temeka Group. He utilizes his strong leadership and management skills to oversee the job, from design to installation.
Today, we have an amazing in depth conversation with Mike Wilson, the founder of Temeka group and AnamiTech. Mike has been in the business for 31 years working to build everything from the Lakers fan store to huge cannabis retail stores. And Mike shares some insights for someone that might be wanting to create their own cannabis dispensary or retail store. He talks about how important the layout of your store is to customer experience, customer service, security.
He gives some insights on how you can use technology to really leverage your brand. And some creative things that Temeka is doing to help with compliance and give that customer experience a whole new level of just fun and delight, really for a customer, walking into a cannabis retail store to interact with the product in a brand new way.
Find out more at:
- Mike Wilson
- Temeka Group
- Anamitech
How do you get started opening your dream dispensary? It takes hard work, money, and a dream.
In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast we discuss some of the basics in opening a dispensary including costs, franchising and more. We also share insights into how much money you can make as a dispensary owner.
Plus, we dive into software solutions to help you launch and grow your thriving cannabis retail store.
Chris Lara heads up the Product and Business Development at GreenSpace Pro and is a Strategic Advisor to the Temeka Group.
In this episode of the podcast we chat with Chris Lara from GreenSpace Pro about what it takes to start an efficient and compliant dispensary. We also chat about the challenges facing cannabis retailers and how implementing a project management solution from the beginning of your business will help you grow and succeed in the cannabiz!
Find out more about Greenspace Pro at: greenspacepro.com
- How do I get started building a growing cannabis business?
- What are the most important things I need to know as a dispensary owner?
- How do I hire the right budtenders to help my business grow?
If you’re new to the cannabis industry or you’ve been working in it for a while, I want to invite you to listen to a brand new podcast from Kaya Push. The Kaya Cast podcast is all about helping cannabis retailers do what they love and share their stories.
I’m your host, Tom Mulhern, and I am so excited to explore the ever changing cannabis business world with you. Each week we’ll interview thought leaders from around the industry about their experience and expertise of working with cannabis.
We’ll also be releasing bonus episodes giving you essential insights to help you grow your business and be more effective in every aspect of your canna-career?
You can listen and subscribe to our free podcast wherever you download your favorite podcasts, including Apple , Spotify, Google and more.
Be sure to check out our website at kayacast.fm to access all of our past episodes and dive deeper into each episode of the podcast and our guests.
Thanks for listening and we can’t wait to share more stories, every week, on the all new Kaya Cast podcast!