Kaya Cast

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we're sitting down with Krysta Jones from THC Girls, a prominent figure in the cannabis industry, for an insightful discussion on growing and scaling cannabis businesses.

During our conversation, Krysta shares her strategies for staying lean and not overextending herself, the power of community and reputation in fostering success, and the significance of choosing the right products. She also emphasizes on the importance of having a concrete business plan inclusive of a budget, passion and the right location. 

Krysta candidly talks about the common misconceptions many newcomers have about the industry and highlights the pitfalls of jumping in without a strong understanding of the dynamics of the cannabis space. 

Beyond business strategies, Krysta discusses the vital aspects of building a community in the cannabis retail sector, from the influence of bud tenders for driving the brands and products to the need for staying connected and minimizing industry exhaustion. 

Don’t miss this engaging episode full of industry insight and actionable advice! Tune in to gain from Krysta's experiences and insights in the cannabis community.
 
A visionary Entrepreneur with over a decade of Commercial Cannabis experience in multiple markets across the nation.

Krysta is responsible for injecting creativity and innovation in all areas of the Cannabis space. From Cultivation to marketing and branding, her hard work has been recognized by many publications such as Respect my Region, Marijuana Venture, and many more. Krysta was also recognized in Yahoos finest for Top 20 Women in Business. Her work ethics are equally matched with her master’s abilities to cultivate quality in both agriculture and in business.

When Krysta isn’t busy creating businesses from the ground up or implementing strategies to make them successful, she is working on building her in house team of THC GIRLS to help build and guide individually and alongside them.
 
Find out more about THC Girls at:

• https://www.thehighcountrygirls.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/@THCGirls
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/krysta-jones-860b50132/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/thc-girls/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@thehighcountrygirls
• https://instagram.com/thehighcountrygirls
• https://twitter.com/thcgirls
• https://www.facebook.com/THEHIGHCOUNTRYGIRLS/

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with Cal McDonald from Solink, who shares valuable insights on how cannabis business owners can maximize operational efficiency, maintain compliance and scale their dispensaries. McDonald highlights the need for businesses to focus on compliance due to the volume of transactions and staff management challenges typical in this blossoming industry.

We discuss how the passion of a business owner shapes the direction they steer their time and energy towards, making sure the business runs harmoniously. Cal insists that focusing on the foundational elements of running a successful business is crucial.

We also cover the importance of high-tier security considerations when setting up a cannabis business, walking you through the balance between compliance and operations, shedding light on the essential use of video cameras, control access, security systems, and battery backups.

If you're a business owner or manager considering expansion, Cal provides expert tips on how to effectively manage multiple locations by streamlining operational processes, maintaining a consistent customer experience, and monitoring employee behavior. 

Lastly, Cal shares his top tip for business owners aiming to increase efficiency within their operation: automate as much as possible and value your time appropriately.

Whether you're a new business owner in the cannabis industry or looking for ways to enhance your existing operations, this episode is packed with practical information and expert advice to help you achieve success in this thriving market.
 
Cal McDonald is the Territory Manager for the Cannabis Industry at Solink, a video security company that empowers businesses to perform better through the use of smart technology and analytics.

Cal holds a Business degree in Marketing from the University of Ottawa. At Solink, Cal oversees the implementation of video surveillance in the cannabis industry and is utilizing his skills to make Solink the go-to solution for businesses requiring video surveillance and loss prevention services.
 
Find out more about Solink at:

• https://solink.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calmcdonald/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/solink/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZ4xCedLLQ6eOT77FqN_Sw
• https://twitter.com/SolinkCorp
• https://www.facebook.com/solinkcorp/

This week we speak with Lisa Petty, the Director of Marketing for Lift Events and Experiences. Discover how Lift lives by its fun and personal values, embedding these qualities into each of their unique cannabis events. 

Cannabis retail is far from a "one-size-fits-all" approach - Lisa drives this point home as she emphasizes the importance of identifying what makes your store stand out from the rest. Dive into the concept of creating a unique space for your customers and how to establish meaningful relationships with them. 

Ever wonder how to really make your brand identity resonate with customers? Lisa does a deep dive, explaining why treating customers like stakeholders is a high-yield strategy. She discusses methods of incorporating their feedback into elements like your logo, store menu, and even new product introductions.

We also explore the concept of a "Meet Cute" marketing strategy - that one unique customer experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Listen as Lisa shares insights from brands that have crafted memorable meet cutes and how your dispensary can create one too.

Marketing is a crucial backbone in any business. Lisa shares some epic strategies that have proven to be effective, putting emphasis on the valuable role of micro-influencers and how to tap into this reservoir potential.
 
Our guest today is an established professional in the Media & Marketing sector, specifically in Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle, Lisa Petty. Lisa is the Marketing Director for Lift Events & Experiences, managed by MCI, the global leader in engaging and activating audiences.

With a robust career spanning over 15+ years, Lisa has gained an impressive skill set, including Branding, Global Positioning, Strategic Events & Activations, Content Marketing, Logo & Graphic Ideation, and Social Media. Her other areas of expertise encompass Public Relations, Influencer Marketing, and Media Partnerships. As a team leader, she has excelled in Management & Mentoring roles, instilling her knowledge and insights into the up-and-coming generation of marketing professionals. Today, she joins us to share her thoughts on how dispensaries can leverage events for community awareness.
 
Find out more about Lift Events and Experiences  at:

• https://liftexpo.ca/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagoodmanpetty/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifteventsandexperiences/
• https://www.instagram.com/liftandco/
• https://twitter.com/lift_events
• https://www.facebook.com/liftandcoexpo

In this enlightening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we dive deep into the strategies and practices of successful cannabis businesses with Mike Wilson, CEO of Temeka Group and GreenSpacePro. Mike believes that success in the cannabis industry doesn't come easy. It relies on hard work, an impeccable work ethic, and business discretion.

One of the key challenges that Mike identifies is managing multi-location businesses before a system comes into place, sharing that many businesses are reactionary rather than proactive. He discusses the critical importance of implementing best practices and reducing the typical chaos that ensues when audits are imminent.

In a sector where staff turnover can lead to valuable insights walking out of the door, Mike stresses the importance of safeguarding institutional knowledge within the business. His advice? Move away from static spreadsheets on individual drives and laptops, and move all information into a central system that offers control and consistency.

As New York is a hotbed of growth and opportunity for the cannabis industry, Mike provides invaluable advice for those looking to open a dispensary there. The key to success, according to Mike, lies in understanding your budget realistically, reverse engineering performance expectations, and doing thorough homework before making any decisions.

Exploring promising areas for growth in cannabis, Mike mentions the possible impacts of acts like the Safe Banking Act and descheduling, which could potentially provide access to much-needed capital. He also expresses excitement about developments in Minnesota and the hope for sound regulatory frameworks that support a successful program.

Finally, Mike shares his number one tip for dispensaries looking to launch, grow or scale - having a clear line of sight and a repeatable system that is not dependent on personnel. As always, accountability is key. 
 
Mike Wilson is the founder and CEO of GreenSpacePro, a cannabis business platform designed to bring together business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors in the cannabis industry. Mike is an experienced entrepreneur, having started and sold several businesses in the past, as well as developed a successful real estate portfolio as Founder and President of Temeka Group. He is an expert in the business of cannabis, and is passionate about helping the industry grow. 
 
Find out more about GreenSpacePro at:

• https://www.greenspacepro.com/
• https://www.temekagroup.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-wilson-1107a960/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenspacepro/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIwjSuwyReuH7kzWH1KuLsg
• https://www.instagram.com/greenspace_pro/
• https://twitter.com/GreenSpacePro1
• https://www.facebook.com/GreenSpacePro

In this exciting new episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we dive deep into the world of dispensary growth and digital customer experiences with Jack Blaeser from Mosaic. Discover insights from his experience in providing integrated technological solutions for the cannabis industry and learn how to leverage good technology to create a better customer experience. Jack provides tips on choosing the right technology, how to best utilize it, and how a powerful tech stack can turn into a competitive advantage.

We also discuss the challenges and solutions for scaling dispensaries from one location to multiple ones. Jack draws parallels between the playbook of successful companies like Starbucks and how dispensaries can ensure a consistent customer experience across locations with the right platform. 

Drawing attention to two largely overlooked segments: illicit users and potential new users, Jack underscores the importance of creating a familiar customer experience to attract them into the legalized space. Understand the role of education in helping to adopt these new users and offering more value and choices to illicit market consumers. 

Don't miss out on our conversation about emerging tech trends in the cannabis industry, specifically around data collection and analysis. Learn how it empowers businesses to make better decisions and how Mosaic leverages this data to improve customer loyalty and gain competitive advantage.

Finally, hear Jack's number one tip for cannabis business owners - keeping customer focus front and center, and harnessing data and technology to understand customers better. Tune in to absorb some rich insights and strategies to take your dispensary to new heights!
 
Our guest today is Jack Blaeser, the founder and CEO of Mosaic Green, a company revolutionizing digital solutions for dispensaries with their industry-first all-in-one branded app, payment, and loyalty platform. He's a trailblazer in the tech and business sectors with vast experience as a CEO and board member across tech, software, insurance and nonprofits where he's remarkably raised capital, managed M&A, and crafted winning strategies. In addition, he's served as a board director for Wedge and the Freedom Educational Foundation, giving back to underprivileged communities in Ghana. 
 
Find out more about Mosaic at:

• https://mosaic.green/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackblaeser/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/mosaic-green/
• https://www.instagram.com/mosaic.green

In this electrifying episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, we dive deep with Munir Haque from Cure8, a seasoned expert in the cannabis business. He reveals some security challenges new cannabis businesses encounter while setting up, including the intricate process of compliance with different market regulations and choosing the best spots for security cameras.

Munir emphasizes the importance of vetting vendors deeply, especially their experience in the cannabis industry and their knowledge gained from mistakes made in other markets. He also reveals his belief in the value of dreams and the pursuit of opening multiple locations. Still, he highlights the importance of understanding the differences required in scale, investment, and potential for profit in each new place.

You'll learn about securing personal space, especially for multi-site operators, and the benefits of consolidating everything under one umbrella through one app or portal. Munir also provides insight into how security systems can help improve business operations. He discusses the importance of internet security in maintaining a compliant and secure cannabis business, particularly safeguarding valuable patient information contained in POS or med state.

Finally, Munir shares his number one tip for business owners looking to scale their business: be discerning about your partnerships. In this line of business, growth and progress can only be possible with the proper collaboration. Tune in for an enlightening conversation!
 
Munir is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced cannabis technology experts in North America. He specializes in retail technology and security and has worked closely with cannabis retailers to design, set up, and manage over 100 dispensaries in the last few years.

One thing that sets Munir apart is that he has deep, ground-level experience in retail management, so he understands the day-to-day needs and frustrations of retail managers and employees better than most.
 
Find out more about Cure8 at:

• https://www.cure8.tech/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/munir-haque-b684ab7a/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/cure8-tech/
• https://twitter.com/Cure8Tech
• https://www.facebook.com/cure8.tech

In this fascinating episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with Matt Ritchey from Inner Circle for a deep dive into the concept of Masterminds within the cannabis business community. Matt helps us unravel the initial hesitation within the cannabis space and the journey toward understanding and embracing the Mastermind concept. 

Matt further explains the 95% rule of challenges in business and breaks down the concept of secret sauce within an industry, asserting that what truly matters is the execution strategy. Talking about the significant mindset a leader needs to thrive in this industry, Matt emphasizes the importance of a growth and abundance mindset and creating a culture as a magnet for like-minded individuals. He gives practical advice on shifting away from a scarcity mindset, critical characteristics for identifying growth-minded individuals, and effective communication strategies within a team.

Matt ends the episode with strategic advice on how cannabis businesses can accelerate growth. He recommends surrounding yourself with skilled professionals and highlighting human capital's importance. He advises companies to be unattached and put ego aside to let the market be the driving factor. This episode is an essential guide with rich insights and actionable advice for cannabis business owners looking to scale.
 
Matthew Ritchey is a passionate and innovative business growth strategist with over 15 years of experience in driving impactful results for small and medium-sized businesses. As the CEO of InnerCircle, a vetted and private community for leaders and advocates in the canna and alternative plant medicine industries, Matthew empowers companies to unlock their potential and achieve long-term, sustainable success through carefully crafted growth strategies, operational improvements, and effective leadership development.

Adept at helping businesses adapt to the ever-evolving cannabis business landscape, Matthew is  sought after for his unique ability to align companies with their corporate objectives, optimize their performance, and establish effective growth strategies that yield results. With a keen eye for identifying inefficiencies and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, he has built a solid reputation for leading businesses towards achieving their goals while fostering healthy company cultures.
 
Find out more about Inner Circle at:

• https://innercircle.biz/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewritchey/
• https://www.instagram.com/mrcannabisevents/
• https://twitter.com/TheMattRitchey
• https://www.facebook.com/mrcanna/

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