Kaya Cast

In this eye-opening and thought-provoking episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with the incredibly inspiring JM Balbuena. As a woman of color, an immigrant, and a military veteran, JM shares her unique perspective on the cannabis industry and how it serves as a unifying force for various communities. Together, they discuss the healing power of cannabis and the urgent need for more inclusive and sustainable practices within the industry.

From her journey navigating the dynamic cannabis space as an entrepreneur to the importance of being educated about the plant, JM provides valuable insights on the challenges faced daily and the tremendous potential of the industry. As both an advocate and educator, she stresses the significance of striking a balance between advocacy, profit, and education to effectively bring positive change.

Moreover, JM talks about her latest book, which gives readers a realistic portrayal of the cannabis world while providing them with essential educational resources. As a special treat for our listeners, we're giving away a free copy of JM Balbuena's book! Tune in to learn how to get your hands on this must-read gem.
 
Navy veteran JM Balbuena is an author, filmmaker, advocate, and entrepreneur focused on empowering aspiring leaders in the rapidly growing legal cannabis space. JM’s debut book, The Successful Canna-preneur, does exactly this, while awarding JM with “Cannabis Educator of the Year” by the 2021 Las Vegas Cannabis Awards and “100 Latinas Shaping The World” by The New Latina. JM received a Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal for her dedicated service as Aviation Electronics Tech in the United States Navy between 2010 to 2014. 

With a focus on business development, strategic planning, and execution, JM successfully runs BSW (Boycott Shitty Weed), promoting advocacy through fashion and muti-media including Web3 and blockchain integration. She also leads Synergy Studios, providing filmmaking, content creation, and executive production to leading brands in the cannabis industry. JM currently serves as CMO for Prime Harvest Inc., a technology-focused full-service cannabis corporation horizontally diversified across various segments of the cannabis value chain including licensing acquisition and compliance management, direct-to-consumer operations, and parent company of Jaxx Cannabis, a San Diego based retailer.

Additionally, JM is cofounder of Palenque Provisions, a family owned Latinx food manufacturer headquartered in New Jersey. JM holds a Bachelor of Science Marketing from University of Scranton; Bachelor of Arts Media Production from Platt College; Masters Business Administration Marketing from University of Phoenix; and a Masters in Information Systems Management from National University. JM’s Successful Canna-preneur is accessible online via podcast, documentary (TBA 2023), audiobook, and is pending its first print in Spanish. JM is quickly becoming a prominent thought leader in cannabis, Latinx affairs, women empowerment, social equity, military veteran advocacy, Web3 multi-media, and wealth generation. 
 
Find out more about Synergy Studios  at:

• https://www.synergystudios.tv/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannbalbuena/
• https://primeharvestinc.com/
• https://www.thesuccessfulcannapreneur.com
• https://jaxxcannabis.com/
• https://bswnation.com/
• https://weed4thepeople.com/

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we are joined by Summer Thorn and Angelita Green, two experts in the cannabis accounting field. They share their insights on how New York's recent decoupling from 280e allows cannabis business owners to take deductions on their state tax return, and the importance of having an industry-specific accountant to navigate the ever-changing regulations.

Summer and Angelita emphasize the importance of working within the compliance of 280e and maintaining an ongoing conversation with your accountant. They also discuss the key components of the balance sheet and income statement that cannabis business owners need to pay attention to, stressing the importance of regular inventory counts and budget planning.

Our guests also share their perspectives on the gross profit trends in the cannabis industry, the demand for legal products, and the challenges faced by social equity license holders in obtaining capital. Despite facing challenges that are unique to the cannabis industry, Summer and Angelita highlight the resilience and determination of cannabis business owners who continue to thrive in the face of adversity.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about navigating the complexities of cannabis accounting and the bright future of the industry!
 
Summer Thorn spent the first 11 years of her professional career in the United States Air Force where she served her country honorably both at home and abroad and in deployment to Iraq. Summer used her GI Bill and completed her bachelor’s degree at the Darla Moore School of Business and then went on to earn her Certified Public Accounting license and her Master’s in Business Administration. Summer first became interested in the cannabis space during her time in college, where she minored in criminal justice and learned of the racial injustice the punitive drug laws cause. While this information stuck with her, she wasn't exactly sure how her degree in accounting could help. She realized she could use her expertise to help the emerging cannabis industry with her knowledge of accounting and started her own accounting firm; Dope CPA. 

Angelita Green has over 20 years of experience in accounting and tax. She has been working with cannabis clients for 7 years, from seed to sale and is a continuous student of Cannabis Accounting. A member of the National Association of Cannabis and Tax Professionals, where she continues to receive cannabis training and network with other accountants in the industry. She is also VIP Member of DOPE CFO, Women's Cannabis Chamber of Cannabis, NORML, as well as Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA).
 
Find out more about Cannabis Accounting at:

• www.dopecpa.org
• www.newleafea.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/summernthorn/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dope-cpa/
• https://www.facebook.com/dopeCPA
• https://www.instagram.com/dope.cpa/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/newleafea/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-leaf-ea-corporation/

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we welcome Tommy Truong, CEO of Kaya Push, as he shares his insights on the importance of having the right team and strategy in place to scale your cannabis dispensary business. 

Tommy talks about the correlation between where the owner spends their time and the size of the business, the importance of having the right employees in place, and the art of scaling. 

He also provides valuable advice on hiring and developing the right team members for your dispensary, managing inventory and cash, and how to leverage KPIs to identify exceptional team members.
 
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. 
 
Find out more about Kaya Push at:

• kayapush.com
• linkedin.com/in/tommy-truong
• linkedin.com/company/kayapush
• youtube.com/@kayacastpodcast
• instagram.com/kayapush
• twitter.com/kayapush
• facebook.com/kayapushsoftware

In this episode of the Kaya Cast podcast, we dive into the fascinating intersection of cannabis and technology with Adam Hutchinson from CannaSpyglass. We explore how the cannabis industry is the first emerging market to benefit from the current era of open technology, allowing businesses to access and move data without needing a team of experts. Our guests discuss the importance of utilizing data and technology to improve decision-making and financials, as well as the value of offloading clerical work to focus on core business strategies.

We also touch on the importance of avoiding the "build it and they will come" mentality, and instead focusing on a minimum viable product that allows clients to guide development. Hear about real-life examples of businesses using data to reinforce their intuition and make informed decisions about dispensary locations.

Looking ahead, our guests envision a future where cannabis business executives can seamlessly monitor and manage their operations from seed to sale with the help of platforms like CannaSpyglass. They also share valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of networking, collaboration, and learning from the successes and failures of others.

Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of cannabis and technology, and how these two worlds are coming together to create a more efficient and innovative industry.
 
Find out more about CannaSpyglass at:

• https://cannaspyglass.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hutchinson-38088154
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannaspyglass
• https://www.instagram.com/cannaspyglass
• https://twitter.com/cannaspyglass
• https://www.facebook.com/CannaSpyglass

In this eye-opening episode of Kaya Cast, we're joined by Margit Whitlock, Principal / Creative Director at ACI Architectural Concepts Inc, as we dive deep into the importance of design, branding, and lighting in your cannabis facility to not only attract new customers, but keep them coming back for more! 

Discover the crucial role your reputation plays in creating a loyal customer base and referral business, and learn how to navigate the challenges of permits and property rental while setting up your cannabis facility. Margit shares her expert advice on understanding your brand's vibe and aligning it with your facility's design, as well as the significance of having a happy, empowered staff for growing your business and keeping customers satisfied. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights from an industry leader - tune in now!
 
Margit Whitlock is an AIA licensed architect and the CEO of 4Designs, an interior design and architecture firm specializing in cannabis-related projects. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Margit has been at the forefront of designing and building dispensaries, grow rooms, and extraction labs. 

As an expert in the cannabis industry, she has been featured in numerous podcasts and publications to discuss her work, and to offer solutions to the industry’s unique challenges. Margit is passionate about creating safe and responsible spaces for cannabis businesses to thrive. She has a unique insight into the industry, and is a great resource for anyone interested in breaking into the cannabis business.
 
Find out more about ACI Architectural Concepts Inc at:

• 4designs.com
• linkedin.com/in/margitwhitlockaia
• linkedin.com/company/aci-architectural-concepts-inc
• instagram.com/architecturalconceptsinc
• twitter.com/ArchitectMargit
• facebook.com/Architectural-Concepts-Inc-111988855529960

In this episode of Kaya Cast, we dive into the complexities of taxes and finances in the cannabis industry with Zach Gordon, VP of Accounting at Propeller Industries. Zach shares insights on the importance of understanding tax codes like 280e, maintaining proper cash reserves, and keeping up with ever-changing state regulations. 

We also discuss the potential of blockchain technology for compliance and reporting, the challenges and opportunities in New York's cannabis market, and the importance of cultivating a fun and growth-oriented company culture. Join us for this informative and entertaining conversation that covers all aspects of navigating the financial side of the cannabis business!
 
Zachary Gordon is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over fourteen years of professional experience in financial statement compilations, reviews, and audits, technology and financial framework implementations, and business advisory services. He has advised clients in various industries, including crypto, cannabis, real estate, healthcare, nonprofit, fintech, media, and consumer goods. Currently, he serves as VP-Accounting for a portfolio of Propeller clients.

Before joining Propeller, Zach held leadership positions in public accounting firms and startups, where he worked as a Controller, Auditor, and Director of Finance & Operations. He was also a founding member and managing partner of a cannabis-focused technology incubator and investment group based in New York.
 
Find out more about Propellor Industries at:

• propellerindustries.com
• linkedin.com/in/zacharygordon-cpa
• linkedin.com/company/propeller-industries
• instagram.com/propellerindustries
• twitter.com/propellerind
• facebook.com/PropellerIndustries

In this episode of Kaya Cast, we dive deep into the importance of authenticity, community, and representation in the cannabis industry. 

Susie Placencia who is the Brand Partner for Humo, shares her journey of self-discovery and the magic that happened when she embraced her true identity as a Latina, a corporate person, and a cannabis user. She shares insights into how focusing on serving the community and staying true to one's passions can lead to success and positive change in the industry.

As a Latina-led brand, Humo is on a mission to repair the harm done by the war on drugs to black and brown communities. Susie emphasizes the power of supporting diverse and women-owned brands and how doing so can send a message to investors about the importance of diversity in the industry. So sit back, light up, and join us for this powerful conversation on the Kaya Cast.
 
Susie Plascencia is the Brand Partner at Humo Cannabis where she oversees brand development, social media, marketing, and sales. A Latina entrepreneur, storyteller  and cannabis advocate, Susie leads the pioneering, Mexican-American owned craft cannabis company’s commitment to providing meaningful representation in an industry that has caused disproportionate harm to Latino communities. In 2020, Merry Jane Media named Susie a top “cannabis power player.” In 2022, Marijuana Venture included Susie in their 40 Under 40 that highlights rising stars in the industry. 

Susie is especially passionate about Latina representation in the cannabis industry. She’s a proud Trojan and alumna of the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California where she holds a Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. Susie is also co-founder of MOTA Glass, a leading brand of US-made functional glass.

Find out more about Humo at:

• https://www.gethumo.com/
• https://twitter.com/susieplascencia
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/susieplascencia/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/gethumo/
• https://www.instagram.com/latinas_cannabis
• https://www.instagram.com/susieplascencia
• https://www.instagram.com/get.humo
• https://www.instagram.com/susiegreens

In this episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tom Mulhern interviews Abigail Davidson, CEO and founder of Old Woods Business Services. 

Abigail shares her expertise in helping cannabis businesses during their incubation period, setting them up for success through tools and procedures. They also discuss the importance of planning for tax bills, setting up proper systems, and delegating tasks to qualified individuals. 

Abigail emphasizes the importance of tax planning and finding an aligned CPA, as well as the importance of staying in the lane that you love and delegating out the rest. Learn about Old Woods Business Services, their management bootcamp, and Abigail's passion for business incubation.
 
Abigail Davidson is the owner and founder of Old Woods Business Services, a bookkeeping and management consulting business specializing in up and coming industries, based out of Albany, Maine. Old Woods brings their unique personality to their clients and their businesses. With the goal of being transparent with their clients, and make sure they have the highest level of satisfaction possible.
 
Find out more about Old Woods Business Services at:

• https://oldwoods.co
• https://oldwoods.co/pages/online-consulting
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-davidson-22a527b9/
• https://www.instagram.com/oldwoods.bizservices
• https://www.facebook.com/OldWoodsBusinessServices

Tune into my conversation with Ed Keating, host of the Canna Curio podcast and a co-founder of Cannabiz Media. Cannabiz Media is the leading provider of go-to-market solutions for the cannabis and hemp industry. 

In this podcast, we explore the complexities of the cannabis industry, from the regulations to the technology used to track the inventory and licenses. 

We'll also look into the data available to help dispensary owners make informed decisions about inventory, look at the opportunities and challenges facing in the industry, and how to stay compliant while being profitable. Tune in to understand how to make the most of your resources in the cannabis industry.
 
Ed Keating is a co-founder of Cannabiz Media and oversees the company’s data research and government relations efforts. He has spent his career working with and advising information companies in the compliance space. Ed has managed product, marketing, and sales while overseeing complex multijurisdictional product lines in the securities, corporate, UCC, safety, environmental, and human resource markets.

At Cannabiz Media, Ed enjoys the challenge of working with regulators across the globe as he and his team gather corporate, financial, and license information to track the people, products, and businesses in the cannabis economy.

Ed graduated from Hamilton College and received his MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.
 
Find out more about Cannabiz Media at:

• cannabiz.media
• cannabiz.media/blog-category/podcasts
• linkedin.com/in/edkeating
• linkedin.com/company/cannabiz-media
• instagram.com/cannabizmedia
• twitter.com/CannabizMedia
• facebook.com/cannabizmedia

On this episode of the podcast we speak with Katelyn Coseky who is a former bud tender turned Director Of Business Development at Point Seven Group. 

Together, we explore the importance of investing in bud tenders and how it can improve business success. We'll discuss the need for educating bud tenders, providing further education opportunities and offering competitive salaries or hourly rates. 

We'll also look at technical writing and storytelling skills needed for cannabis applications. We discuss the importance of networking and community engagement when launching your new dispensary. And why you need to focus on compliance, inventory tracking, and creating a family atmosphere in your dispensary. 

Tune in to hear tips and tricks on how to improve retention and stand out from competitors.
 
For the six years prior to joining Point Seven Group, Katelyn rose quickly into a leadership position for a large vertical operation in Colorado. where she supervised eight dispensary locations and served as the Metrc and compliance director for a 40,000 sq. ft. site with over 9,000 plants. Her role included oversight of all compliance requirements for the company’s five cultivation licenses. 

Katelyn supports Point7’s clients as a senior operations consultant, sharing her extensive experience in dispensary and cultivation operations including compliance, financial reporting, inventory management, staffing, training, SOP development, and seed-to-sale tracking.
 
Find out more about Point Seven Group at:

• pointsevengroup.com
• linkedin.com/in/katelyn-coskey
• linkedin.com/company/point-seven-group
• instagram.com/pointsevengroup
• facebook.com/pointsevengroup

 
To enter the Kaya Push 420 Giveaway head over to kayapush.com/420giveaway  and enter the secret code: KayaCast420 for extra chances to win.