Kaya Cast

Join our hosts Maria McCliggott and Tom Mulhern for the Kaya Cast 420 Podcast, where we'll talk about the best ways to maximize your sales during the biggest holiday of the year for dispensaries.

We'll talk about how to train your bud tenders, how to promote your sales and giveaways, and how to capture customer data. Plus, you'll find out how to enter our 420 giveaway.

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

• kayapush.com
• linkedin.com/company/kayacast
• linkedin.com/company/kayapush
• youtube.com/@kayacastpodcast
• instagram.com/kayapush
• twitter.com/kayapush
• facebook.com/KayaPush-106957791602546

 
#420Giveaway #KayaCast420 #MaximizeYourSales #TrainBudtenders #420Promotion #420Giveaway #CaptureCustomerData #KayaPush420 #KayaPush #420

Join us for a conversation with Joe Zahaitis, CEO of Bankcard International Group, as we dive deep into the cannabis industry, exploring the issues and challenges dispensaries face when it comes to banking and cash flow. 

We discuss the respect that dispensaries deserve as legitimate businesses, the impact they have on their communities, and the importance of questioning vendors. Joe's advice is that is always important to have options when it comes to your vendors. 

We also look at the payment landscape, ways to mitigate cash flow, and the backend reporting process. Join us as we discuss the current state of the cannabis industry, and what the future may hold for cannabis financing.
 
Joe Zahaitis is a relationship-focused, service-oriented entrepreneur, sales leader, speaker, consultant, radio broadcaster, woodworker, and trusted advisor to retail merchants and canna-business owners. 

Through an immersive study of the credit card processing business and a laser focus on customer service, Joe has achieved a stellar reputation within the payment arena and earned his company, BANKCARD INTERNATIONAL GROUP, a top industry standing. 
 
Find out more about Bankcard International Group at:

• bankcardinternationalgroup.com
• linkedin.com/in/joezahaitis
• linkedin.com/company/bankcard-international-group-corp
• youtube.com/@BIGHQS
• instagram.com/bighqs
• twitter.com/GroupBankcard
• facebook.com/BankcardInternational

In this interview from MjBizCon '22, I sit down the Jim Makoso, CEO of Flowe Technology, to explore the potential of the cannabis industry, even though it is still in its infancy. Building on Jim's experience as a cannabis enthusiast and entrepreneur, we chat about his background, his experience with the industry, and how to succeed in business. 

We'll also discuss the regulatory framework for cannabis and the potential impact of changes in federal legislation. Finally, we'll explore the potential of reparative justice in the cannabis industry, and how to make sure that small businesses are not negatively impacted in the process. Join us to learn how to be practical about business in the cannabis industry.
 
Jim Makoso has spent the last eight years as an active executive in the cannabis industry.  He is the CEO of Flowe Technology, and Managing Director of Lucid Brands, a state licensed cannabis processing company. 

Jim is also the Director of Northwest Labs, a Washington State approved licensed cannabis research organization. All of Jims corporate ventures focus on the science and technology associated with processing cannabis into cannabinoid infused derivative products. 

Jim serves as the co-chair of the Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force, a workgroup formed under the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities.  Jim believes in participating in thought leadership as a function of his development as a professional in the cannabis industry. 
 
Find out more about Flowe Technology at:

• flowetech.com
• lucidlabgroup.com
• linkedin.com/in/jim-makoso-a29ab26
• linkedin.com/company/flowe-technology
• www.instagram.com/flowetech

Join us on the Kaya Cast Podcast for a discussion with Zane Witzel, the founder of Cannador, about his journey of creating a cannabis humidor. We also cover the basics of cannabis storage, humidity levels and terpene profiles to keep your weed as fresh as can be. 
 
Together, we'll explore what it takes to grow a successful cannabis business and why you need to put blinders on and focus on pursuing your passions in business. Zane has built a successful internationally focused cannabis company, with products featured in top retail locations including Bloomingdales. 
 
Entrepreneur and cannabis enthusiast Zane Witzel founded Cannador in 2014 to help keep cannabis fresh and organized. He acquired US Patent Nos. 7,892,327 and 8,211,209, formerly owned by a cigar accessories company to regulate humidity in humidors and then rebranded to VaporBeads in order to serve both the cannabis and tobacco industry. 

Today, Cannador products can be seen on shelves from small boutiques to major retailers like Bloomingdales. He received his bachelor's from Pepperdine University in 2009, and MBA from the Drucker School of Management in 2012, and currently resides in Savannah, GA. 
 
Find out more about Cannador at:

• cannador.com
• linkedin.com/in/zanewitzel
• linkedin.com/company/cannador
• youtube.com/@Cannador-products
• instagram.com/cannador
• twitter.com/cannador
• facebook.com/cannador

In this special bonus episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast I continue my conversation with Meilad Rafiei as he unpacks the full application process for dispensaries from start to finish. 

We discuss the process of creating a business in a new community, including the importance of gaining insight into the community.  We also discuss how to write an effective business plan and the importance of understanding the application material. 

Meilad also discusses the timeline of the process, common mistakes to avoid, and the final steps in gaining approval and opening the business.

Meilad Rafiei is the CEO of Cannabis Real Estate Consultants (CREC) and WeCann. He was born in Iran and immigrated to California as a refugee, later graduating with a business finance degree from California State University. 

Meilad started his career in commercial real estate and went on to co-found Quest Preservation, a construction company that grew to a national level. He later got involved in the medical marijuana industry and served as President of a partnership group that managed a dispensary. He then went on to co-found WeCann, which provides support for cannabis business licensing and compliance management. 

Meilad has submitted around 150 cannabis business licensing applications, brokered over $150 million in commercial real estate, and is leading CREC and WeCann in a nationwide expansion.
 
Find out more about WeCann at:

• www.wecannca.com
• www.cannabisrealestateconsultants.com
• linkedin.com/in/meilad
• linkedin.com/company/wecann
• youtube.com/@wecannca
• instagram.com/Wecann.biz
• twitter.com/WeCannCA
• facebook.com/wecannca

Every business needs insurance, but cannabis business insurance can be really confusing. That's why Fady Kamel is on the Kaya Cast to share his insights into cannabis business insurance. 

Our interview explores the cannabis industry in North America, focusing on the risks associated with a new business in such a rapidly changing space. 

We cover topics such as the physical property, liability, break-ins, business interruption, stock and inventory, and branding. It also highlights the difference between the US and Canada in terms of regulations and insurance. 

Finally, it looks at the future of the cannabis industry, both in North America and worldwide.
 
Fady Kamel is a Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM) with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. He has held a variety of senior roles in both underwriting and financial services, and is an expert in risk management and insurance products. 

He is passionate about helping people understand how to manage their risk and how to protect their assets. At All-Risks Insurance Brokers Limited- Erin Mills they work with multiple Insurance companies to find their customers the best coverages and price for all you Insurance needs. 
 
Find out more about All-Risks Insurance Brokers Limited- Erin Mills at:

• https://retailcannabisinsurance.com/
• all-risks.com/erin-mills
• linkedin.com/in/fady-kamel-cip-crm-b2221a37
• linkedin.com/company/all-risks-insurance-brokers-limited
• instagram.com/fady.allrisksinsurance
• twitter.com/CannabisInsura1
• facebook.com/fkamelallrisks

Charles McElroy is the founder of GoldLeaf, an educational design company, making elegant and functional print items for the cannabis industry. Charles builds on his experience of engineering, fashion, design, music production, and cannabis to create a unique company, aimed at educating and empowering the cannabis community through design.

In our conversation we explore ways to compete in the cannabis industry and strategies for building a strong web presence that brings in new customers. Charles shares the secrets of SEO including creating a fast and ADA-compliant website as well as creating experiences to keep customers engaged. 

We also discuss the impact of federal descheduling of cannabis and Goldleaf's design centric approach to education of cannabis customers and budtenders.

Charles McElroy is the founder of Goldleaf, an educational printing company focusing on botanical science. They create functional and unique printed items for the cannabis and coffee communities. Goldleaf's mission is to make the science behind the plant more approachable and beautifully accessible through design. 

A former volunteer with Marijuana Policy Project, a history supporting veterans' education and access to medical marijuana, and several years studying permaculture and organic farming in Ohio and Colorado, McElroy created Goldleaf to benefit the evolving recreational and medical cannabis communities. Goldleaf products are available worldwide and the company also provides custom design services, now adorning select dispensaries and white-label products across the U.S. and Canada. 

Formerly COO at Noble Denim & Victor Athletics, a sustainable and ethical clothing manufacturer, McElroy holds a B.S. in Engineering Technology and Management from Ohio University.
 
Find out more about Goldleaf at:

• shopgoldleaf.com
• linkedin.com/in/christmanhersha
• linkedin.com/company/goldleafltd
• instagram.com/gldleaf
• facebook.com/goldleafltd

#GoldLeaf #CannabisDesign #CannabisIndustry #CannabisEducation #CannabisCommunity #Design #MusicProduction #ADAcompliant #CannabisDescheduling #CannabisCustomers #Budtenders #SEO #CompetingInCannabis #WebPresence #EngagingCustomers

Some of the best business ideas come when we take the time to reflect on innovative ways to think outside the box. The best place to reflect is sitting on a beach in Florida, with a cold drink in your hand, watching the ocean waves.  That's exactly where Alex Boone was inspired to start Botani, a premium hemp paper company for cannabis products. 

From there, the idea developed and Alex has now created a company that works with cannabis producers to create premium cannabis products that are sustainable and consistent every time. Botani provides all natural hemp rolling papers and booklets, and they have invested in new equipment to reduce energy and water consumption. 

We also discuss brand integrity and how brands should ensure that products that are labeled as natural are actually natural.
 
Alex Boone is managing director of Botani, maker of premium botanical and hemp paper products for cannabis use. Botani, is an offshoot of the SWM Group of Mativ Inc. (formerly SWM international), where Alex is also VP/GM alternative markets.

With nearly 20 years of experience within SWM, Alex has led sales, marketing and product development teams for North American and international markets. In 2018, Alex was a part of SWM's entrance into the cannabis and hemp markets. Alex received his bachelor of arts in management from Gettysburg College.
 
Find out more about Botani at:

• botani.com
• linkedin.com/in/alex-boone-1b2a8b13
• linkedin.com/company/botani-by-swm
• youtu.be/KL0n-ju5bt0
• instagram.com/botani_intl

#BusinessIdeas #Innovation #ThinkOutsideTheBox #Reflect #FloridaBeach #AlexBoone #Botani #PremiumHempPaper #CannabisProducts #Sustainable #NaturalHemp #BrandIntegrity #NaturalProducts

With over 150+ cannabis applications submitted and win rate of 87%, Meilad Rafiei is a trusted cannabis licensing and business consultant. 

In our interview Meilad discusses the challenges and pitfalls of starting a cannabis operation. He talks about the importance of marketing, location, and funding in building a successful cannabis business. 

He also emphasizes the significance of hiring trusted consultants to navigate the complicated regulatory landscape and avoid common mistakes. 

The interview also covers tips for selecting a suitable market, the impact of overregulation on the cash flow of operators, and the benefits of being the first player in a new market.
 
Meilad Rafiei is the CEO of Cannabis Real Estate Consultants (CREC) and WeCann. He was born in Iran and immigrated to California as a refugee, later graduating with a business finance degree from California State University. 

Meilad started his career in commercial real estate and went on to co-found Quest Preservation, a construction company that grew to a national level. He later got involved in the medical marijuana industry and served as President of a partnership group that managed a dispensary. He then went on to co-found WeCann, which provides support for cannabis business licensing and compliance management. 

Meilad has submitted around 150 cannabis business licensing applications, brokered over $150 million in commercial real estate, and is leading CREC and WeCann in a nationwide expansion.
 
Find out more about WeCann at:

• www.wecannca.com
• www.cannabisrealestateconsultants.com
• linkedin.com/in/meilad
• linkedin.com/company/wecann
• youtube.com/@wecannca
• instagram.com/Wecann.biz
• twitter.com/WeCannCA
• facebook.com/wecannca

 
#CannabisConsulting
#CannabisApplications
#CannabisLicensing
#CannabisBusiness
#CannabisOperations
#CannabisMarketing
#CannabisLocation
#CannabisFunding
#CannabisRegulatoryLandscape
#CannabisTips
#CannabisMarket
#CannabisCashFlow
#CannabisFirstPlayer

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As a pharmacist-turned-dispensary-owner Monica Werkheiser has a unique perspective as she navigates the ever changing cannabis industry. From talking to patients about specific needs and learning more about the plant, to understanding the legalities and nuances of the business. She shares her experiences, successes, and struggles of starting and running a dispensary in New Jersey.

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We also talk about how to use cannabis as a treatment for different illnesses and how to effectively dose cannabis for patients for a variety of health concerns. We also discuss the importance of providing access and re-entry points for those who are new to cannabis or coming back after a long hiatus. 

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Monica Werkheiser is a former pharmacy manager who also managed a line of medical cannabis dispensaries in Pennsylvania before being awarded a recreational license in New Jersey, where she is readying here shop, Canna Remedies, for open in Fall 2023. 

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Find out more about Canna Remedies at:

• cannaremediesnj.com
• ‍linkedin.com/in/monica-werkheiser-13756915
• ‍instagram.com/canna_remedies_nj