Kaya Cast

Welcome to the Kaya Cast, the podcast for cannabis businesses looking to launch, grow, and scale their operations. In this episode, we dive deep into inventory controls with Aly from Budding Operations, who brings over 12 years of experience in the cannabis industry. Learn best practices for receiving inventory, managing accounts, and preparing for regulatory audits. 

Aly shares insights on assessing staff capacity, structuring your backend team, and hiring the right candidates. If you have questions about your dispensary's back-of-house operations, this episode is for you. Tune in for expert advice to streamline your inventory processes!
 
Highlights
00:00 Introduction to Inventory Controls
00:13 Guest Introduction: Aly from Budding Operations
00:47 Assessing Staff Capacity and Adequacy
01:12 Staffing Models: Fulfillment vs. Deli Style
02:06 Roles and Responsibilities in Inventory Management
03:00 Hiring for Inventory Roles
04:14 Industries with Transferable Skills
04:55 Scheduling and Adequate Staffing
07:51 Receiving Inventory Best Practices
09:37 Controlling Theft and Inventory Counts
14:09 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Inventory
28:27 Training and Compliance
31:38 State Inspection Audits
35:00 Conclusion and Contact Information 

Find out more about Budding Operations at:
https://www.buddingoperations.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buddingoperationscompliance/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/budding-operations/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCwI4AdR1L1jCYI8KNzDxLEg 

Subscribe and listen to our podcast on any platform!

#cannabisindustry #podcast #kayacast #businesstips #cannabisdispensary

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the KayaCast Podcast, your go-to source for all things cannabis business. In today’s show, we’re thrilled to have Tommy Truong from KayaPush join us to explore the intricate process of scaling your dispensary. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to expand, this episode packs a wealth of invaluable insights.

Tommy breaks down the three critical stages of business growth, starting from being a jack-of-all-trades in the startup phase to reaching the pinnacle where your team outshines even yourself. He delves into the importance of understanding your business through the major processes that drive your store, assessing your team, and ensuring you have the right people to support your expansion.

Among the core topics discussed, Tommy emphasizes the vital practice of slowing down to build a robust foundation for growth. He shares strategic exercises to assess your current operations and team, helping you identify strengths, weaknesses, and key performance indicators that are essential before considering expansion.

For more insights and resources, don't forget to subscribe to the KayaCast Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and visit our website for the full archive of episodes. Get ready to take your cannabis business to the next level!

If you enjoyed this episode and you’re looking to expand your cannabis business, remember to like or subscribe wherever you’re listening. Your support greatly helps broaden our community and reach more cannabis entrepreneurs like yourself.
 
Find out more about KayaPush at:
https://www.instagram.com/kayapush/
https://www.kayapush.com/podcast-episodes

 
#KayaCastPodcast #CannabisBusinessInsights #TommyTruong #KayaPush #ScalingYourDispensary #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowthStrategies #TeamAssessment #BuildingABusinessFoundation #KeyPerformanceIndicators #CannabisEntrepreneurCommunity #ExpandingYourBusiness #CannabisIndustryInsights #TeamBuilding #StartupPhase #BusinessJourney #GrowYourDispensary #CannabisIndustryExperts #EntrepreneurSupport #PodcastCommunity #CannabisEntrepreneurship

Celebrate two years of insightful cannabis business conversations with us on this very special episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast. In this episode, host Tommy Truong shares riveting stories from his diverse entrepreneurial background and dives deep into what it takes to not only survive but thrive in the cannabis industry.

Tommy takes us on a journey through his early beginnings in the Dungeness crab distribution business - a venture that taught him the harsh realities of commodity markets and the importance of having control over supply and differentiation. His shift from seafood to software is a testament to adaptive business strategies and finding niches where one can truly make an impact.

For those looking to enter the cannabis industry, Tommy offers invaluable advice. From steering clear of predatory consultancy practices to meticulously planning your business strategy, he lays down foundational guidelines that every aspiring cannabis entrepreneur needs to hear.

Moreover, Tommy reflects on the importance of choosing the right business partner and aligning on work ethic, financial goals, and visions for the future. His insights into maintaining a lean operation that can quickly reach breakeven are golden nuggets for anyone at the launching pad of their cannabis venture.

Join us for this enriching episode to gain a better understanding of the business acumen required in the cannabis industry, directly from a seasoned entrepreneur. Whether you are a fledgling startup or looking to scale, there’s something in this episode for every cannabis business enthusiast.

Subscribe to Kaya Cast Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Highlights
00:00 Introduction and Anniversary Celebration
00:15 Answering Your Questions
00:58 Lessons from My First Business
05:17 Advice for Aspiring Cannabis Entrepreneurs
08:35 Reflections on Podcasting and Future Plans
09:13 Closing Remarks and Thank You

#kayacast #entrepreneur #cannabisindustry #businesstips

Launching a cannabis dispensary comes with its set of challenges, and managing inventory can be particularly daunting. In today's episode of KayaCast, we sit down with Ameel Bachir – a seasoned cannabis retail strategist from Forte Operations, who has an extensive background in developing successful inventory systems for cannabis retailers, including his pivotal role at Tokyo Smoke. 

Ameel shares invaluable insights into starting strong with the right inventory investment, selecting a product mix that caters to every kind of cannabis consumer, and adjusting your stock based on market response. He reveals the key percentage of budget to allocate towards inventory initial stocking and talks through the processes of selecting cannabis brands, considering market data, and understanding customer needs to optimize retail offerings.

Learn strategies for differentiating your dispensary through inventory selection, how to adjust your stock wisely, and why it’s crucial to train your staff on the nuances of your product offerings to boost sales. Ameel also touches on handling legacy versus novelty products and tips for profiling different customer types to ensure your dispensary meets a wide range of consumer preferences.

Whether you're a new dispensary owner curious about how much to invest initially, or an existing retailer looking to refine your inventory strategies, this episode provides actionable advice that you can implement right away.

Don't miss these expert insights on scaling your cannabis business efficiently through strategic inventory management. Tune in now!

Thank you for tuning into the KayaCast Podcast - your go-to guide on all things cannabis retail.
 
Find out more about Forte Operations at:
https://forteops.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/forte-operations/
https://www.instagram.com/forteops/?__d=11
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameelbachir/

#cannabisindustry #kayacast #businesstips #businessgrowth #entrepreneur

00:00 Introduction to Dispensary Challenges
00:09 Meet Ameel: Cannabis Inventory Expert
01:03 Initial Inventory Investment Strategies
03:03 Choosing the Right Cannabis Brands
05:16 Balancing Traditional and Innovative Products
07:04 Determining the Right Number of SKUs
09:20 Inventory Turnover and Supplier Relationships
10:56 Creating a Healthy Product Mix
14:21 Pricing Strategies and Loss Leaders
17:05 Profiling Your Customers
22:32 Competing with Grey Market Stores
24:35 Existing vs. Emerging Markets
28:51 Challenges with Product Availability
29:41 Identifying Slow-Moving Products
32:23 Effective Product Display Strategies
38:02 Training Employees to Upsell
41:30 Planning for Inventory Growth
50:33 Adapting to Customer Feedback
51:26 Conclusion and Contact Information

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, the go-to resource for cannabis dispensary owners aiming to expand and refine their ventures. Today, Brytany Melville from Forte Operations joins us to unravel the complexities of launching your very first cannabis store. With her extensive experience since 2018, Brytany has ushered numerous dispensaries into profitable operations and today, she shares her wealth of knowledge tailored for both budding and seasoned dispensary entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical decisions that shape the success of a dispensary, from selecting the perfect location and sizing it right to staffing and future-proofing the design. Learn the significance of a meticulously planned build-out, as Brytany reveals why a 1,500 to 1,750 square foot layout might just be your sweet spot, or how even a 450 square foot space can churn substantial revenue with robust operations.

Discover the nuances of market saturation, operational costs, and how innovative branding and marketing strategies can avert potential pitfalls in the initial 90 days post-launch. Brytany also touches on the challenges and lesser-known realities of cannabis consumption spaces, sharing insights that could redefine your approach to incorporating these in your business model.

Join us as Brytany unpacks the steps to navigate the milestones from lease signing to the grand opening, ensuring you're not just opening a dispensary, but crafting a resilient business designed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. This episode is packed with actionable strategies, professional anecdotes, and foundational advice paramount for anyone gearing up to make their mark in the cannabis retail space.

Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode for invaluable insights that might just be the key to unlocking the potential of your cannabis dispensary. Tune in now and equip yourself with the knowledge to build, launch, and scale successfully.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Opening Your First Store
00:15 Guest Introduction: Brytany from Forte
01:00 How to Choose the Right Location
03:18 Considerations for Consumption Lounges
06:18 Planning Your Store Build-Out
07:37 Major Milestones Before Opening
09:49 Avoid these Common Build-Out Mistakes
13:02 Future-Proofing Your Layout
18:56 Hiring and Team Building Correctly
33:03 Marketing Strategies and Brand Development
41:34 Post-Opening Marketing and Sales Strategies
48:58 Conclusion and Where to Find Forte

 
Find out more about Forte Operations at:
https://forteops.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/forte-operations/
https://www.instagram.com/forteops/?__d=11

#kayacastpodcast #cannabisindustry #businessgrowth #entrepreneur #profitmargin #businesstips #startup

In today’s episode, we dive deep with Ryan D'Wolff Munro, a seasoned expert known for his remarkable work at Dutchie and his vast experience in the restaurant, brewery, and cannabis industries.

Ryan shares invaluable insights on the crucial early stages of business, focusing on effective time management, strategic hiring, and financial literacy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your balance sheet and being actively involved in financial planning to steer your cannabis venture toward sustainable growth. 

Further, Ryan opens up about the art of selecting the right team, particularly the pivotal role of a General Manager, and how to ensure their values align with your business vision. He sheds light on his personal preferences when hiring a GM, including the necessity of integrity, financial acumen, and the ability to manage both people and projects effectively.

Whether you're a new entrepreneur in the cannabis space or looking to refine your business approach, this episode is packed with advice to help you navigate the complexities of the industry and lead your business toward success.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the giants in the industry and gain the edge you need to make your cannabis business thrive. Tune into this episode of Kaya Cast and transform the way you manage, operate, and scale your business in the competitive cannabis landscape.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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For more resources and to connect with industry leaders, visit the Kaya Cast Podcast website. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes!
 
Find out more about Ryan and Dutchie at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmunro/
https://dutchie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wearedutchie/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/getdutchie/

Chapters:
0:00 - Episode Highlight
0:24 - Intro
1:00 - Where should entrepreneurs really, really think about allocating their time that impacts the business the most? 
5:03 - Who would you look for in a GM? What characteristics of that person would you look for?
10:59 - When you're recruiting for that particular person, do you generally actively recruit or passively recruit?
13:28 - Are KPIs a good measure of success anymore?
19:22 - Storytelling is the Best Way to Connect
21:24 - How long until you realize this person isn't the best fit
23:21 - Common mistakes for entrepreneurs
25:10 - How far should entrepreneurs set out their goals when they first start?
27:04 - How many goals should somebody set when they start a business?
28:52 - Marrying Resources with Strategy
31:42 - How do you make ambitious goals more achievable?
35:56 - How to assess if goals are on the right track?
39:11 - What's new with Dutchie?
41:53 - Outro

#kayacast #cannabis #operations #generalmanager #hiring #podcast #cannabisindustry #businesstips

In this illuminating episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with Tommy Truong from KayaPush, a seasoned expert in the cannabis retail sector. Tommy dives deep into why some cannabis businesses thrive while others falter, shedding light on the critical factors that determine success in this rapidly evolving industry.

Tommy starts our conversation by addressing a question many entrepreneurs ponder: Why do similar businesses, with equal beginnings, often end up with vastly different outcomes? He reveals that the effective deployment of capital and time are the two key pillars that can either make or break a cannabis business, especially beyond the survival stage.

Tommy shares a real-world scenario about tackling customer churn. Through engaging with customers and genuinely taking their feedback into account, the business he was advising began to realign with their brand promise and adjusted its delivery processes, which significantly decreased their churn rate. This story brings to life the potent advice from venture capitalist Paul Graham: “Talk to your customers.”

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned retailer in the cannabis industry, this episode is packed with strategic advice and actionable tips to help enhance your business operations, customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, your bottom line.

Don't miss this essential conversation for anyone looking to make a mark in the cannabis retail space. Subscribe and tune into the Kaya Cast Podcast for more expert insights and guidance on growing, launching, and scaling your cannabis business.
 
Find out more about KayaPush at:
https://www.kayapush.com/podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayapush/

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:57 - MVP: Minimum Viable Product
1:21 - The Steve Jobs Mentality
1:56 - Setting Expectations
2:27 - A Friend with a Churn Problem
4:04 - Talk to Your Customers
4:35 - Questions to Ask Your Customers
6:14 - Outro

#KayaCastPodcast #TommyTruong #KayaPush #cannabisretail #expertinsights #rapidlyevolvingindustry #capitaldeployment #timemanagement #survivalstage #customerchurn #engagingcustomers #feedback #brandpromise #deliveryprocesses #churnrate #strategicadvice #actionabletips #businessoperations #customersatisfaction #bottomline #entrepreneur #seasonedretailer #cannabisindustry #growyourbusiness #launchyourbusiness #scaleyourbusiness

In this eye-opening episode of KayaCast, we delve into the critical world of security in the cannabis industry with the expert guidance of Aaron Burn, a seasoned professional and founder of Bri-Bet Security Solutions. Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience in safeguarding cannabis businesses against the sophisticated threats they face daily. 

From overlooked vulnerabilities in initial security planning to the dramatic tales of midnight break-ins and high-stakes robberies, Aaron discusses the common mistakes made by new businesses and shares why integrating advanced security measures from the start is not just beneficial but essential. 

Discover key strategies on:
- Effective perimeter security including camera placement and lighting
- The significant risks of improper ATM placement 
- Essential practices for panic button usage and staff training
- The benefits of employing both undercover and uniformed security personnel
- Tips on selecting the right security firm that aligns with your business values and needs

Additionally, Aaron provides invaluable advice on internal threat management, the importance of armed security in cash-heavy environments, and how to effectively manage security costs without compromising safety.

Whether you’re a new dispensary owner drafting your first security plan or a seasoned operator looking to enhance your current measures, this episode is packed with actionable insights that could spell the difference between a secure business and a vulnerable one. 

Tune in to fortify your defenses and keep your cannabis business safe and thriving. Join us on Kaya Cast, where each week, we empower you with the knowledge to grow and protect your cannabis enterprise.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
 
Find out more about Bri-Bet Security Solutions at:
https://bri-bet.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bri-bet-security-solutions/

#cannabisindustry #security #businessgrowth #businesstips #cannacommunity #kayacast #podcast

On today’s episode of KayaCast, the go-to podcast for cannabis entrepreneurs, we dive deep into the vault of business scaling wisdom with none other than John Malone, the brains behind the legal team that propelled STIIIZY from obscurity to a dominant powerhouse in the cannabis market.

John brings a treasure trove of insider knowledge from his days at STIIIZY, where he navigated the turbulent waters of industry regulations and business expansion. He shares critical insights on the risks of rapid growth without solid infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of being nimble and building a sustainable business at a controlled pace — a lesson some in the industry have learned the hard way. 

Drawing from his extensive experience, John outlines the critical infrastructure necessary for business expansion: clear capital sources, rigorous financial planning, and core values that guide every decision. He warns against the allure of scaling too quickly and spreading resources too thin, a trap many enthusiastic businesses fall into, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and financial strain.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for cannabis businesses aiming to scale wisely and sustainably. Whether you're contemplating your next big move or looking to refine your growth strategy, John’s insights are invaluable.

Don't miss this detailed exploration of legal strategies, business acumen, and the disciplined growth mindset that can help your cannabis venture thrive in a competitive market. Tune in now and equip your business with the knowledge to grow smart and strong!

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Visit kayapush.com for more resources and to connect with industry leaders.
 

Find out more about J Malone PC at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-malone-46385049/
https://www.jmalone.law/

 
#KayaCast #CannabisEntrepreneurs #BusinessScalingWisdom #JohnMalone #STIIIZY #LegalTeam #IndustryRegulations #BusinessExpansion #InsideKnowledge #NimbleBusiness #SustainableGrowth #ControlledPace #Infrastructure #CapitalSources #FinancialPlanning #CoreValues #OperationalEfficiencies #FinancialStrain #ActionableAdvice #ScaleWisely #GrowthStrategy #LegalStrategies #BusinessAcumen #DisciplinedGrowthMindset #ThriveInCompetitiveMarket #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #Kayapush #IndustryLeaders

In this eye-opening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we're joined by Tommy Truong from KayaPush to unravel the complex tapestry of cannabis history and its controversial placement in Schedule One of controlled substances. Tommy takes us back to the early 1900s, explaining how the rise of hemp as a robust alternative to paper played a crucial role in its demonization. We delve into the influential actions of media mogul William Randolph Hearst and the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Harry Anslinger, whose combined efforts with misleading journalism and political power dramatically shaped public perception and policy.

Prepare to be transported through the decades, from the propaganda-laden era of "Reefer Madness" to the landmark 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, all the way to the pivotal legal transformations in the 1990s and beyond. As states began to challenge federal rulings, the journey culminates with the recent DEA recommendation in May 2024 to reclassify cannabis, potentially changing the game for businesses and researchers alike.

Tommy also shares his insights on the implications of these legislative shifts for dispensary owners, and what the future may hold as we approach the possibility of declassification. Whether you're a seasoned cannabis entrepreneur or new to the industry, this episode is packed with historical insights and expert analyses that will enhance your understanding of the legal landscapes and opportunities in cannabis business today.

Don't miss this deep dive into the storied past and evolving future of cannabis. Tune into the Kaya Cast Podcast for a blend of history, business strategy, and forward-looking perspectives. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episode!

Find out more about KayaPush at:
https://www.kayapush.com/

#kayacastpodcast #kayapush #cannabisindustry #history