In this episode of Roots to Risk, hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock sit down with Kyle Bergman, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Pink Berg, a marketing firm that specializes in helping digitally native cannabis and lifestyle brands tell their stories through customized creative strategies. 

Kyle takes listeners through his journey from building the quirky and innovative SW Overalls brand — a unique blend of sweatpants and overalls — to launching Pink Berg, a full-service marketing agency born out of his frustration with traditional agencies that lacked the practical, hands-on understanding of direct-to-consumer (D2C) operations.

Kyle discusses key strategies for cannabis brands, such as the importance of focusing on a niche market first before attempting to scale nationally, drawing comparisons to brands like Athletic Brewing and RXBAR. He also explains how Pink Berg's unique, profit-first approach to marketing — with a strong emphasis on post-campaign analysis and iterative testing — helps cannabis brands not only survive but thrive in an industry where compliance and creativity are equally important.

Kyle also touches on the broader landscape of the cannabis industry, discussing trends in THC-infused beverages, the future of the hemp-derived space, and how Pink Berg is helping to shape the next generation of cannabis branding.

Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur, marketer, or someone interested in the intersection of cannabis and consumer goods, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and expert insights to help you understand the nuances of cannabis marketing in a rapidly evolving industry.

Join hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock in this special episode of Roots to Risk as they sit down with Deborah Saneman, CEO of Wurk, the leading HCM provider for the cannabis industry. 

Deborah shares game-changing insights into how Wurk’s cutting-edge compensation benchmarking tool and real-time data analytics are helping cannabis operators stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market. From navigating the hiring challenges of new and established markets to leveraging data-driven strategies, Deborah reveals what’s driving growth and innovation in cannabis HR. 

They also discuss Wurk’s exciting partnership with AlphaRoot to deliver tailored insurance solutions, including health benefits and workers' comp—essential for attracting top talent. 

Whether you’re an operator or industry leader, this episode offers a glimpse into the tools and trends that are shaping the future of cannabis businesses. Don’t miss out on the strategies that are pushing the industry forward!

In this special 50th episode of Roots to Risk, hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock sit down with Brendan McKee, Co-Founder and COO/CFO of Silver Therapeutics. Brendan shares his inspiring journey from his early days in finance and MMA to becoming a key player in the cannabis industry. 

He offers valuable insights into team building, community engagement, and thoughtful expansion as a multi-state operator in the Northeast. Learn how Silver Therapeutics has achieved an over 90% retention rate, prioritized customer service, and thrived in the rapidly evolving cannabis market. 

This episode is packed with actionable lessons on leadership, business growth, and fostering a culture of care. Tune in for an in-depth conversation about the future of cannabis and how to create lasting success, both in business and life.

Bonus: Hear Brendan’s walk-out song from his MMA days and how his fighting spirit has shaped his entrepreneurial journey!

In this episode of the Roots to Risk Podcast, hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bach are joined by Tony Gallo, a leading security consultant and founder of Sapphire Risk Advisory Group, to discuss the critical role of security in the cannabis industry. 

With over 11 years of experience and involvement in over 800 cannabis projects across the country, Tony shares his expertise on how to prevent losses, the importance of thorough employee training, and the value of tailored security solutions. 

This episode is essential listening for cannabis operators looking to safeguard their businesses against both internal and external risks, ensuring long-term success in this high-risk industry. Tune in to gain actionable insights and learn how to build a resilient security framework for your cannabis business.

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Tune into the Roots to Risk Podcast with hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock as they explore the dynamic world of cannabis. In this compelling episode, they sit down with Melissa Greenberg, a Senior Associate at Helbraun & Levey, who brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience in employment practices, litigation, and cannabis law.

Melissa offers a unique perspective on the intersection of hospitality and cannabis, shedding light on the crucial legal and employment challenges faced by businesses in these industries. Discover the importance of setting up robust employment practices from the outset, and learn how proactive legal strategies can safeguard your cannabis business.

With over a decade of litigation experience and a passion for helping businesses succeed, Melissa shares actionable advice on:

• The similarities and differences between hospitality and cannabis employment practices.
• Key legal standards and regulations for cannabis businesses.
• The significance of early implementation of employment policies to mitigate risks.
• Practical tips for onboarding, compliance, and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
• How to leverage legal expertise and consulting resources to navigate the evolving legal landscape.

Don't miss this insightful episode packed with expert advice to help your cannabis business thrive while protecting its most valuable asset—its employees. Whether you're a startup or an established company, Melissa's guidance will equip you with the knowledge to build a solid foundation for success.

In this insightful episode of Roots to Risk, hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock welcome back Lisa Rich Milan, alongside her co-founder Michael Zaccaria, to delve into their groundbreaking new venture, Cannovation Clinical Research Partners, LLC.

Shifting from the traditional CPG discussions, this episode explores the innovative biotech and pharmaceutical approaches to cannabis. Lisa and Michael share their vision of expediting drug discovery and bringing cannabis-related medical products to market, shedding light on regulatory challenges, the impact of rescheduling cannabis to a Schedule III substance, and the promising future of cannabis in the pharmaceutical landscape. 

Tune in to learn about the intersection of cannabis, biotech, and the potential for significant advancements in medical treatments.

In this compelling episode of Roots to Risk, hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock dive deep into the journey of Socrates Rosenfeld, co-founder and CEO of Jane Technologies. 

From his beginnings as a US Army Apache helicopter pilot to becoming a trailblazer in the cannabis tech industry, Socrates shares his personal and professional evolution. Discover how Jane Technologies revolutionized cannabis e-commerce, creating an ecosystem that benefits consumers, retailers, and brands alike. 

Socrates discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a successful platform, the impact of potential rescheduling of cannabis, and the importance of community and authenticity in business. Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, resilience, and the future of cannabis technology.

In this episode of Roots to Risk, hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock dive into the intricacies of cannabis marketing with Samuel Fisher from Green Dispensary Marketing. 

Samuel shares his journey from the education sector to becoming a key player in the cannabis SEO space, offering insights on overcoming industry-specific marketing restrictions. They discuss effective strategies for organic search optimization, pitfalls to avoid, and the importance of branding in saturated markets. 

Whether you're an established dispensary or new to the industry, this episode provides valuable guidance on enhancing your marketing efforts and driving customer engagement. Tune in for an informative conversation tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within the cannabis community.

Dive into the fascinating world of minor cannabinoids with the Roots to Risk Podcast. Hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock are joined by Dr. Shane Johnson from Bay Medica, a leading figure in the cannabis and cannabinoid space. Dr. Johnson shares insights into the biotech side of the industry, focusing on the development of rare cannabinoids and their potential applications in healthcare and consumer products.

Learn about the groundbreaking work being done at Bay Medica, where a team of experts is using a biotechnology approach to produce pure, plant-identical cannabinoids. Discover the unique effects of cannabinoids like THCV, CBC, and CBT, and how small structural differences can lead to significant variations in their effects.

Explore the future of cannabinoid-based medicine, from FDA-approved drugs to potential treatments for neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Dr. Johnson discusses the importance of consumer education, quality control, and regulatory reform in advancing the industry and ensuring safe, effective products for all.

Tune in to the Roots to Risk Podcast for an enlightening conversation on the science, business, and potential of minor cannabinoids in the cannabis industry.

In this episode of Roots to Risk, hosts Eric Schneider and Isaac Bock sit down with Willie McKenzie, a family man, and the CEO and Co-founder of Left Coast Holdings, a vertically integrated cannabis business based in Michigan. 

Willie is also the founder of the Elite Cannabis Operators Mastermind Community, a vibrant network of cannabis entrepreneurs supporting both plant-touching and ancillary businesses in building profitable enterprises. 

Willie shares his journey from starting as a legacy operator in California in 2006 to establishing a significant presence in the regulated market. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning between markets, the importance of community among operators, and the strategies for maintaining a lean and profitable business. 

Willie also offers insights into the current state of the cannabis industry, the impact of potential regulatory changes, and the need for better enforcement at the state level. Tune in for an authentic and informative conversation about the evolving landscape of cannabis entrepreneurship.