Thinking Outside The Bud

High Finance: Deciphering Cannabis Economics with Guillermo Rodriguez, the Virtual CFO

When the pandemic struck, it presented an opportunity for Guillermo to reassess his priorities. Like many others, he saw it as a blank slate to reflect on what truly mattered. As events unfolded, he felt compelled to adopt a more preventative approach to health, well-being, and his response to the pandemic. However, he found himself constrained by corporate and government restrictions and mandates.

During this transformative phase, a significant connection was made with the cannabis industry. Guillermo was drawn to an industry that empowers people to embrace their own freedom in choosing unconventional medicine. This newfound passion led him to make the decision to become an active
participant in this industry, as he recognized the potential for positive impact and the opportunity to be part of a movement promoting individual autonomy and well-being. Using his accounting and financial background, Guillermo advocates for the cannabis industry as a Virtual CFO, helping guide cannabis operators down the path of profitability through dynamic forecasting, understanding KPIs, and profit-focused accounting.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillermo-rodriguez-cpa/
https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-cannabis/

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Exploring the Sweet Side of Cannabis: Matha Figaro's Journey with ButACake

In this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt chats with Matha Figaro, CEO of ButACake, a cannabis edibles company. Matha shares her journey from culinary arts to cannabis entrepreneurship, highlighting her motivation for entering the cannabis space and her experience as one of the first black women to obtain a cannabis license in New Jersey.

She discusses how her passion for baking led her to create her own business, initially selling butter cakes at farmers' markets before transitioning to edibles. Matha candidly talks about the challenges of incorporating cannabis into her products and navigating the licensing process in New Jersey, including financial burdens and regulatory hurdles.

Matha gives insights into her product lineup, which includes items like peanut butter and jelly brownies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and oral dissolvable strips. She also discusses her venture into beverages, offering hibiscus and peach elixirs in Delaware's medical market.

Throughout the conversation, Matha emphasizes her commitment to providing affordable cannabis products for diverse demographics and advocates for social equity in the industry. She calls for more collaboration among independent operators to drive industry-wide changes.

The episode wraps up with Matha's excitement about launching New Jersey's first legal pot brownie and where listeners can purchase her products. Overall, Matha's journey offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the cannabis industry and her vision for the future of her business.

https://butacake.com
https://www.discord.com/users/butacake
https://www.facebook.com/615435548604514
https://www.instagram.com/ButACake
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannpowerment/
https://www.tiktok.com/@butacake
https://www.twitter.com/ButACakeTweets
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6DcePU0oe8tTIkNEgh4Lnm?si=n34irRnMQc2xcyQuZa51Hg&pi=u-N6H8Wpm6Q9e-

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Cultivating Change: Christine De La Rosa's Journey in Cannabis

In this podcast episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Christine De La Rosa, CEO and National Co-Founder of The People's Ecosystem and Founder & Fund Manager of The People’s Group. Christine's impact in the cannabis industry is undeniable, with accolades such as being named to the MGO 2024 Cannabis 50 List and Forbes Cannabis50 list. She brings a wealth of experience, having spent over 20 years in technology before transitioning to cannabis.

Christine's journey to the cannabis industry is deeply personal. After facing life-threatening complications from undiagnosed Lupus during her tech career, she discovered the healing power of cannabis. This experience led her to co-found The People’s Dispensary in 2016, aiming to provide access to cannabis for those in need. Today, she continues to expand her footprint in the industry, advocating for social equity and access to capital.

As a thought leader and advisor, Christine's influence extends beyond her businesses. She's actively involved in shaping cannabis regulations at both state and federal levels, serving on advisory boards and committees. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in her work, as she strives to create opportunities for marginalized communities in the cannabis space.

Christine's journey exemplifies resilience, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. From her early career in technology to her impactful work in cannabis, she continues to inspire others with her passion and dedication to making a difference. Join us as we explore Christine's journey and the future of the cannabis industry through her perspective.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizchris/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepeoplesecosystem

Twitter: @peoplescannabis
Instagram & Facebook: @thepeoples.ecosystem

Twitter, Instagram & Facebook: @mizchris

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Cannabis and Ownership: Exploring ESOP Strategies with Darren Gleeman

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Darren Gleeman, a financial expert renowned for his ESOP knowledge and financial acumen. Darren serves as the Managing Partner of MBO Ventures, bringing with him a wealth of experience in various ventures, including e-Coupons, GMD Trading, and GB Trading. He is highly regarded for his expertise in ESOPs and is recognized as a prolific angel investor, with notable investments in companies such as Screaming Media (NASDAQ: SCRM), Blackboard (NASDAQ: BBBB), Social Radar, ClassEdu, and Accelerant Manufacturing.

Darren's journey in finance began at Wharton, where he developed a strong foundation in quantitative modeling and the scientific method. He founded a firm that pioneered high-frequency trading platforms, demonstrating his ability to leverage technology in the financial sector.

Currently, as the managing partner of MBO Ventures, Darren leads a team that specializes in ESOP investment banking. MBO Ventures offers expertise in ESOPs and can provide capital investments alongside company owners and management teams. The firm assists in implementing various exit strategies, including family succession, management buy-outs, or complete sales to employees, ensuring tailored solutions for each client's needs.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrengleeman/
www.mboventures.com

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Emerging Innovations: Lucid Green's Cannabis Supply Chain Revolution with Filip Luneski

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, Bruce Eckfeldt hosts Filip Luneski, VP Head of Marketing at Lucid Green, a company revolutionizing the cannabis industry through data and supply chain organization. Bruce and Filip discuss the intricate landscape of the cannabis industry, including state-by-state regulations and challenges in brand development and consumer engagement. Filip shares his transition from the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector to cannabis, emphasizing Lucid Green's groundbreaking technology, such as Lucid IDs—unique QR codes transforming the industry. These Lucid IDs enable brands to enhance production efficiency, monitor inventory in real-time, and directly engage with consumers via the Lucid Connect platform. With a commitment to transparency and authenticity, Lucid Green is leading the charge towards a more interconnected and transparent cannabis market. Join Bruce and Filip as they explore the future of cannabis and the pivotal role of technology in catalyzing industry-wide transformation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/filip-luneski-33419b7/

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Blazing Trails: Navigating Cannabis Consumption Culture with Bryan Bergman

Bryan Bergman is an innovative and forward-thinking business attorney that focuses on monetization and deal making and helping clients at all stages of their business lifecycle with a laser focus on helping businesses be authentically successful and maximize their efforts in every area. He brings strategic expertise and legal services to complex business transactions endemic to fortune 500 companies. He also speaks regularly on industry-related legal and business topics and educates operators and other professionals, including attorneys and accountants. His role as a civil litigator for over fifteen years further informs and assists him when navigating potential litigation issues for every type of entrepreneurial venture. He is an officer of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Cannabis Section and has also served on multiple cannabis trade organization boards as a director. He regularly teaches continuing legal education and classes to professionals and operators on a variety of issues affecting the cannabis industry.

www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-bergman-ba65447

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High-Tech Healing: Izzy Kirsh Unveils mode's Cannabis Revolution

In this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Izzy Kirsh, the founder and CEO of mode, a company focusing on innovative cannabis consumption devices. They discuss various aspects of the cannabis industry, including consumer trends, product innovation, and challenges in the market.

Izzy begins by sharing his background, mentioning his experience in product design and technology startups. He explains how his interest in cannabis was sparked by personal experiences with chronic pain and the need for more precise dosing options.

The conversation delves into Mode's journey, from ideation to product development. Izzy highlights the challenges they faced in securing funding due to the cannabis industry's unique regulatory landscape. Despite these hurdles, mode developed a sophisticated dosing platform integrated with a mobile app, aiming to provide users with personalized cannabis consumption experiences.

They discuss the design choices behind Mode's product, emphasizing its user-friendly interface and premium aesthetics. Izzy explains the importance of catering to both medical patients and recreational users while maintaining a health and wellness-focused brand image.

They also touch on the data collection aspect of mode's platform, which gathers anonymized user data to improve dosing recommendations and product efficacy. Izzy outlines their vision for expanding internationally and potentially diversifying into related industries such as nicotine cessation and psychedelics.

Finally, Izzy reflects on the challenges of marketing cannabis-related products in a restrictive online environment and expresses optimism about the industry's future as regulatory barriers evolve.

Overall, the conversation provides insights into mode's innovative approach to cannabis consumption and its potential to shape the future of the industry.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzykirsh/

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Sipping on the Green Wave: Exploring Cannabis Beverages with Paul Weaver of Boston Beer Company

In this engaging episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt leads a captivating conversation with Paul Weaver, Director, Head of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company. The episode centers on the cannabis beverage industry, exploring regulatory changes, market intricacies, and challenges inherent in entering the cannabis sector. Weaver shares his professional journey from the beer industry to leading product innovation at Canopy Growth Corp, eventually spearheading a cannabis R&D department for the Boston Beer Company and successfully launching their cannabis-infused iced tea, Tea Pot.

Weaver emphasizes the social acceptability and powerful branding impact of cannabis drinks, incorporating personal anecdotes, insights into industry evolution, and considerations of potential competition with alcohol. The conversation covers critical factors such as flavor and potency stability, addressing both challenges and opportunities in crafting appealing cannabis products. Delving into disparities in cannabis and alcohol consumption, the dialogue explores onset times, potency variations, and the importance of responsible use.

The episode provides valuable insights into the cannabis beverage market, highlighting the rise of rare cannabinoids and the significance of low-dose products. Weaver and Eckfeldt unravel the intricacies of consumer education, particularly regarding onset times and moderation, drawing parallels between public consumption in the cannabis and alcohol industries. The discussion concludes with a focus on branding strategies, where Weaver emphasizes the necessity of exceptional products and discusses challenges stemming from cannabis marketing restrictions. He introduces a double-sale approach to foster brand loyalty by targeting both consumers and budtenders. In its entirety, the episode offers a thorough exploration of the dynamic landscape of the cannabis beverage market, providing considerations for navigating regulations and expanding into diverse markets.

www.instagram.com/drinkteapot

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Budding Success: Crafting Cannabis Brands with Andrew DeAngelo and Christopher Peak

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt, the host, welcomes two guests, Andrew DeAngelo, founder of Andrew DeAngelo Consulting, and Christopher Peak, SVP of Retail Development at ACV Consulting. The discussion revolves around the challenges and innovations in the cannabis industry, particularly focusing on new products and solutions. Andrew, with his background in the vertically integrated cannabis company, Harbor Side, highlights the industry's crossroads and the influx of professionals from diverse backgrounds. Christopher, drawing from his extensive experience in retail development for Universal Studios and Apple, discusses the significance of branding in creating a meaningful and honest connection with consumers. The conversation touches upon the current state of the cannabis industry, the urgency of branding, and the need for sophisticated marketing solutions. Both guests share insights into their advisory business, emphasizing the importance of branding for cannabis companies to survive and thrive in a competitive market. The episode provides a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry and the pivotal role that branding plays in its development.

https://www.instagram.com/andrew_deangelo
https://www.instagram.com/acv.consulting

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Empowering Health: Debi Wimberley's Journey with Medical Cannabis and the Vision Behind Effective Cannabis Newsletter

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, your host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Debi Wimberley, the visionary founder of Effective Cannabis Newsletter. Debi, a resilient advocate for medical cannabis education, shares her journey of overcoming chronic pain and lung disease. With a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital labs, she seized control of her well-being. The episode delves into how Debi, equipped with certifications in Medical Cannabis applications and patient care, is revolutionizing the discourse around medical cannabis. Collaborating with experts in cannabis education, health coaching, and medical professionals, Debi centralizes high-quality, accurate, and fact-based education on her innovative platform, Effective Cannabis. The conversation touches on challenges in the cannabis industry, the need for accurate information, and the importance of education. Join Bruce and Debi in this insightful discussion on the impactful present and promising future of medical cannabis.

Debi Wimberley, the visionary founder of Effective Cannabis Newsletter, is an unwavering advocate for medical cannabis education and the empowerment of individuals in the pursuit of healthy living. Overcoming decades of chronic pain and lung disease, Debi's resilience and hope endured in the face of discouraging medical prognoses. Equipped with a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital labs, she assumed control of her own well-being. Debi's adaptability and agility led her to secure certifications in Medical Cannabis applications, Patient Care, and professional communication, specializing in cannabis.
A genuine trailblazer, Debi is committed to revolutionizing the discourse surrounding medical cannabis. Collaborating with certified cannabis educators, health coaches, scientists, and medical professionals, she endeavors to centralize high-quality, accurate, and fact-based education. As the Founder of Effective Cannabis, an innovative website she is dedicated to studying, learning, and teaching how cannabis positively influences health outcomes, Debi spearheads the advancement of this crucial dialogue. Her impact extends beyond digital platforms, as evidenced by her compelling public speaking engagements, including an impactful TEDx talk.

https://www.instagram.com/ecnewsletter
https://www.linkedin.com/company/89833168/admin/feed/posts/

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