Brian Weber dives into the complex world of cannabis insurance with Michael DeNault, cannabis practice executive at World Insurance Associates. They break down five essential insurance policies that every cannabis business should consider, including product liability, crop coverage, and employment practices liability. They address common risks in the industry and how businesses can protect themselves and their investments. Whether you're a grower, retailer, or manufacturer, this conversation offers advice about how to safeguard your operations and navigate the challenges of a highly regulated market.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Hidden Risks of Cannabis Insurance
• 00:00:55 - Meet the Insider Who Knows It All
• 00:03:29 - Could a Lawsuit Destroy Your Business?
• 00:08:16 - How to Save Your Crop From Disaster
• 00:13:05 - The Real Cost of Employee Turnover
• 00:15:55 - Are Your Facility Upgrades Fully Protected?
• 00:20:03 - Why Leaders Can’t Ignore This Insurance
• 00:25:49 - Your Next Steps to Stay Protected

Links and Resources

• Michael DeNault on LinkedIn
• Cannabis, Dispensary & Hemp Business Insurance | Worldwide
• Flourish Software
• Brian Weber on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Flourish in Cannabis? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

Brian sits down with David Eagleson, a seasoned expert in data automation and the founder/CEO of Outlaw Technology Inc., to dig into the realities of running smarter cannabis operations. They explore the need for clean, precise data in cannabis compliance, revealing how human error can derail even the best systems. David explains why automation tools are essential but not a magic fix and breaks down the challenges of RFID technology in cannabis, showing operators the difference between working harder and working smarter. With stories from the field, David details how a well-implemented data strategy isn’t just compliance; it’s the backbone of a profitable, efficient operation.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Powering Cannabis with Business Intelligence
• 00:01:03 - Dive into Mahalo Fruition Cannabis
• 00:01:31 - Unpacking Expertise: Meet David Eagleson
• 00:02:00 - Why Data Precision is Key in Cannabis
• 00:03:39 - Overcoming Data Collection Hurdles
• 00:05:36 - Automation’s Game-Changer Role
• 00:09:44 - Navigating Compliance & Inventory Challenges
• 00:12:33 - Uncovering RFID Tech Realities
• 00:16:05 - Efficiency Boost: Working Smarter in Cannabis
• 00:18:03 - Wrap-Up: Key Insights & Takeaways

Links and Resources

• David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davideaglesonsr
• Outlaw Technology: https://outlawtechnology.netFlourish Software

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Flourish in Cannabis? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

Brian sits down with Vien Trinh, a veteran and cannabis industry professional, for an honest, no-holds-barred conversation on the unique paths veterans can take within the cannabis industry. Vien shares his journey from military service to his role as a product marketing manager, detailing the struggles, insights, and hard-won lessons he encountered along the way. They talk about the barriers veterans face in accessing cannabis, especially for medicinal needs, and explore the resources and networks out there to support veterans interested in the field. Brian and Vien shed light on the career opportunities within cannabis for those coming out of service, the discipline and resilience veterans bring to the table, and the untapped potential in this budding industry. This episode isn’t just for veterans—it's a masterclass for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of cannabis, career, and community from the perspective of someone who's walked the path.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Cannabis Industry: The Big Picture
• 00:00:53 - Veteran Stories Beyond the Battlefield
• 00:02:02 - From Military to Cannabis Industry
• 00:04:41 - Barriers Veterans Face with Cannabis
• 00:08:58 - Building a Supportive Veteran Community
• 00:12:48 - New Career Paths for Veterans
• 00:17:42 - Relentless Pursuit: Entering Cannabis Industry
• 00:24:50 - Final Reflections and Takeaways

Links and Resources

• Vien on LinkedIn
• Flourish Software
• Brian Weber on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Flourish in Cannabis? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

Tony Gallo, a cannabis security expert, shares his experiences and advice on how to protect cannabis businesses from internal and external threats. From preventing employee theft in cultivation facilities to ensuring the safe transportation of products, Tony outlines key security measures every cannabis operation should have in place. If you're in the cannabis industry, this episode offers great insights on safeguarding your business and avoiding costly mistakes.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 The Trimmer's Clever Heist: A Cannabis Theft Story You Won't Believe
• 00:01:07 Show Intro: Unpacking Security in the Cannabis Industry
• 00:01:34 Meet Tony Gallo: The Security Architect of Cannabis Operations
• 00:02:23 Sapphire Risk's Legacy: Securing Cannabis Businesses Nationwide
• 00:05:34 Hidden Dangers: Security Weaknesses in Cannabis Cultivation Facilities
• 00:07:26 The Vault of Gold: Securing Cannabis Storage Rooms
• 00:08:32 Trust but Verify: Building a Culture of Honesty in Cannabis Operations
• 00:18:20 Explosive Risks: Safety Protocols in Cannabis Manufacturing
• 00:24:52 On the Road: Securing Cannabis Products During Transportation
• 00:30:00 Wrapping Up: How to Connect with Tony Gallo and Sapphire Risk

Links and Resources

• Tony on LinkedIn
• Sapphire Risk Advisory Group
• Flourish Software
• Brian Weber on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Flourish in Cannabis? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

Brian Weber talks with John Manlove, CEO of Apex Trading, about the key trends and challenges facing the cannabis industry, especially in emerging markets. They discuss the common mistakes businesses make, like overproduction, and how understanding market dynamics can help brands succeed. John explains why staying focused on costs, using data to make decisions, and partnering with others are crucial for long-term success. They also explore how changes in consumer demand and new trends, like solventless extracts, are shaping the future of cannabis.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – How Passion Drives Success in Cannabis
• 00:00:27 – Welcome to a Masterclass on Flourishing in Cannabis
• 00:00:57 – John Manlove: From High School to Apex Trading
• 00:02:26 – Navigating State-by-State Cannabis Market Complexities
• 00:04:37 – Why Emerging Markets Offer Big Opportunities and Risks
• 00:06:05 – The Key Trends Shaping New Cannabis Markets
• 00:07:39 – What Established Markets Can Teach Us About Surviving
• 00:14:06 – Overproduction: The Silent Killer of Cannabis Businesses
• 00:18:31 – Building Strong Retail Brand Loyalty for Cannabis Success
• 00:19:30 – Mastering Cannabis Market Dynamics and Price Fluctuations
• 00:20:11 – Staying Focused: Avoiding the Overproduction Trap
• 00:22:08 – Smart Partnerships and Outsourcing to Scale Your Cannabis Business
• 00:26:52 – The Future of Cannabis Products and Market Trends
• 00:30:55 – Resources for Flourishing in the Cannabis Industry and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources

• John on LinkedIn
• Apex Trading
• Bushel44
• WasteXpress
• Flourish Software
• Brian Weber on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Flourish in Cannabis? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

Will Read, founder and CEO of CannaPlanners, shares his hard-earned lessons from a decade in the cannabis industry, offering his perspective on what it takes to succeed. He pushes back against common advice like "do what you love," instead pointing out the importance of doing what you're good at, knowing your weaknesses, and never giving up. Will breaks down the key values every cannabis entrepreneur needs, from resiliency and integrity to smart money management. He also speaks bluntly about the mistakes he made early on and how they shaped his approach to business. Will offers an honest, no-frills look at the realities of building a successful cannabis business.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: Should You Really "Do What You Love?"
• 00:00:36 - Welcome to How to Flourish in Cannabis
• 00:01:06 - Meet Will Read: From Shaky Starts to Industry Success
• 00:03:55 - The Five Core Values Every Cannabis Entrepreneur Needs
• 00:07:13 - Discovering Your "Why": It's More Than Just Passion
• 00:12:25 - A Critical Insight: Knowing Your Weaknesses
• 00:15:43 - Lessons in Resilience: Surviving the Cannabis Industry's Toughest Challenges
• 00:18:23 - Money Matters: Navigating Finances Without Losing Focus
• 00:24:49 - Integrity First: Why You Should Never F Over Your Team
• 00:29:03 - Conclusion and Final Words of Wisdom

Links and Resources:

• Will on LinkedIn
• CannaPlanners
• Flourish Software
• Brian Weber on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Flourish in Cannabis? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

West Paschal of Alpine IQ discusses cannabis retail and the urgent need for retailers to truly understand their customers through smarter data use. He explains the pitfalls of relying solely on traditional marketing channels, which often fail in the unique landscape of cannabis. West argues that a deeper, more personalized approach to customer engagement is not just an option but a necessity for success. He shares how segmentation, meaningful loyalty programs, and multi-channel communication can radically improve customer retention and overall business health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the competitive world of cannabis retail.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Navigating the Social Media Blackout
• 00:00:46 - Welcome to How to Flourish in Cannabis
• 00:01:18 - Meet West Paschal of Alpine IQ
• 00:02:01 - West’s Decade in Cannabis
• 00:06:09 - Know Thy Customer
• 00:12:03 - Data is King
• 00:18:43 - From Data to Action
• 00:25:25 - The Feedback Loop
• 00:28:42 - Loyalty Beyond Discounts
• 00:32:42 - Closing the Loop

Links and Resources

• West on LinkedIn
• Alpine IQ
• Flourish Software
• Brian Weber on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Flourish in Cannabis? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

Brian Mayfield of MJstack discusses the often-overlooked challenges that cannabis entrepreneurs face, from securing the all-important license to building a robust tech stack that can sustain long-term growth. Brian shares his insider knowledge on the crucial steps that can determine whether a cannabis business will thrive or falter, including the digital competition that many underestimate. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your operations, this conversation offers advice and hard-won lessons that can make all the difference in this competitive industry.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Digital Edge in Cannabis: Why Your Competitors Aren’t Just Next Door
• 00:00:39 - Welcome to the Journey: Flourishing in Cannabis
• 00:01:07 - Meet Brian Mayfield: The Digital Maestro of MJstack
• 00:04:42 - Before the Green Light: Essential Pre-Licensing Steps
• 00:09:49 - Beyond the License: Navigating the Maze of Post-Licensing and Construction
• 00:14:25 - The Cannabis Construction Chaos: Staying Focused Amid Overwhelm
• 00:19:39 - Crafting Your Digital Fortress: Building a Tech Stack That Works
• 00:26:18 - Staying Ahead: Operational Review and Continuous Improvement Strategies
• 00:31:43 - Final Words: Reflecting on Success and Next Steps

Links and Resources:

• Brian Mayfield on LinkedIn
• MJstack
• Flourish Software
• Brian Weber on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Subscribe to How to Flourish in Cannabis! Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!