In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Jason Ambrosino, founder and CEO of Veterans Holdings. Jason shares his journey from Army officer to cannabis entrepreneur, discussing his personal experience with cannabis as an alternative to VA medications. He delves into the challenges of entering New York's cannabis market, the founding of Veterans Hemp Market, and his company’s mission to provide affordable, accessible cannabis products for veterans. Jason also offers insights into the current state of the New York cannabis industry, its rapid growth, and his strategies for staying competitive and adaptable in a dynamic market.
In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Max Majot, expert grower at Royal Queen Seeds. Max shares his journey into the cannabis industry, beginning with his early exposure to tribal cannabis cultivation in New Caledonia and his passion for the plant’s therapeutic benefits. He discusses Royal Queen Seeds’ innovative approach to cannabis breeding, particularly their focus on F1 hybrids, which offer greater consistency and quality in cannabis cultivation.
Max explains the challenges of maintaining genetic stability in an evolving market, highlighting the complexity of producing consistent cannabis plants for both medical and recreational use. He emphasizes the importance of technological advancements, like in-vitro storage and breeding programs, in creating standardized plants that meet industry demands.
The conversation also delves into global market trends, with Max comparing the differences between home-growing cultures in Europe and the U.S. He explores the future of the cannabis industry, predicting that research-based breeding will drive the next phase of cannabis cultivation, especially in the medical sector. Max concludes by discussing the shifting consumer preferences in cannabis flavors and aromas and how Royal Queen Seeds is adapting to meet these trends.
In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews David Kostiner, CEO and Co-Founder of Lumenary, and Robbie Schneider, Inventor and CTO. David and Robbie share the story of their innovative journey in the cannabis industry, highlighting the development of the Beam laser vaporizer—a cutting-edge device that leverages laser technology to offer a purer, healthier vaping experience. They discuss the challenges of pioneering this new technology, the meticulous process of prototyping and perfecting the product, and their strategy to position the Beam as a game-changer in the market. The conversation also touches on their plans for future product developments, the importance of safety in cannabis devices, and how they aim to revolutionize the industry with their technology-driven approach.
In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Harrison Bard, Co-Founder of Custom Cones USA. Harrison shares his journey from working at Amazon to diving into the cannabis industry, driven by a passion for innovation. They explore the evolution of Custom Cones USA, from its humble beginnings selling custom-branded pre-rolled cones to becoming a leader in the pre-roll and packaging market. Harrison discusses the importance of quality control, compliance, and innovation in creating a wide variety of products for companies of all sizes. He also delves into the technical challenges and advancements in the industry, the growing trend of infused pre-rolls, and the company's approach to developing new products that enhance the consumer experience.
In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes David Zelinger, a board member at CLS Holdings and founder of Canis Major Partners. David shares his journey from being a chef to working in finance, eventually transitioning into the cannabis industry. He highlights the compliance-heavy nature of both finance and cannabis sectors and discusses the opportunities and challenges in the evolving cannabis market, particularly in New York. The conversation covers the importance of scalable systems and procedures, the volatility of the market, and the strategic positioning within the supply chain to mitigate risks. David also touches on how different states' regulatory environments impact the industry's growth and the potential future federal developments in the U.S. cannabis market.
Kimberly Hooks is the life companion of Frenchy Cannoli whom she met 40+ years ago while traveling in Nepal & India. As a lifelong connoisseur & aficionado of finely crafted chocolate, Kimberly has embraced the science behind developing an expert palate. She worked professionally for 30+ years in the transportation logistics industry focused on organizational development, process analysis, & training design. Currently, Kimberly is the CEO of Frenchy Cannoli Brand.
Vanessa Gabriel is the CEO and co-founder of Drop Delivery, the cannabis industry’s only all-in-one delivery technology solution for retailers. A thirty-year-old, self-described serial entrepreneur, Vanessa previously co-founded Greenlight Technologies, a leading order-ahead, and digital loyalty software in the cannabis industry, which was acquired in 2018.
Ashley’s work is dedicated to empowering patients and nursing professionals to make informed wellness choices with impactful educational medical programs that also serve to promote diverse representation and increased resiliency in those she serves. During her impressive career, Ashley has worked in various healthcare settings, including telemetry nursing, quality improvement, and professional development.
Robert is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative at Studio TBD, a creative collective focusing on cannabis-infused drinks and edibles and web3 initiatives. With a background in advertising, branding, creative development and design strategy Robert has been leading creative endeavors and departments at some of the most prominent agencies in the creative industry in both Europe and the US.
With over 10 years of industry experience in cultivation, manufacturing, regulatory compliance, operations, local lobbying, and project management. Raymond Strack is the Chief Executive Officer at Shasta Grown; a vertically integrated Cannabis supply chain company located on the slopes of Mount Shasta in the City of Weed, California.
Ben is a seasoned global technology executive with more than 25 years experience in sales, marketing, business development, customer success and alliances. He was previously the Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for ServiceSource (Nasdaq: SERV) responsible for the company’s global Sales, Solution Design and Business Development functions
The original Gentleman Smuggler. Barry “Flash” Foy learned the smuggling trade in Florida and South Carolina and soon oversaw almost 200 people along the East Coast, all swept into a mighty rush of cash and cannabis that crash landed after President Reagan launched Operation Jackpot, the first Presidential sting in the War on Drugs, which specifically targeted Foy and his crew.
Walter Moore is an accomplished software architect, financial engineer, and entrepreneur. He is the Co-Founder, CEO and CTO of Cognitive Harmony Technologies, a company designed to streamline the cannabis business application process and create $1 Billion in wealth for underrepresented communities through cannabis business ownership.
Jordan heads Marino’s cannabis, higher education, and public affairs practices. A former advisor to the New York State Senate and the New York State Governor’soffice, he has led award-winning strategic communications programs for a broad spectrum of clients, including cannabis brands, higher education institutions and labor unions.
A serial entrepreneur, Larry brings a wealth of hands-on experience, with a focus on computational linguistics (machine learning), IoT and SaaS based finance and marketing platforms. As co-founder and CEO of Lucid Green, Larry oversees operations to bring LucidIDs to the forefront of cannabis supply chain solutions. Prior to Lucid Green, Larry served as co-founder and CEO of Semagix Group, which was sold to Warburg Pincus in 2006.
Josh and Tara Joseph host a podcast, The Big Plan and are Co-owners of the Nashville-based investment company Big Plan Holdings, they are involved in cannabis, real estate, music and entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and philanthropy. Josh and Tara discuss falling in love, drugs, having kids, being in business together, and everything in between. Above all, Josh and Tara are husband and wife, and more importantly, best friends. They are here to speak their truth and leave nothing uncovered.
Bethany has established herself as a trailblazer in emerging markets, with a focus on cannabis, CBD and wellness. As Managing Director and Co-Founder of Brightfield Group, Bethany's commitment to leadership and storytelling through meaningful data has positioned the company as an industry leader, playing a crucial role in shaping the cannabis, CBD and wellness industries both from a consumer and market perspective.
Joe Lustberg is a leader in the fintech industry with extensive knowledge of financial products and the marketplace. Joe’s experience and expertise is the main reason for his fast rise in the industry. His tenacious drive and deep network of relationships within the cannabis and lending industry have allowed for his success. He handles a multitude of functions as CEO of Upwise Capital, leading the company every day in funding large transactions while providing the best and most efficient service.
