Charting Success: A Conversation with Pankaj, President & CEO at Renaissance Park Corporation

Pankaj is a seasoned executive with a remarkable track record of driving growth and innovation across various sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and SaaS. He has held key leadership positions in notable companies like McAfee, Compliance Online, and MentorCloud, where he demonstrated his ability to scale businesses, drive revenue growth, and achieve successful exits. Pankaj's strategic leadership has been pivotal in transforming struggling businesses into thriving enterprises, earning him recognition through prestigious awards and accolades. Beyond his executive roles, Pankaj is deeply involved in mentoring and advisory work, guiding numerous founders and startups to success. With a solid academic background and a passion for fostering the next generation of business leaders, Pankaj brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Renaissance Park Corporation as its President & CEO. His strategic acumen, operational excellence, and mentoring prowess position him as a valuable asset in navigating today's dynamic business landscape.

www.linkedin.com/in/pnkjs

Rolling Forward: Innovations in Cannabis Automation with Kyle Loucks

Kyle Loucks is the Founder and CEO of RollPros, an automation company revolutionizing the cannabis industry with its cutting-edge TruRoll technology, which replicates the precision of hand-rolled premium joints on a large scale.

Before establishing RollPros, Kyle held various leadership positions in engineering and technology at companies ranging from pioneering medical device startups to industry giants like Hewlett-Packard and Georgia Pacific. Notably, he contributed to the development of optical hardware for Facebook's Oculus VR system.

Recognizing the inconsistency and low quality associated with traditional pre-roll production methods, Kyle seized the opportunity for innovation and automation. Since 2020, he and the RollPros team have empowered cannabis businesses with state-of-the-art technology, enabling them to craft top-tier pre-rolls that foster customer loyalty, streamline operations, and eliminate manual labor.

Kyle earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University in Pullman, WA.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleloucks/

http://www.instagram.com/rollpros/?hl=en

http://www.facebook.com/p/RollPros-100064353715251/

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

Colton Keluche is a dynamic marketing and communications expert renowned for his prowess in high-growth enterprises. With a natural flair for innovation, he seamlessly navigates the complexities of both startup ventures and Fortune 500 corporations. Rooted in his core are robust communication skills and adept project management abilities, complemented by a rich background in cross-cultural advisory and startup go-to-market strategies. Over the past eight years, Keluche has held numerous senior roles in cannabis consulting and marketing, spanning product development, technology integration, and cutting-edge advertising campaigns. His unwavering dedication lies in empowering and championing the trailblazers of this dynamic industry, driving his passion to new heights.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-keluche-2625618b/

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/

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-

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

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

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/