• Ep. 18: Asset-Light, Market-Ready: Strategic Expansion for Cannabis Operators
    2025/08/13

    In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses asset-light, market-ready expansion for cannabis operators with guest Xavier Jaillet, an Associate Attorney at McDonald Hopkins Law Firm. Jenny and Xavier explore various models for expanding cannabis brands into new markets, including license acquisition, business purchases, and licensing agreements. They dive deep into the benefits and challenges of partnering with existing operators, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, written agreements, and clear communication. The discussion aims to help cannabis operators navigate expansion strategies effectively while mitigating risks.

    🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano 🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    🌿 Our Guest: Xavier Jaillet, Associate Attorney 🌎 Xavier on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xjaillet

    🌎 McDonald Hopkins Law Firm: https://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com

    🌿Xavier is also the Chair Colorado Chapter and Secretary of The Board for The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce: https://www.thecannabischamber.com

    ⏰ Timecodes ⏰

    01:33 Xavier's Journey in the Cannabis Industry 05:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Cannabis Expansion 08:35 Three Models for State License Products 15:47 Expansion by Licensing Agreements 22:09 The Realities of Partner Selection 27:03 Navigating State Regulations 27:42 Understanding Royalty Percentages and White Labeling 30:41 Vetting Potential Partners 38:51 Pitfalls and Written Agreements 41:41 Allocating Liability and Economic Terms 45:28 Starting Low and Going Slow in Business 48:40 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

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    50 分
  • Ep. 17: The High Cost of Compliance: Launching a Regulated Dispensary
    2025/08/06

    In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the complexities and high costs of opening a regulated cannabis dispensary. With over 16 years of operations experience in the cannabis industry, she describes the various stages from licensing to the grand opening, emphasizing the importance of being organized and having an experienced team. She discusses the common pitfalls such as overwhelming tasks, the lack of project management, the financial strains, drinking through the firehose syndrome, compliance issues, and the importance of thorough preparation.

    Providing real examples from her consulting work, Jenny urges potential dispensary owners to take compliance seriously and understand their choices and the significant investment required, both financially and in terms of dedication. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the real challenges in the cannabis industry, while offering practical steps for aspiring dispensary owners.

    🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano

    🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    ⏰ Timecodes ⏰

    00:58 The Overwhelming Process of Opening a Dispensary 02:48 Cost Variations Across States 07:43 The Reality of Running a Dispensary 10:40 Financial Challenges and Misconceptions 31:34 The High Cost of Compliance 33:08 Challenges During Construction 34:21 Navigating Inspections and Licensing 36:06 Drinking Through the Firehose 45:20 Building the Right Team 53:00 The Importance of Compliance and Burnout Prevention 54:41 Key Takeaways & Wrap Up

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    56 分
  • Ep. 16: The Backbone of Compliance: Management, People, and Systems
    2025/07/30

    In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the essential components of compliance in the cannabis industry, focusing on management, people, and systems. Drawing from her extensive experience in the field, Jenny outlines the importance of strong leadership, clear accountability, and effective risk management. She also explores creating a culture of compliance, the significance of proper documentation, and the role of communication in fostering a healthy work environment. The episode includes practical tips and examples, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in or interested in the regulated cannabis market.

    🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano 🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    ⏰ Timecodes ⏰

    01:10 The Role of Management in Compliance 05:44 Building a Culture of Compliance 12:44 Effective Management Strategies 13:57 Integrating Compliance into Daily Decisions 18:42 Accountability and Documentation Standards 23:26 Organizational Structure and Task Management 28:02 The Importance of Accountability and Documentation 28:39 People First: Leadership and Culture of Compliance 29:11 Choices and Their Impact on Business 32:42 Adaptive Management in the Cannabis Industry 43:02 The Role of Employees in Compliance 47:57 Effective Management and Avoiding Burnout 50:25 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

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    52 分
  • Ep. 15: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Jennifer McGuire COO & Co-Founder of CAMP Cannabis
    2025/07/23

    In this next episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano dives into our Cannabis Operator Series featuring Jennifer McGuire, the COO and Co-Founder of CAMP Cannabis. CAMP is a craft cultivation and manufacturing operation based out of St. Louis, Missouri serving the Medical and Adult-Use market. Jenny sits down with Jennifer to discuss her journey from nursing to co-founding a regulated cannabis operation. Our conversation highlights some of the challenges launching in a new market, and the triumphs along the way, and the focus on growing and producing clean craft cannabis products. We also touch on the importance of safe operational standards, effective marketing strategies, the word of the day - pivot, and how vital team and community involvement is.

    🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano

    🌎 ICS Consulting

    🌿 Our Guest: COO/Co-Founder Jennifer McGuire

    🌎 CAMP Cannabis

    ⏰ Timecodes ⏰

    00:45 Guest Introduction: Jennifer McGuire 01:11 Journey From Nursing to Cannabis 02:21 Co-Founding Camp Cannabis 05:15 Challenges and Successes 07:49 Building a Brand and Community 13:12 Clean Craft Cannabis Practices 18:44 Operational Growth and Product Development 23:26 Challenges of Expanding a Cannabis Brand 26:53 Navigating Social Media and Marketing Hurdles 33:10 Operational Realities and The Pivot 39:30 Tips for New Cannabis Operators

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    42 分
  • Ep. 14: Mediation as a Compliance Strategy for Regulated Cannabis Operations
    2025/07/16

    In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano is joined by Bethany Niebauer from Axial Resolutions to discuss mediation as a compliance strategy for regulated cannabis operations. Bethany shares about her decade-long experience in the cannabis industry, starting with writing license applications, and transitioning into mediation to help resolve industry conflicts. This episode delves into how mediation can be used for various disputes within cannabis businesses, including employee issues, vendor relations, how to prevent internal conflicts, and an added value for operational compliance. They highlight the importance of communication, and relational dynamics in maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. The discussion includes practical advice on incorporating ADR clauses in contracts, utilizing mediation to preserve business relationships in the long term and building a culture of trust.

    🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano 🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    🌿 Our Guest: Bethany Niebauer, Founder of Axial Resolutions 🌎 https://axialresolutions.com

    ⏰ Timecodes ⏰

    00:58 Guest Introduction 05:00 The Importance of Mediation in Cannabis 05:44 Understanding Mediation vs. Arbitration 10:09 Compliance and Relationships 18:43 Patterns, Pitfalls, and Prevention 24:40 Leadership and Management Challenges 26:34 Building Relational Trust in the Cannabis Industry 30:55 Tools and Tactics for Conflict Resolution 36:12 The Value of Mediation Clauses in Contracts 38:20 Changing the Culture & Wrap Up

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    42 分
  • Ep. 13: The Hidden Hazards of Cannabis Operations and How to Prevent Them
    2025/07/09

    🎙In this comprehensive episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano and returning guest Alex Hearding delve into the critical topic of workplace safety in the cannabis industry. They discuss the hidden hazards in cannabis operations and explore effective prevention strategies. The discussion covers essential OSHA regulations, the significance of worker safety programs, and the importance of creating a culture of safety. Jenny and Alex share their extensive experience and offer practical advice for operators, bringing attention to necessary safety plans, proper chemical storage, and the often overlooked OSHA compliance requirements. They emphasize the importance of employee engagement and training, providing actionable steps for operators to enhance workplace safety.

    📢 Visit Jenny's Website: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    🌿 Our Guest: Alex Hearding

    🙏 Subscribe to my Youtube Channel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    🎧 Listen On : Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio

    Timestamps

    00:00 Podcast Intro & Host Background 01:40 Guest Intro & Background 02:24 Understanding OSHA and Worker Safety 05:30 The General Duty Clause 09:57 Common Hazards in the Cannabis Industry 12:28 OSHA's Role in Cannabis Facilities 19:35 Core Components of a Safety Program 25:46 OSHA Respiratory Protection Program 27:09 Voluntary vs. Mandatory Respirator Use 29:30 Small Business OSHA Compliance 34:02 Fire and Electrical Safety in Cannabis Operations 38:26 OSHA Compliance and Record Keeping 41:17 Employee Engagement and Safety Culture 45:51 Wrap Up & Actionable Steps

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    51 分
  • Ep. 12: Hiring Smart in Cannabis What Operators Get Wrong (and Right)
    2025/07/02

    🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano chats with Christy and Preston Essex, founders of Seven Staffing and Employment Solutions, about the intricacies of hiring in the cannabis industry. Tune in to learn more about this dynamic team who were on the ground floor supporting new operators when the State of Missouri launched their Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis programs. Our discussion covers common staffing challenges such as turnover and retention, the importance of effective onboarding, and the benefits of flexible staffing options. Christy and Preston also share their insights on workforce coaching, the role of soft skills, and how operators can better invest in their employees to build a stable and productive team. Whether you're a cannabis industry veteran or a new operator, this episode highlights the need for proactive planning and creative problem-solving for anyone looking to build a stable and effective team.

    📢 Visit Jenny's Website: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    🌿 Our Guest: Christy & Preston Essex from Seven Staffing and Employment Solutions

    🌎 https://www.staffingbyse7en.com

    🙏 Subscribe to my Youtube Channel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Time Stamps

    00:00 Podcast Intro 00:46 Christy Essex's Background 02:18 Preston Essex's Background 03:43 The Challenges in Cannabis Staffing 04:55 Turnover and Retention in the Cannabis Industry 08:57 Employee Credentialing and Regulatory Challenges 15:10 Seasonal and Temporary Staffing Needs 22:29 Investing in Employees Beyond Paychecks 23:54 Creative Alternatives to Employee Benefits 24:59 Challenges for Startups in Offering Benefits 28:05 The Importance of Being Organized 35:15 Common Mistakes Operators make with Onboarding 38:54 Workforce Coaching and Its Positive Impact 44:01 Advice for Cannabis Operators & Wrap Up

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    48 分
  • Ep. 11: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Beatrice Carranza of Bachaz Mexican Gummies
    2025/06/25

    In this episode of 'Under the Microscope Operator Series', host Jenny Germano sits down with Beatrice Carranza, Founder of Bachaz Mexican Gummies to discuss her journey into the cannabis industry. With a background in social work and hospitality, Beatrice talks about her motivation to create the first bilingual labeled edible product in Colorado, targeting the Hispanic community. She shares the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, from the lengthy licensing process, educating and demystifying the stigma of cannabis in her community, and getting her authentic Mexican-flavored gummies into dispensaries after launching. Beatrice also emphasizes the importance of dedication and perseverance for small businesses and the value of building relationships with dispensaries. The episode culminates with insights into operating a regulated manufacturing business and advice to budding cannabis entrepreneurs.

    👉 Check out my website: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    👉 Our Guest: Beatrice Carranza 🌎 https://bachaz.com/

    Subscribe & Rate this Podcast ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    🎧 Follow Me : Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio & Pandora Radio

    Time Stamps

    00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:49 Guest Introduction: Beatrice Carranza 01:39 Creating a Bilingual Cannabis Brand 02:56 Winning the THC Classic Award 04:30 Challenges and Triumphs of a Small Business 06:21 The Importance of Flavor and Cultural Connection 07:08 The 'Why' Behind the Bachaz Gummies 09:11 Navigating Regulations and Compliance 10:00 The Journey to Operational Readiness 17:53 The Reality of Running a Cannabis Business 23:13 Budgeting and Financial Challenges 25:25 Challenges of Payment Terms in the Cannabis Industry 26:04 Navigating Dispensary Relationships 26:40 The Impact of Payment Delays on Small Businesses 30:32 Introducing Authentic Mexican Flavors 34:10 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement 38:12 Overcoming Industry Challenges 44:25 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Advice 46:14 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

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    48 分