Under the Microscope with Jenny
Welcome to the Under the Microscope with Jenny Podcast! I’m your host, Jenny Germano - the founder of ICS Consulting. With over 16 years of hands-on experience in the Regulated Cannabis Industry, I’ve spent 6 years operating vertically integrated licensed facilities in Colorado and the last 10 years consulting nationally across the U.S. This podcast is dedicated to new and existing Cannabis operators and to those looking to launch a licensed Cannabis business, whether it’s a Dispensary, Cultivation, Manufacturing, or Transport/Delivery operation, in one state or across multiple. Each week, I will dive into real-world topics focused on starting and running a Regulated Cannabis business in the U.S. marketplace. Expect candid conversations on compliance, market-specific insights, startup pitfalls, operational strategies, and tips to manage the overwhelm that comes with launching and scaling in this complex industry. I’ve curated discussions with industry experts, alongside weekly deep dives with me sharing what I’ve learned from working in the trenches of regulated Cannabis operations. Whether you’re just entering the industry or scaling up, this is your go-to resource for real talk, real truths, expert insights, and actionable strategies. I am cutting through the noise and revealing what it truly takes to succeed in the cannabis industry.
Episodes
🎙In this episode of 'Under The Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Jennifer Makris the Founder of Cannabis Cash Consultants, who shares her journey and expertise in cannabis cash management. Jennifer explores the evolution of her career from transportation logistics to managing financial systems for Brinks, and discusses her role in pioneering cannabis-friendly financial institutions and cash handling solutions. Th...
In this episode of 'Under the Microscope Cannabis Operator Series’, host Jenny Germano welcomes Shawn Honaker, CEO of Yeti Farms, a Medical and Adult-Use Cultivation and Manufacturing Facility. The discussion dives into Shawn's unexpected journey into the cannabis industry, starting from his roots in central Indiana, to running a financial planning firm, and eventually founding Yeti Farms.
Shawn shares his experiences including cha...
🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Blaine Hatab, CEO of Distru, to discuss the evolving cannabis industry and key aspects of the industry from operations to compliance. They delve into the importance of technology in cannabis operations, the importance of staying data-driven, leveraging technology and how better tech can make a difference for Cannabis operators.
The conversation covers the un...
🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into five primary compliance challenges that can make or break a regulated cannabis business. Jenny shares her extensive background in the cannabis industry, beginning in 2009, and the insights she has gained through her 16 years of working in the regulated market. She addresses why she often focuses on the industry's hurdles, and the importance of being prepare...
🎙 In this episode of "Under The Microscope with Jenny Podcast," host Jenny Germano is joined by Maureen McNamara, Founder & Chief Facilitator at Cannabis Trainers, to explore the pivotal role of training in the cannabis industry. The conversation dives into Maureen’s journey as a leader in compliance and training, and how she is shaping the future of cannabis operations. Jenny and Maureen cover essential topics, including the ...
In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano is joined by Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus USA, to explore the role of automation in the cannabis industry. The conversation delves into Shahar's journey from food packaging automation to cannabis, and how his company is revolutionizing pre-roll automation. The episode covers essential topics, including the importance of planning, training, and maintaining high quality w...
In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of cannabis transportation with guest Joel Dickerson, CEO of GPS One LLC. Joel shares his journey from sports management to the cannabis industry, detailing his experiences working in vertically integrated cannabis operations in Colorado and the launch of Green Parcel Service the first licensed cannabis transportation provider in the United Stat...
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 ...
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 lac...
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, an...
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 co...
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...
🎙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. J...
🎙 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 ...
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, ...
🎙In this special 10th episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano explores the critical issue of burnout among cannabis operators. She shares insights from her extensive experience in the cannabis industry, offers a detailed list of ten reasons why cannabis operators get burned out, and provides practical strategies to prevent and manage burnout. Jenny stresses the importance of having a 'why,' being proactive, creating ...
In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into the critical security strategies for cannabis businesses with guest Tony Gallo, a seasoned expert from Sapphire Risk Advisory Group. Tony shares his extensive experience in the cannabis industry, highlighting the importance of robust security measures during both the licensing and operational phases. Key discussion points include the necessity of a comprehensi...
In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the nuances of banking for Cannabis Regulated Businesses (CRBs) with Erin O'Donnell and Michael Beird from the Association for Cannabis Banking. This episode explores the history, challenges, and future of cannabis banking. Learn about federal restrictions, compliance requirements, and the tiered risk system designed to manage these CRB’s. Discover practical ad...
🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses cannabis policy and operations with guest Jordan Wellington from Strategies 64. The conversation delves into Jordan's extensive background in cannabis legislation and regulation. He shares his journey from New Jersey to Colorado, where he played a pivotal role in implementing Amendment 64. Jordan provides insights into the legislative process, misconceptions ab...
In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of licensing and launching cannabis cultivation facilities in emerging markets. Joined by industry veterans Stuart Ware and Matt Best from Joywave Consulting, share their extensive backgrounds in the cannabis industry and offer an integral approach into common licensing challenges, facility planning, compliance, budgeting, and the latest impro...
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