Processing David L - C.P.A. / M.B.A.

SOP writer / Processing Facility Designer/Equipment Acquisition/Chef and Product Formulator

David has over 30 years experience in running a chocolate and confectionery facility. He has also infused confectionery with multiple cannabinoids and dietary supplements. Recently awarded the title: Supplement Supplier of the Year, he has custom designed his FDA registered cGMP Certified facility.  A graduate of Emory and Tulane Universities, trained as a CPA, David and his staff of Chefs wrote their own 1200 page processing application with minimal outside assistance. His wealth of experience allows him to oversee all aspects of the SOP writing and any other training needed. Located in northern NJ, David is available to meet with prospective clients, their attorneys and potential sites.

• Member NJ Cannabusiness Association
• Member Institute of Food Technologists [IFT]
• Member Specialty Food Association [SFA]

Processing Jamie F - B.B.A.

SOP writer / Financial Forecasting / Operations

Jamie F has over 50 years of business experience. He graduated from NYU with a degree in accounting with emphasis on financial planning and statistics. In business, he was heavily involved in the sales of a State controlled substance which, on a monthly basis, had to have sales figures, inventory control statistics, and loss control percentages, if any, reported to various State agencies. This business grew to employ 50 people and achieved sales of $10 million per year. When the business was sold, Jamie’s responsibilities included operation, management, monthly and quarterly forecasting and planning of sales with an emphasis on highlighting upcoming trends in product demand. During all of those work years, Jamie was involved in every phase of business. All business disciplines were invoked on a daily basis to achieve successful results. Employee hiring, training, mentoring, growth analysis, and job performance and enhancement were routine functions.

As a member of the Garden State Cannabis Mentor team, he assisted with the pertinent information that went into the 1200 page application that was submitted for the Class 2 processing license in New Jersey. He also oversaw and implemented many new product varieties and made operational improvements as needed.

Processing Mentors: Chef team headed by Felicia S

SOP writer / Processing Facility Designer/Equipment Acquisition/Chef and Product Formulator

Our Chef team consists of multiple individuals with over 26 years of baking and confectionery experience with numerous awards, including national recognition. The team brings a wealth of experience in the kitchen and has successfully implemented various cannabinoid and marijuana infused products for multiple companies in the Northeast.

Working with multi million-dollar facilities that are vertically integrated, growing, harvesting, and producing the cannabinoids, the team works to aid their on-site production. Deliverables include formulations, SOP’s, on-site training, and product development process to completion. We can tailor the training needed for specific clients. Product mix has included molded chocolates, bars, gummies, pate de fruit, and maple creams, with the experience and expertise to assist with many other confectionery and baked goods.  The team members hail from NJ, PA and RI.

Cultivating Mentor: Kerry M

Cultivating Expert / SOP scribe / Cultivation Facility Designer / Post License Cultivator Trainer

Kerry started his career in medical marijuana in Colorado in 2010. Worked in the capital markets for 3 years internationally. Founded two vertically integrated hemp companies starting in KY in 2016 which eventually moved to SW Virginia to form National Hemp Group & sister companies. A native of Long Island, Kerry assists on all cultivation related items. Kerry’s specialties include:

• Equipment Needs (extraction, refining, etc.)
• Tailored Specific SOPs for specific facilities & equipment
• Training
• On going technical support

Cultivating/Business Mentor: Paul P

Cultivating & Business Plan Expert / SOP scribe / Social Media / Post License Trainer

Paul is an e-commerce entrepreneur and has been a vendor and presenter at cannabis cups and conventions across the US. He has been a consultant on domestic CBD startups and medical cannabis licensing in FL & PA. Through these processes Paul has learned more about the licensing and regulatory process that has equipped him most recently for the NJ Conditional Licensing application process.

Paul has contributed photos and information on cannabis extraction in The Essential Cannabis Book: A Field Guide for the Curious.

Retailing Mentor: Ismail A

RETAIL MENTOR

Ismail is a New Jersey entrepreneur with over 18 years of growing multiple retail opportunities. Founder of the Puff City business, he has created a sustainable business model which now is repeated among 40 franchisees in the Tri-State area. He has experience in the acquisition of commercial properties which have been transformed into retail outlets and warehouses. Ismail will work with retailers and share business plans, store designs and assist with operational training using his extensive experience.

Architecture Matt J - A.I.A. / M.B.A.

SOP writer / Design / Project overseeing

Matthew is a true practitioner of the architectural profession helping clients through traditional A/E design, with additional guidance in land entitlement strategies and financing options. He maintains ‘big picture’ project oversight, for projects in a multitude of industries, including cannabis. Cannabis projects have included:

1. Prototypical design for the roll-out of medical dispensaries in New York. This included the design of both 2,500 sf and 4,500 sf facilities.
2. Providing architectural and engineering design for a new facility in Burlington County, New Jersey consisting of a processing facility and a large greenhouse.
3. Designing a multi-story dispensary in Mercer County New Jersey.

Matthew has qualified as an expert witness and testified before Municipal Planning and Zoning Boards, Redevelopment Authorities, and the Court System on land planning and development projects. He has provided expert commentary and has written articles in multiple publications: The New York Times, The Star Ledger, NJ Biz, Real Estate New Jersey, etc. Matt’s firm is located in the heart of northern NJ in Essex County.

Security Mentor: Dan J - NICET 2

Cannabis Security Specialist / SOP scribe

Dan has an extremely impressive track record in the knowledge of the security statutes and implementation of executing your security plan for the Cannabis Industry.

Entering the Cannabis Industry in 2017, he quickly became a go-to resource for all things security in this extremely complex field. Utilized in multiple existing and new build-out’s, it has become apparent that Dan has a firm grasp in planning above and beyond State standards, implementation, and customer service. Dan’s passion for this industry also shines through his education and support for First Responders and Veterans with PTSD. Located in NJ, Dan personally visits clients proposed facilities and advises on all things Security related.

Good Manufacturing Processes Mentor: Andy S - 21 CFR Part 111 Regulatory Consultant

PROCESSING MENTOR

Andy S. is a dietary supplement industry professional who focuses on quality system development, manufacturing processes, product development and regulatory compliance. With 25+ years of industry experience at all levels, he specializes in addressing implementing quality systems and remediation. When CBD and THC burst into the markets, it presented a number of regulatory opportunities. Many companies have great products but are unfamiliar with what it takes to manufacture them in a way that State and Federal governments find acceptable. This is where Andy’s breadth of experience comes into play. He has helped many CBD/THC companies implement quality systems, label compliance and good manufacturing practices. This helps reduce regulatory risk and ensure the best products make it to market.

Telecommunications and Internet: Antwaun S
Communications, Connectivity and Communications Design
Antwaun’s is a leading sales and designer for one of the country’s largest providers of Internet, telephone and communication services. Not only is uninterrupted communications with suppliers and customers most important in this fast moving industry, it’s a requirement by the state with the related reporting and connections to the State CRC.
Antwaun works presently with multiple business in the Tri- State and is based in Passaic County.

Internet Marketing & Advertising: John T
Graphics Arts and Webpage Development
John’s firm is one of the leading NJ graphic design operations offering web services, video production, photography, animation, and custom programming work.A power house regional firm with clients inside and out of the cannabis industry. Besides creation of a custom website, Organic SEO and Social Campaigns are also available.
John is familiar with the NJ Regulations regarding the General advertising requirements and prohibitions. Located in Northern NJ, his company works with multiple businesses both inside and outside the state.

Forecast & Valuation Services: David L & Team

Result Measuring
David L a retired CPA with 30 years of financial analysis and his team brings this needed specialty. Whether required for proper outlook or general financial managerial control, this specialty is a must for investing and reporting results. A graduate of Emory and Tulane Universities, trained as a CPA, his wealth of experience allows him to review and create needed financial documents.