Episode 16: Future Proofing and Integrated Design with Mitch Galton from UrbanGro

Episode 16: Future Proofing and Integrated Design with Mitch Galton from UrbanGro

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Summary:

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of the cannabis industry? Join us in an enlightening discussion with Mitch Galton, Director of Business Development at Urban Gro, as he pulls back the curtain on the highs and lows of navigating the burgeoning field. From conquering the market with speed to circumventing the industry's notorious delays, Mitch shares how Urban Gro's turnkey model is paving the way for success. Plus, he takes us on a trip down memory lane with his fascinating transition into the world of cannabis.

Scaling a 15-person startup to a 200-strong team is no mean feat - Mitch has seen it all. His journey in the horticulture and cannabis sector is filled with defining moments that shaped his career. He takes us from Texas to Canada, discussing the unique challenges that tagged along. With the stringent cultivation policies and retail restrictions in Canada, there's a lot to unpack. Stay tuned as we delve into the complexities of retrofitting cannabis facilities and how Urban Gro is facilitating smooth transitions for its clients.

Ever wondered how LED lighting and genetic selection play crucial roles in cannabis cultivation? Mitch's in-depth insights into these areas will leave you intrigued. He shines a light on the advantages of LED lighting for cultivation, the importance of genetic selection, and the challenges Canadian cultivators face. The conversation isn't only packed with practical insights but also brings to the forefront some thought-provoking questions about the future of the cannabis industry. So, is the industry ready to strike the perfect balance and future-proof cannabis facilities? Join us to find out!

  • 0:00 - Urban Gro's Solutions and Challenges
  • 06:45 - Startup Journey and Growth in Texas
  • 10:36 - Canadian Cannabis Market Challenges and Issues
  • 14:45 - Considerations for Retrofitting Cannabis Facilities
  • 26:03 - LED Lighting for Cannabis Cultivation
  • 36:41 - Genetic Selection and Brand Viability
  • 45:09 - Challenges and Considerations in Genetic Selection
  • 49:16 - Future-Proofing Cannabis Facilities

 
 

GrowGlide Resources

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Twitter

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 15: Progress and Challenges for the Global Cannabis Market with Fluence

Episode 15: Progress and Challenges for the Global Cannabis Market with Fluence

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Summary:

Ever wondered why Germany plays such a pivotal role in the European cannabis industry? Join your host, Michael Williamson, as he speaks with Timo Bongartz, General Manager of Fluence, in an engaging discussion exploring the fascinating world of cannabis cultivation and lighting. Michael and Timo shed light on the complexities of obtaining a prescription for medical cannabis in Germany and discuss potential shifts in this landscape.

They address the progress and challenges of the cannabis lighting industry, the need for market correction and standardization and the intricacies of managing complex business models. They explore the future of Europe’s role and the steps necessary for swift development. Through analysis of pilot projects in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands and their potential impacts on the supply chain, you’ll discover why the German cannabis market is crucial for international stakeholders and how the country's healthcare system influences patient access to medical cannabis.

  • 00:00 - Vertical Farming and German Cannabis Market

  •  

    13:28 - Cannabis Industry Challenges and Progress

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Episode 14: The Science & Business of Cannabis: What to Measure & Why with GrowGlide

Episode 14: The Science & Business of Cannabis: What to Measure & Why with GrowGlide

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Summary:

Join us on Cultivation Elevated as we embark on an exciting exploration into the world of cannabis cultivation. This episode features a fascinating discussion with Jesse Porter, the Director of Cultivation for GrowGlide. Listen in as Jesse discusses the impact of GrowGlide's recent acquisition by Pipp Horticulture. He shares insights on the challenges and rewards of competition in the industry and how this acquisition paves the way for innovation and better support for the end customer.

We journey through host Michael Williamson's personal experiences in the cannabis industry. From being a hydro shop and nursery owner to moving to the West Coast and experiencing the boom of the cannabis market, Michael shares his strategies for differentiation in a competitive market. He also delves into how metrics and KPIs can help cannabis businesses enhance their efficiencies and how simple solutions can significantly improve your business without any additional financial cost.

We conclude the episode with a deep dive into how to maximize success in multi-tier cannabis cultivation. We take a closer look at how understanding your environment is crucial when transitioning to a multi-tier cultivation facility. So, whether you're an existing grower or owner looking to optimize your facility or someone looking to cultivate more in less space, tune in for key insights into vertical farming success.

  • 00:02 - Competition and Innovation in Vertical Farming
  • 12:50 - Hydro Shop Owner's Cannabis Journey
  • 23:28 - Optimizing Canopy Yield and Workflow Efficiency
  • 27:07 - Maximizing Success in Multi-Tier Cannabis Cultivation
  • 31:46 - Cannabis Cultivation Survival and Lean Principles
  • 44:39 - Efficiency and Data in Cannabis Facilities
  • 49:13 - Future Predictions for Cannabis and Food
  • 55:54 - Appreciation for Cultivation Elevated Podcast

 
 

GrowGlide Resources

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 13: Roots in Past, Flowers of the Future with Fog City Farms

Episode 13: Roots in Past, Flowers of the Future with Fog City Farms

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Summary:

Step into the world of cannabis cultivation with our guest, James Cunningham, the brains behind Fog City Farms. Get ready to master the art of vertical cannabis cultivation as James shares his journey from single-tiered farming to a double-tiered system. We'll dive into Fog City Farm's mission and explore why more cannabis brands are moving indoors.

As James takes you through the science behind lighting and plant genetics, you'll gain a unique perspective on how vertical space and environmental control can revolutionize cultivation practices. As a result of experimenting with different farms, James' experiences are rich with invaluable insights.

As the episode unfolds, we tackle the complexities of the cannabis market, discussing the oversaturation of California's cannabis industry and its impact on legacy growers. Unpack the challenges of building a vertically-stacked farm, the importance of airflow control and how auto-flower development affects price points. Finally, we tackle the intricacies of post-harvest processing and the locations where you can find Fog City products. James' advice for industry newcomers is a must-hear for anyone considering a plunge into the world of cannabis cultivation. Get ready for a knowledge-packed episode you wouldn't want to miss!

  • 00:00 - The current state of cannabis cultivation
  • 12:13 - Developing a practical LED lighting plan
  • 17:59 - Challenges and innovations in the space
  • 28:53 - Over-saturation of California's cannabis market
  • 42:38 - Post-harvest processing best practices
  •  

 
 

Fog City Farms Resources

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 12: Always on the Gas with Claybourne Co.

Episode 12: Always on the Gas with Claybourne Co.

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Summary:

Embark on an immersive exploration of the dynamic world of cannabis cultivation with host Michael Williamson and special guest Brent Barnes, co-founder and VP of cultivation at Claybourne Co. In this enlightening episode, they delve into the critical importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in the cannabis industry. Discover the fascinating realm of genetic engineering and its potential to enhance cannabis plant quality, as well as the significant impact of environmental factors on genetic expression. Gain exclusive insights into Claybourne's innovative facility design and their ongoing quest for breeding advancements, all while delving into the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation. This captivating conversation offers a glimpse into the intricacies of this thriving industry, leaving you inspired and informed about the future of cannabis cultivation.

  • Discover the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in the competitive cannabis industry and how it sets Claybourne apart from the rest.
  • Uncover the potential of genetic engineering to enhance the quality and yield of cannabis plants, as shared by host Michael Williamson, an experienced plant breeder.
  • Explore the fascinating impact of environmental factors on genetic expression and the challenges of genetic drift in cannabis cultivation.
  • Gain insights into the innovative facility design of Claybourne, including a three-story racking system and a specialized airflow system for optimal growth conditions.
  • Learn about the long-term process of breeding and the dedication required for true innovation in cannabis cultivation.
  • Discover the significance of local partnerships and Claybourne’s widespread availability in over 60% of retail locations in California.
  • Gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the cannabis industry and its ongoing evolution, with quality, innovation, and environmental factors at the forefront of success.

 

Claybourne Resources

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 11: Desert Cultivation, Inspired by Mom with Dr. Robb Farms

Episode 11: Desert Cultivation, Inspired by Mom with Dr. Robb Farms

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Summary:

Join us as we take a fascinating journey into the world of cannabis cultivation with Zack Newman, Director of Operations at Dr. Robb Farms. In this episode, we explore the unique strains and rich history of the California cannabis market and how cultivators are shaping the industry's future. With insights from Zack, we learn about their attention to detail, positive work environments, and cross-training of employees, which all contribute to the production of high-quality cannabis products. Discover the challenges and opportunities in the industry and the crucial role that cultivators like Dr. Robb Farms play in shaping its future.

  • Discover how Dr. Robb Farms overcame wind resistance challenges in their purpose-built cannabis facility.
  • Learn about the CBD product, Mom's Formula, developed by Dr. Robb Farms for pain relief.
  • Explore how Zack Newman, Director of Operations, created a positive work environment for his team.
  • Find out how Dr. Robb Farms cross-trains their employees and pays attention to the little things that consultants may
    overlook.
  • Understand how Rove is constantly searching for unique strains and styles of growing in the cannabis industry.
  • Learn about the unique and rich history of the cannabis industry in California and its impact on the rest of the world.
  • Discover the role that cultivators like Dr. Robb Farms and Rove will play in shaping the future of the cannabis industry.

“So as I built my career and advanced in these different operations and had more power and more control and was able to
dictate some of these things, I've always wanted to create an environment where people are happy to show up. Happy people grow happy plants, and happy plants make the people working with them happy. So it's like a cyclical thing.”

“So the basic premise of the greenhouse, the advantage of the greenhouse is having the natural sunlight, the abundant light resource that we have in addition to our supplementary artificial lighting. And we want to combine those and maximize light
spectrums and light output on the plants.”

“So right now we have a lot of gelato crosses. We have a lemon cherry gelato that we're growing for the first time that looks really promising. Another one called the Soap that is just knocking everyone's socks off. And then we haven some classic kind of California flavors. OG Kush.”

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Episode 10: Starting a CEA Indoor Vertical Farm with Sweet Cut

Episode 10: Starting a CEA Indoor Vertical Farm with Sweet Cut

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Summary:

In this episode, Daniel Algaze, Director of Cultivation at SweetCut, shares the company's unique approach to cannabis cultivation. Daniel explains how Sweet Cut maximizes canopy space and ROI while prioritizing efficiency and ergonomics using a unique combination of LEDs and multi-tiered racking from Pipp. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current Michigan cannabis market. Daniel also touches on Sweet Cut's initial signature strain, Sweet Cake, (“a bready sweetness with a hint of skittles”) and the importance of branding and going multi-tiered in a market that is becoming increasingly commoditized. Anyone interested in the cannabis industry will find valuable insights in this informative episode.

  • Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, SweetCut is rapidly making a name for itself in the cannabis industry.
  • The company has a 16,000 square foot facility that includes four 1,100 square foot flower rooms, one triple tier bedroom, and an R&D room.
  • SweetCut uses a multi-tiered environment for its production, which allows for more physical flowering canopy than actual square footage of space. This results in a higher yield and ROI compared to single-tiered environments.
  • SweetCut's initial signature strain is Sweet Cake It has a bready sweetness with a hint of Skittles on the exhale, and it clones well with an amazing structure.
  • The current cannabis market in Michigan is experiencing oversupply and commoditization, with prices dropping from $3,000 per pound to $1,000 per pound. Strong branding is a key differentiator in this market.
  • Why going multi-tiered is generally more lucrative than single-tiered production, as it almost doubles the grams per square foot of canopy.
  •  

“What's been rewarding is actually finding this team. I really like the people that I've hired, and I haven't always been able to say that in the past. I think that it starts from the top. Mark gave me a lot of trust to fully go out, write my own job ad, target the exact people I was looking for, do all the first rounds of interviews, and then bring them in for the final interview where he would get to talk to them”

“I think we're going to have a lot of really interesting strains come out of our pheno hunt very soon that are going to be available in the next few months. But right now, our initial signature strain is Sweet Cake, and that's a strain that no one else in Michigan has. As far as I know, it's pretty niche, even if you kind of look at the more developed markets like California.”

Daniel Algaze LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-algaze-a8619995/

SweetCut Website: https://sweetcutgrow.com/

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/

Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbA

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulture

Pipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/

Pipp Horticulture Twitter - https://twitter.com/pipphort

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 9: Passion For the Plant with Redbud Roots

Episode 9: Passion For the Plant with Redbud Roots

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Summary:

Joe Zeller and Dante Metaluno provide a deep dive into the cannabis industry. Listen in to hear their success story of Redbud Roots, from the importance of genetics and quality to the strategies they use to rise above the competition. Learn about their specialties in cultivation, extraction, processing, packaging, sales, brokerage, white labeling and small batch production. Explore their thoughts on the effects of federal regulation, marketing of certain strains and the evolution of the Emerald Cup. Gain an inside look into their process of creating SOPs, their data-driven approach, and the unique staffing structure they have implemented to create more accountability and engagement among their team.

  • Discover how Joe and Dante have navigated Redbud Roots from 6 employees to over 150
  • Find out how Joe and Dante implemented a staffing structure to increase engagement and pride in their work
  • Learn about the importance of SOPs in cannabis production and the use of data to make decisions
  • Uncover the team's focus on quality, and their passion for the product
  • Understand the success story of Kim, and the evolution of the Emerald Cup
  • Discover the unique terpene profile of the strains produced by Redbud Roots

“We are cultivation, extraction, processing, packaging. We have a diverse sales team. We do a little bit of brokerage white label and try and find a skew that matches almost every product that somebody can want to purchase at this point. Lean towards the craft side of the market.“(Joe Zeller)

“It's that positive attitude appreciating what we get to do. And that's why I speak on the passion of just the joy of working with the plant, going into a grow room on a gloomy Michigan afternoon. If that doesn't turn you up a little bit, then you should be somewhere else.“(Joe Zeller)

“It’s all about quality and a product that you're proud of, a product that you'll gladly show up to any event with and say, this is mine. This is what we made. Step up the quality.” (Dante Metaluno)

Redbud Roots on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redbud-roots/

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/

Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbA

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulture

Pipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/

Pipp Horticulture Twitter - https://twitter.com/pipphort

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 8: USA Made, Michigan Raised

Episode 8: USA Made, Michigan Raised

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Summary:

Del Rockwell and Michael Williamson explore the ever-changing cannabis industry and discuss the history of Pipp Horticulture, a leader in the racking space for cannabis cultivators. From discovering the benefits of modular racking systems to metal corrosion resistance to understanding the importance of voting with their dollars, in this episode, Del and Michael provide an in-depth look at the industry and the products driving it forward.

- Learn how 45 years of experience in the industry has led Pipp to develop products specifically for the cannabis space.

- Del talks about Pipp’s customer-centric approach and how they have embraced the cannabis industry and its culture. He also dives into how they have developed products for both horticulture and retail.

- Learn about the process of product development, from prototyping to third-party testing. Del also provides insight into his own learning process and talks about enrolling in Bruce Bugby's Horticulture and Cannabis course.

- Hear more about the knock down racking system and other exciting products that Pipp is developing for indoor cultivation.

- A great discussion on the challenges of the cannabis industry, such as taxes and pricing, and how partnerships have helped companies succeed.

- Advice on entering the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of having face-to-face conversations and listening to customers.

“We definitely got to drink from the firehose when it came to learning, and I think for the company as a whole, we absolutely tried to learn as much as we could. We wanted to listen to everybody that would try to impart a little bit of information or knowledge on us and try to combat it from that relatively humble perspective.” (Del)

“At the end of the day, are customer centric, and we view ourselves as customer centric almost to a fault. At times, it feels like, yeah, we'll do just about everything. We definitely want to listen to and hear out whatever system it is that they want to use.” (Del)

Pipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/

Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbA

Pipp Horticulture Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulture

Pipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/

Pipp Horticulture Twitter - https://twitter.com/pipphort

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 7: Harvested by Hand, Crafted by Culture with CULTA

Episode 7: Harvested by Hand, Crafted by Culture with CULTA

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Summary:

Jay Bouton is the Senior Director of Cultivation at Culta, Maryland’s vertically-integrated craft cannabis brand. Today, Jay joins the show to share his role at Culta, the inspiration behind the name, and their work at Culta. Jay expounds on the Cravo system, the maturation time of crops, and why he considers Workplace of the Year to be the highest honor achievable.

 

*Medical cannabis is for certified/qualifying patients only. You must be at least 18 years old to view content.

00:31 – Michael introduces today’s guest, Jay Bouton, who shares the inspiration behind the name Culta, what it means to say that Maryland is a ‘limited license state,’ and the concept behind vertical integration  

06:57 – Jay paints a picture of the history behind the building infrastructure that Culta currently uses 

10:18 – An indoor, outdoor and greenhouse grower 

14:03 – The Cravo system explained 

20:04 – Jay speaks to the Indoor growing they are doing at Culta 

22:01 – Flowering rooms and average maturation time 

31:04 – Grower of the Year, Product of the Year, & Workplace of the Year 

36:33 – A collaboration with Dartmouth 

37:57 – Genetics and Pheno-hunting, explained 

42:36 – Traits Jay looks for in a cultivar 

52:28 – Selecting an equipment vendor 

55:54 – Partnering with Pip Horticulture 

58:51 – What the future holds for Culta 

1:03:51 – Michael thanks Jay for joining the show and sharing his story 

1:04:45 – Advice Jay would give to those looking to enter the cannabis industry 

“We’re the second largest employer in town now. And, as we keep on growing, I know we’ll become number one. There’s more opportunity that Culta can offer a lot of the people from Cambridge than The Hyatt or these other companies. There’s much more room for growth. You’re being educated everyday at work. We’re growing the people just as much as we’re growing the plants.” (09:51)  

“With outdoor, we’ve gone through two hurricanes. We’ve gone through a drought. We’ve gone through five straight days of rain. So, we have an idea of where everything’s gonna go, but you honestly have to see how that season treats you before you can really decide if this is an extraction year or a flower year.” (16:53)  

“It’s kind of humbling to know that, no matter how good or big we think we are, in the grand scheme we’re a smaller, middle ground company. But that also allows us to really focus on what matters.” (31:48)  

“What we’re most proud about is The Workplace of the Year in the cannabis industry. Being Grower of the Year is awesome. Being Product of the Year is awesome. But being recognized as the employer where employees would much rather be, that makes us prouder than anything.” (33:15) 

“We won’t put anything out there that we wouldn’t smoke ourselves.” (1:03:22)  

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