Thinking Outside The Bud Bruce Eckfeldt

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud" with Bruce Eckfeldt, Colton Keluche, Director of Marketing at Würk, shares insights into the challenges faced by cannabis businesses and how Würk provides tailored solutions. Colton discusses Würk's mission to normalize payroll and HR services, addressing state regulations and banking issues. He emphasizes scalability and tools for success, highlighting Würk's services across the employee lifecycle. Colton also previews Würk's upcoming initiatives, including data-driven empowerment and new product offerings, while considering the potential impact of federal legalization. This engaging discussion offers valuable insights into the evolving cannabis industry and Würk's role in supporting its growth.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Guillermo Rodriguez, a virtual CFO specializing in the cannabis industry. Guillermo shares insights into the complexities of cannabis accounting, discussing operational challenges, tax regulations, and the importance of strategic financial management. As they explore Guillermo's journey into the industry and his passion for health and wellness, listeners gain valuable insights into navigating the dynamic landscape of cannabis business.

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, discussing her motivation for entering the industry and her experience as one of the first black women to obtain a cannabis license in New Jersey.

She talks about transitioning from selling butter cakes to edibles, navigating licensing challenges, and her product lineup, including peanut butter and jelly brownies. Matha emphasizes her commitment to affordability and social equity in the cannabis industry, concluding with excitement about launching New Jersey's first legal pot brownie.

In this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Christine De La Rosa, CEO and co-founder of the People's Ecosystem and founding member of the People's Group. They delve into the world of cannabis and hemp, discussing the current state of the industry, recent developments, and future prospects. Christine shares her personal journey into the cannabis space, driven by her own health challenges and the transformative power of cannabis in her life.

Christine highlights the importance of honoring the legacy of those who have risked much to provide cannabis as medicine. She emphasizes the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the cannabis industry, not only as a moral imperative but also as a business strategy to serve a broader range of consumers.

The conversation explores the concept of the People's Ecosystem, a collaborative network of companies within the cannabis industry that work together to leverage resources and maximize impact. Christine discusses the challenges and opportunities in the hemp sector, including regulatory issues and the potential for direct-to-consumer sales via platforms like TikTok.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the cannabis and hemp industries, highlighting the importance of community, innovation, and social responsibility.

In this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Darren Gleeman, managing partner at MBO Ventures, about Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) in the cannabis industry. ESOPs enable owners to sell to employees without upfront capital, thanks to IRS subsidies, offering tax advantages like deferred capital gains tax and tax-free status. Structured as trusts, ESOPs allocate stock based on vesting schedules, promoting retention. While rare in cannabis due to awareness, successful implementations yield tax savings and employee benefits. Gleeman encourages exploring ESOPs as alternative exit strategies.

Filip is a seasoned marketing executive with a rich background in global companies like Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, and Anheuser Busch InBev. In August 2022, he transitioned to Lucid Green, a cannatech firm focused on streamlining the intricate supply chain and enhancing consumer trust in the cannabis industry. Leveraging his innovative mindset, Filip has become a sought-after speaker, participating in over 20 conferences as both a keynote speaker and panelist.