The Dime

Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney
  • 4.9 (105)
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The Dime

The $100+ billion cannabis industry is fueled by innovative strategies and visionary leaders. Each week, we explore the journeys of CEOs from publicly traded giants, world-renowned scientists, and underground legacy growers shaping the future of this transformative market. Bryan and Kellan uncover how these pioneers built their businesses, navigated failures and found success in this rapidly growing space. Join us to explore the lessons and insights driving the cannabis industry forward.

  1. 3D AGO

    Where’s the Cash? Visibility, Inventory & Profitable Growth with Tyler Nielsen

    "Cash strapped" might be the most heard phrase in the cannabis industry right now. So… where’s the cash? Without disciplined forecasting and visibility into true costs, growth is meaningless. Most companies aren’t failing from bad ideas — they’re failing in execution. That’s where cash leaks into missed forecasts, bloated inventory, and lost opportunity. Cash flow isn’t a quarterly metric — it has to be a daily focus. The ones with visibility are growing profitably and setting themselves up to survive now and thrive later. This week we sit down with Tyler Nielsen to discuss: • Closing the Execution Gap and unlocking hidden cash • How to identify leaks and improve visibility across the business • Connecting the front of the house to the back for real-time decision making Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vast Insights Partners 01:23 Tyler's Journey into the Cannabis Industry 02:39 Defining Growth vs. Profitability 05:14 Executive Alignment and Operational Execution 07:10 Integration Process for Cannabis Businesses 09:23 Granularity of Data and Internal Audits 12:19 Coaching vs. Hands-On Execution 15:27 Building Trust and Transparency 18:43 Common Inventory Challenges in Cannabis 21:03 Proactive Inventory Management Strategies 29:08 Navigating KPIs in a Complex Supply Chain 32:40 The Importance of Integrated Business Planning 34:25 Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Business 37:28 Visibility Tools: Bridging the Execution Gap 40:25 Understanding the Value of Engagement 43:14 Coaching and Leadership in Operational Change 47:28 Identifying Common Operational Issues 50:33 Tailoring Solutions for Smaller Organizations Guest Links  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vast-insight-partners/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylernielsen/https://www.vastinsightpartners.com/Our Links Our Links  Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. 8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain  The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime

    55 min

  2. MAY 8

    Why the Industry’s Premier Brands Choose The Flowery — and What’s Coming Next in New York & Florida ft. Ilya Shmidt

    Florida and New York are massive markets — but they’re still early. Everyone’s fighting for attention, trust, and long-term positioning. So how did The Flowery rise to the top and become the go-to partner for the industry’s premier brands? 710 Labs. Wizard Trees. Preferred Gardens. Doja Pak the list goes on. These brands are some of the most sought-after names in the entire cannabis industry. They drive traffic into the store, signal trust with customers, and are built on quality and brand recognition. This week we sit down with Ilya Shmidt, of The Flowery, to uncover how his team became the trusted home for the most influential names in cannabis — and how they're scaling that same trust across Florida and New York. In this episode, we dive into: How The Flowery earned partnerships with the industry’s top-tier brandsThe systems behind scaling quality and consistency at retailWhy New York’s market share shifted fast — and what’s next in FloridaChapters 00:00 Introduction to Flowery and Ilya Schmidt 01:07 Ilya's Journey into the Cannabis Industry 02:41 Building Brand Partnerships in Cannabis 05:07 The Vetting Process for Brand Collaborations 06:01 Vertical Integration in Cannabis Production 10:30 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing Among Brands 12:51 Creating Unique Cultivars and Market Disruption 13:06 Learning from Other Industries 14:59 Balancing Brand Visibility and Shelf Space 18:05 Expanding into New Markets like New York 22:54 Navigating the Cannabis Market in New York 29:42 The Importance of Education in Cannabis 35:00 Emerging Brands and Market Trends 39:01 Lessons Learned in the Cannabis Industry 00:00 Introduction to Flowery and Ilya Schmidt 01:07 Ilya's Journey into the Cannabis Industry 02:41 Building Brand Partnerships in Cannabis 05:07 The Vetting Process for Brand Collaborations 06:01 Vertical Integration in Cannabis Production 10:30 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing Among Brands 12:51 Creating Unique Cultivars and Market Disruption 13:06 Learning from Other Industries 14:59 Balancing Brand Visibility and Shelf Space 18:05 Expanding into New Markets like New York 22:54 Navigating the Cannabis Market in New York 29:42 The Importance of Education in Cannabis 35:00 Emerging Brands and Market Trends 39:01 Lessons Learned in the Cannabis Industry Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyashmidt/https://theflowery.co/ https://www.instagram.com/floweryflorida/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-floweryco?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-companyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhtokhIFa7UFWeSQqtR3Xg Our Links Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. 8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain  The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime

    45 min

  3. MAY 1

    Big Tobacco Is Moving on Cannabis, the Global Strategy Is Unfolding, and Deepak Anand Reveals Where’s Next

    Big Tobacco knows cigarettes are dead. They’re sitting on cash, looking for growth — and cannabis is the obvious move. They’re no longer silently watching from the sidelines. They’re investing, expanding — some through public acquisitions, others through quieter plays. But one thing is clear: it’s no secret anymore. Big Tobacco is here, leveraging its resources to capture market share quickly, while cannabis companies continue to struggle. And on the other side of the coin? The global unlock continues. With U.S. operators mostly stuck within national borders, Canadian companies are finally getting the green light to activate dormant facilities and feed growing EU demand. Companies like Curaleaf are thriving in the international arena — and it’s just getting started. This week, we sit down with global cannabis strategist Deepak Anand to break down: Tobacco’s positioning — and what they’re likely eyeing nextWhich U.S. companies Deepak expects to head overseasWhich international markets are heating up nextChapters 00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Landscape 03:05 Deepak's Journey into Cannabis Consulting 06:11 Understanding CPG Companies' Entry into Cannabis 08:58 Market Dynamics and Regulatory Challenges 11:48 Consolidation Trends in the Cannabis Industry 15:09 The Booming German Cannabis Market 18:06 International Expansion and MSO Strategies 21:02 Future Outlook for Cannabis Companies 26:23 Emerging Opportunities in the Australian Cannabis Market 29:12 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in International Markets 30:51 The Evolving Landscape of Recreational Cannabis 34:05 Strategic Moves by Tobacco Companies in Cannabis 36:35 Crafting Tailored Strategies for Cannabis Clients 40:00 International Perspectives on U.S. Cannabis Policies 42:26 Insights from the GCRS Event in Washington, DC Guest Links: https://x.com/_deepakanandhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ananddeepaks/About Deepak Anand  Advisory Board Member at CB Company, MJBiz, Lift Events & Experiences, ASTM International, Cannabinoid Research & Development Global (CRDG) Network; Cannabis Industry Management Advisor at ASDA Consultancy Services; Vice Chairman Of The Board at Medical Cannabis Canada; Strategic Advisor at CanMar; Adjunct Instructor at Osgoode Professional Development Our Links  Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. 8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain  The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime

    49 min

  4. APR 24

    Secrets Behind World-Class Extraction: How 1% Add Millions ft. Micah Anderson

    Specialization is coming — and surviving will mean doing one thing better than anyone else. But that’s only the beginning. Getting there takes a relentless growth mindset: an obsession with stacking small operational wins — data, tech, genetics, process — to create massive separation over time. Extraction isn’t simple. And in a world of margin compression, “this is how we’ve always done it” won’t cut it. Micah shares how applying best-in-class manufacturing principles has helped LEEF reach elite levels of efficiency — and how just a 1–2% gain in yield can unlock millions in  value. He also shares how they’re continuing to push the envelope to stay ahead. This week we sit down with Micah Anderson to discuss: What it takes to earn trust from the world’s biggest brandsWhy world-class manufacturing technologies is massive edgeExpansion plans in NY and what’s next for “the farm”Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Micah Anderson and Leaf Brands 02:49 Journey into the Cannabis Industry 05:51 The Focus on Extraction 09:02 Challenges and Lessons Learned 11:49 Data-Driven Decision Making 14:52 Procurement and Supply Chain Dynamics 18:03 Extraction Modalities and Client Collaboration 20:58 Investment in Cultivation and Expansion Plans 24:11 Strategic Moves into New Markets 27:13 Navigating Market Challenges and Future Outlook 36:35 Navigating New Markets: The New York Strategy 41:13 Operational Challenges: Training and Culture in Expansion 44:44 Bitcoin: A New Asset Class for Cannabis Companies 52:40 Understanding Monetary Policy: Recommended Reads 57:36 Fixing the California Cannabis Market: Tax Reforms   About LEEF Brands: LEEF Brands' vision is to become the largest vertically integrated extraction company in the world. Follow our journey here. CSE: $LEEF OTC: $LEEEF Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leef-brands-inc/https://x.com/micah_A_leefhttps://leefbrands.com/https://x.com/LeefBrandshttps://www.instagram.com/leefbrands/https://www.youtube.com/@LEEF_Brandshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/leef-brands-inc/Our Links  Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. 8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain  The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime

    1 hr

  5. APR 17

    If You’re Chasing Invoices in Cannabis, Listen to This ft. Brett Gelfand

    You produced the product. They said they needed terms — “as soon as it sells, we’ll pay.” But the days kept going by… and nothing came in. In cannabis, collections are brutally difficult. With limited banking and tight cash flow, cash is king. So how do you know who’s trustworthy? Who’s a repeat offender? And where do you even go to collect? Sadly, this scenario is far too common — and it’s crushing the industry. This week we sit down with Brett Gelfand, founder of CannaBIZ Collects and the Cannabis Credit Association, to explore: How to protect your business before extending net termsWhat to do when customers ghost you on paymentHow big of an issue is this, really?  Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabiz-collects/https://x.com/cannabizcollecthttps://www.instagram.com/cannabiz.collects/https://www.cannabizcollects.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabizcredit/https://www.instagram.com/cannabizcredit/https://www.cannabizcredit.com/Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry Challenges 03:09 Brett Gelfand's Journey into Cannabis 05:59 The Importance of Credit Policies in Cannabis 09:11 Proactive Approaches to Collections 12:12 Building a Credit Association for Cannabis 14:47 Data Aggregation and Industry Insights 18:01 Navigating Legal and Ethical Challenges 20:52 Market Trends and Future Outlook 24:30 Understanding the Cannabis Industry's Financial Challenges 32:03 Navigating the Debt Collection Process 39:00 The Unique Aspects of Cannabis Collections 43:53 The Current State of Cannabis Debt and Collections

    50 min

  6. APR 10

    How Ayr Wellness Is Resizing for Reality — What Operational Efficiency Really Means ft. George DeNardo

    It’s not about planting flags anymore. It’s about profitability. As the cannabis industry shifts from rapid growth at all costs to operational precision, hard decisions are being made. Which assets are sized properly? Where can we build a well-rounded, potentially profitable business given the realities of today’s market?  And how do we make the right calls for our teams while positioning for the world we’re actually in—not the one we hoped for? Ayr Wellness is deep into this approach, actively sizing its business for today’s environment This week we sit down with George DeNardo, President of Ayr Wellness, to discuss how Ayr is redefining success in cannabis: The shift from expansion to optimization: why less is moreData-driven decisions and automation tools Ayr is betting onWhy Ayr is still growing in Florida—and not waiting on the feds  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to George DiNardo and AYR Wellness 03:05 Transitioning to President of AYR Wellness 05:55 Operational Efficiency and Integration Challenges 09:05 Data-Driven Decision Making in Cannabis 11:57 Technology Adoption and Automation in Cannabis 14:52 Balancing Investment in Technology and Operational Needs 18:01 Facility Consolidation and Strategic Growth 20:56 Future Plans for Expansion in Florida 23:58 Navigating Florida's Cannabis Market Dynamics 26:11 Quality Control and Brand Strategy in Cannabis 28:16 Data Management and Crop Planning Efficiency 30:35 The Importance of Internal Communication and Reporting 33:10 Operational Challenges and Market Adaptation 36:30 Leadership and Team Engagement in Cannabis 38:31 Advice for New Entrepreneurs in the Cannabis Space 40:45 The Value of Time Over Material Gifts 42:43 Future Outlook for the Cannabis Industry Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgedenardo/http://www.ayrwellness.comhttps://x.com/AyrWellnesshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ayr-wellness-inc/Our Links: Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. 8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain  The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime

    45 min

  7. APR 3

    Why Cannabis Companies Must Face Reality, Make Hard Choices, and Follow the Data ft. AnnaRae Grabstein

    While it feels like progress isn’t happening — and that may be true at the federal level — inside the industry, it’s a completely different story. The financial model you built, the regulatory category you operate in, the market dynamics, the consumer behavior — every one of those variables is in motion. Constantly evolving. And new competitors are entering, disrupting your playbook from every angle. Reality is, the shakeout isn’t ending anytime soon. This industry is not for the faint of heart. The one thing that doesn’t lie? Data. Ground yourself in it. Use it to make decisions — the hard decisions. Because if you don’t, eventually the market will make them for you. Yes, it’s insanely difficult right now. But that’s par for the course in a billion-dollar startup industry with a constantly shifting foundation. This week we sit down with Annarae Grabstein to discuss the following: Why most cannabis financial models were doomed from the startThe THC beverage boom and what it reveals about consumer demandGo Wide vs. Go Deep: A strategy framework to actually survive this market  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Guest Background 03:02 Consumer-Centric Market Dynamics 06:08 Navigating Regulatory Challenges 08:52 The Intersection of Hemp and Cannabis 11:55 Market Realities and Strategic Adaptation 15:00 The Role of Data in Cannabis Operations 17:59 Growth of Cannabinoid Consumption 21:04 Future of Regulation and Market Access 28:08 Defining Objectives for Market Success 29:31 Deep vs. Wide Market Strategies 32:14 Understanding Market Dynamics and Customer Relationships 35:36 The Role of Technology in Cannabis 39:32 Balancing Investment in Technology 42:28 Integrating Data into Business Practices 44:05 Future Trends in the Cannabis Industry 46:45 Qualitative Due Diligence in Investment Decisions Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annarae/Instagram (@annarae_g)AnnaRae Grabstein (@annarae_g) on Xhttps://wolf-meyer.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolf-meyer/Our Links  Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. 8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain  The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime

    48 min

  8. MAR 27

    How Leafwell is Disrupting Healthcare: The Data Doctors Can’t Ignore ft. Emily Fisher & Dr June Chin

    Can cannabis be the key to lowering healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes? Impossible, right? Think again. Leafwell has analyzed millions of data points and uncovered staggering, undeniable results—cannabis patients experience fewer ER visits, reduced prescription drug use, and better health outcomes compared to non-users. These findings aren’t just groundbreaking—they’re a wake-up call. This is just the beginning of unlocking the true potential of plant medicine, and with further research, education, and access, millions more could benefit. This week, we sit down with Emily Fisher & Dr. June Chin of Leafwell to discuss: The shocking data proving cannabis' impact on healthcareHow employers are integrating cannabis into their benefitsHow insurance coverage could change the future of medical cannabisGuest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-arida/Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card Online - LeafwellInstagram (@leafwell_official)https://x.com/LeafwellLeafwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/leafwellofficial/Our Links: Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. 8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain  The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime

    46 min
See All (251)

4.9
out of 5
105 Ratings

About

The $100+ billion cannabis industry is fueled by innovative strategies and visionary leaders. Each week, we explore the journeys of CEOs from publicly traded giants, world-renowned scientists, and underground legacy growers shaping the future of this transformative market. Bryan and Kellan uncover how these pioneers built their businesses, navigated failures and found success in this rapidly growing space. Join us to explore the lessons and insights driving the cannabis industry forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Dime
  • Show Website
    The Dime

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