Under the Microscope with Jenny

Jenny Germano
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

I am your host, Jenny Germano - the founder of ICS Consulting. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the regulated cannabis Industry, I spent 6 years operating vertically integrated licensed facilities in Colorado and the last 11 years consulting nationally across the U.S. This podcast is dedicated to new and existing cannabis operators and those looking to launch a licensed cannabis business in one state or across multiple. 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. Join Jenny Germano every Wednesday at 12pm EST in navigating cannabis compliance and launching successful 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've got a great line up of interviews, expert breakdowns and host insights.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 65: Practical Strategies For Running a Smarter Cannabis Business

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Gail Rand, CPA and Founder of Grand Consulting, to discuss what it takes to run a smarter, more financially disciplined cannabis business. Gail shares her journey from cannabis advocacy and launching the first licensed medical cannabis cultivation operation in Maryland to helping operators better understand their finances, cash flow, and true costs. Jenny and Gail break down common financial mistakes, including failing to document agreements, underestimating costs by SKU, and overlooking the impact of 280E taxes, thin margins, slow inventory turns, and high professional fees. They discuss practical strategies for improving cash flow, including cash forecasting, inventory discipline, monitoring retail and wholesale accounts and identifying hidden costs and operational inefficiencies. The conversation also explores what investors look for during due diligence processes, including accurate reporting, realistic financial forecasts, transparency, manageable debt, and tax exposure. This episode delivers practical insight for cannabis operators looking to improve financial performance, strengthen internal systems, and build a business that is better prepared for investors, regulatory changes, and long-term growth.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com 🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Gail Rand, CPA & Founder of Grand Consulting 🌎 𝗟𝗜: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailrand   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 00:41 Gail Rand Introduction  01:12 Cannabis Advocacy Journey 06:44 Top Money Mistakes 08:05 Cash Flow Basics 09:35 Forecasting Cash 10:44 Warning Signs & Red Flags 14:48 Boost Cash Without Sales 19:05 Profitability & Hidden Costs 21:56 Efficiency Matters 27:56 Wasted Money Areas 30:16 Tech Stack & Data 32:56 Compliance Reality Check 34:25 First Mover Challenges 35:01 Gross Margin Benchmarks 37:01 When to Hire CFO 38:33 Fractional Systems Setup 40:24 Investor Due Diligence 42:38 Deal Breakers for Investors 45:11 Rescheduling  53:02 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    Ep. 65: Practical Strategies For Running a Smarter Cannabis Business

  2. Jul 22

    Ep. 64: Cannabis Waste & The Hidden Compliance Risk Costing Operators Time & Money

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Annie Macheca, COO and Co-Founder of Monarch Waste Company in Missouri. Annie shares her journey from sustainable agriculture into the cannabis industry and building a specialized cannabis waste destruction company. Jenny and Annie break down common cannabis waste compliance mistakes, including improper waste destruction, mixing requirements, camera placement, recordkeeping, and transporting waste. They also discuss the challenges of handling vape pens, lithium batteries, hazardous waste, and butane laden manufacturing waste safely and compliantly. The conversation explores waste management by license type, emergency destruction and recalls, diversion risks, and how outsourcing waste disposal can help operators improve efficiency and reduce compliance risk. Annie also shares Monarch's sustainability efforts, including a vape pen take-back program they launched in the state. This episode delivers practical insight for cannabis operators looking to strengthen their waste management practices, protect their operations, improve compliance, and safely handle one of the industry's most overlooked operational risks.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com 🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Annie Macheca, COO and Co Founder of Monarch Waste Company 🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.monarchwaste.co   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰  01:14 Annie Macheca Introduction  04:00 Pivoting & Plan B  07:53 Why Cannabis Waste Is Special  10:09 Common Compliance Mistakes  13:55 Shredding Liquids & Recycling  15:29 Camera Angles & Compliance  17:53 Manifests & Waste Tracking  20:03 Hazardous & Universal Waste  22:35 Butane Waste Safety Solutions  25:16 Diversion & Dumpster Break Ins  28:17 Waste by License Type  28:54 Waste Streams Breakdown  30:25 Emergency Disposal Recalls  32:08 State Oversight & Waste  32:59 Outsourcing Efficiency Costs  35:57 Vape Pen Take Back Program  46:15 Police Evidence Destruction  48:04 Top Compliance Tips  50:41 Weirdest Waste Items  52:02 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    Ep. 64: Cannabis Waste & The Hidden Compliance Risk Costing Operators Time & Money

  3. Jul 15

    Ep. 63: Building a Cannabis Brand Customers Can Trust

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Nicole Kennebeck, Marketing Director at Michigan-based cannabis processor and manufacturer Lion Labs. Nicole began her career in Colorado's emerging medical cannabis market, giving her firsthand experience with the industry's rapid growth, evolving regulations, and changing consumer landscape. Drawing on that experience and her transition into cannabis brand marketing, Nicole explains why successful brands are built on authenticity, consistency, and understanding the customer, not simply competing on THC percentages or price. Together, Jenny and Nicole discuss how operators can create meaningful customer experiences that build long-term loyalty. They also cover common branding mistakes, deciding when to launch a new brand, maintaining consistency across multiple markets, and why budtenders remain one of the most valuable marketing investments for cannabis companies. The conversation explores today's most effective marketing strategies, including email and SMS campaigns, experiential marketing, micro-influencers, and maintaining your brand's authentic voice. They also discuss how compliance, product consistency, and transparency play a critical role in building consumer confidence and protecting brand reputation. This episode delivers practical insight for cannabis operators looking to strengthen their brand, connect with consumers, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com 🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Nicole Kennebeck, Marketing Director at Lion Labs 🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://lionlabsmi.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 00:49 Nicole Kennebeck Introduction  01:28 Early Industry Days  03:58 Facility Badges & Barriers  05:29 Community Roots  07:47 What Makes a Brand  10:25 Listening to Consumers  13:02 Beyond THC & Price  14:56 Handling Price Compression  18:27 Hemp vs THC Silos  20:57 Marketing Limits & Storytelling  26:38 Biggest Branding Mistakes  27:47 Low Dose Branding  28:42 Consistency Across States  32:44 Budtenders & Hoddie Economics  34:50 Measuring Brand Strength  35:52 Recalls & Reputational Risk  40:36 Marketing That Still Works  45:19 AI vs Human Voice  53:32 Compliance Builds Loyalty  55:28 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    Ep. 63: Building a Cannabis Brand Customers Can Trust

  4. Jul 8

    Ep. 62: Building a Compliance Culture That Increases the Value of Your Cannabis Business

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano explains why building a compliance-first culture is one of the most valuable investments a cannabis business can make. Drawing on her experience in cannabis operations since 2009 and consulting operators nationwide, Jenny discusses why compliance has evolved beyond simply passing inspections. Today, it serves as a competitive advantage that strengthens operations, reduces risk, builds investor confidence, and increases business value. She shares practical strategies for embedding compliance into daily operations through documentation, employee training, inventory reconciliation, internal audits, corrective actions, and compliance accountability. Jenny also explains what potential buyers and investors look for during due diligence and why organized records, well-managed compliance systems, and preparation for federal standards can significantly impact business valuation. The episode also explores how technology and Quality Management Systems (QMS) can improve traceability while preparing operators for future federal regulations, GMP standards, OSHA requirements, and the modernization of the cannabis industry. This episode delivers practical insight for cannabis operators looking to build stronger businesses, reduce their circle of risk, and position themselves for long-term growth.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 01:51 Compliance is an Advantage 03:47 Beyond Inspections 05:46 Reputational Risk 08:23 Operational Discipline 16:45 Proving Compliance 19:46 Modernization of the Cannabis Industry 22:44 Why Due Diligence Matters 28:31 Daily Inspection Readiness 29:09 Building Compliance Culture 31:11 Accountability and Logs 33:27 Training and Refreshers 37:25 Tech Stack to Reduce Risk 41:34 Investor or Buyer Lens 48:24 Preparing for Federal Standards 52:30 Industry Shift and Trust 55:40 Wrap Up    𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    Ep. 62: Building a Compliance Culture That Increases the Value of Your Cannabis Business

  5. Jun 24

    Ep. 61: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Jarell Wall of Gentleman Quinns

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano continues the Cannabis Operator Series with Jarell Wall, CEO and Creative Director of Gentleman Quinns, a Retail Product Manufacturer in Denver, Colorado. Jarell shares his journey from television production in Atlanta and Colorado into cannabis, ultimately co-founding Gentleman Quinns with former dispensary coworkers. He discusses building the brand from the ground up, securing investment, and navigating a challenging licensing process that included zoning issues, consultant missteps, regulatory delays, and costly setbacks before the team ultimately took control of the process themselves. Jenny and Jarell explore the realities of building a cannabis brand in a mature market, including wholesale sales challenges, market expansion beyond Denver, price compression, and the importance of maintaining quality in an increasingly competitive environment. They dive into how the company continues to differentiate itself through hand-rolled products, premium packaging, and a craft-focused approach. The conversation also covers supply chain challenges, testing requirements, advocacy efforts with regulators, banking limitations, capital constraints, and the future of cannabis as operators prepare for potential rescheduling and interstate commerce. This episode delivers practical insight for cannabis operators on licensing, branding, product differentiation, and building a sustainable cannabis business in a rapidly evolving market.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com 🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Jarell Wall, CEO and Creative Director of Gentleman Quinns 🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.gentlemanquinns.com     ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰  00:39 Jarell Wall Intro  01:33 From TV to Cannabis  02:39 Employee Owned  03:42 Licensing Reality Check  07:16 Zoning & Inspections  08:33 Beyond the Fantasy of Cannabis  23:23 Early Sales & Gatekeepers  26:42 Finding the Right Markets  28:51 Holding The Price Line & Quality  30:32 Craft Over Convenience  31:55 Sourcing & Testing Reality  33:23 Supply Chain & Relationship Building  35:28 Work Groups & Advocacy  49:01 Interstate Commerce Possibilities  50:56 Lessons Learned & Capital  56:01 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    Ep. 61: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Jarell Wall of Gentleman Quinns

  6. Jun 17

    Ep 60: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Tucker Holland of Entourage Cannabis

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano continues the Cannabis Operator Series with Tucker Holland, Partner and CFO of Entourage Cannabis in Eugene, Oregon. Tucker shares his journey from being a high school chemistry teacher and football coach to cannabis entrepreneur, detailing how they started with a small medical caregiver grow before expanding into extraction and processing. He discusses the challenges of building and licensing a cultivation and extraction facility in the early days of Oregon's regulated market, self-funding growth, and surviving the market crash that forced many operators out of business. Jenny and Tucker explore the evolution of Oregon's cannabis industry, the company's shift from cultivation to concentrates, and the importance of maintaining a quality-first approach in an increasingly price-driven market. They also discuss the science behind the entourage effect, the limitations of traditional indica, hybrid and sativa labels, and Entourage Cannabis's development of  the Entourage Effect Score using cannabinoid and terpene data to help consumers make more informed product choices. This episode delivers practical insight on extraction, product differentiation, market resilience, and building a sustainable cannabis business in a mature market.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com 🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Tucker Holland, Partner and CFO of Entourage Cannabis 🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://entouragecannabis.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰  00:40 Tucker Holland Intro  01:19 From Teacher to Extractor  03:09 Starting Small in Oregon  09:41 Buildout & Fire Code Hurdles  14:54 Funding & Licensing Costs  20:21 Rebrand & Market Crash Win  24:05 Shift to Processing Focus  24:49 Sativas & Terpene Diversity  26:36 Saving Rare Terpenes  29:19 Resin vs Rosin  30:05 Consumer Learning Curve  31:31 Quality Over Price  34:07 Price Compression Fight  34:54 Holding the Line  41:09 Future Expansion Plans  43:00 Entourage Effect Score  46:27 Fixing THC Marketing  50:46 Advice for Operators  52:21 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    Ep 60: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Tucker Holland of Entourage Cannabis

  7. Jun 10

    Ep. 59: Why Every Cannabis Operator Needs an Audit Program

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano takes a deep dive into why every cannabis operator should have a compliance audit program and how an important tool like proactive auditing can help reduce risk, improve operations, and strengthen overall compliance. Drawing on her hands-on experience in cannabis operations since 2009 and consulting operators nationwide, Jenny breaks down what a compliance audit is, how it differs from a regulatory inspection, and why audits should be viewed as a preventative tool rather than a reaction to enforcement. She covers the different types of cannabis audits, including internal reviews and third-party assessments, and discusses key focus areas such as Metrc and inventory reconciliation, SOPs, employee training records, security systems, recordkeeping, labeling, and OSHA compliance. Jenny also explains how regular audits can identify operational gaps before they become violations, recalls, or costly fines, and why CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) programs are essential for addressing root causes and driving continuous improvement. This episode delivers practical guidance for cannabis operators looking to build a stronger compliance culture, reduce their circle of risk, and stay prepared for evolving regulations and enforcement trends.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰   02:10 What Compliance Audits Are  04:02 Audits vs Inspections  07:17 Risk Reduction & The Benefits  09:08 Enforcement Trends & Costs  12:28 Inspections Differ by State  15:49 Why Audits Matter in Practice  19:28 What Operational Gaps Audits Reveal  22:20 Types of Cannabis Audits  26:04 Regulatory Inspections  27:29 Metrc Inventory Audits  28:27 SOPs & Material Changes  29:44 Employee Training  35:32 OSHA Safety Compliance  38:33 Recordkeeping Systems  39:30 Common Audit Findings  40:17 Audit Frequency Schedule  42:37 Build Audit Program  43:50 CAPA - Corrective and Preventive Action  46:28 Audits as a Strategy  47:34 Taking Responsibility  51:27 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    Ep. 59: Why Every Cannabis Operator Needs an Audit Program

  8. Jun 3

    Ep. 58: Scaling Cannabis Operations Through Building Better Employee Workplaces

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Scott Newman, a business consultant at Adaptive HR and OneDigital. Scott shares his journey into the cannabis industry in 2019 after attending NECANN in Boston and becoming Adaptive HR’s first full-time employee, and scaling nationally through acquisitions by Resourcing Edge and then OneDigital. Jenny and Scott explore how strong HR processes help reduce miscommunication, improve accountability, and create a more sustainable operation. The conversation also covers workers' compensation, OSHA resources, the risks of relying on AI for HR decisions, and the growing complexity operators face as they expand across multiple locations and states. They discuss the benefits employees value most beyond pay, including healthcare, retirement plans, mental health resources, pet insurance, and financial wellness programs. They also share practical strategies for building a strong workplace culture without breaking the budget, benchmarking against competitors, and leveraging PEOs to access better employee benefits. This episode delivers practical insight for cannabis operators looking to improve employee retention, strengthen compliance, and build a workplace that supports long-term growth.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com 🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Scott Newman, a business consultant at Adaptive HR and OneDigital 🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.adaptivehr.net   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰  01:21 Introduction Scott Newman  03:50 Why HR Still Matters  04:49 Early HR Must Haves  07:14 Job Clarity & Training  11:04 Don’t DIY HR with AI  14:17 Overwhelmed Operators  19:29 Workers Comp  23:39 Scaling & System Breakpoints  28:46 Expansion to New Markets  30:29 Build Strong Foundations  31:42 Benefits Beyond Pay  33:09 Healthcare & Retirement Basics  35:56 Mental Health & EAPs  37:36 Pet Perks & Pay Access  39:13 Loans & Payroll Deductions  42:44 Low Cost Culture Wins  45:50 PEOs & Leveling Up  52:50 Rescheduling & Benefits Outlook  56:06 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up     𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    Ep. 58: Scaling Cannabis Operations Through Building Better Employee Workplaces
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About

I am your host, Jenny Germano - the founder of ICS Consulting. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the regulated cannabis Industry, I spent 6 years operating vertically integrated licensed facilities in Colorado and the last 11 years consulting nationally across the U.S. This podcast is dedicated to new and existing cannabis operators and those looking to launch a licensed cannabis business in one state or across multiple. 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. Join Jenny Germano every Wednesday at 12pm EST in navigating cannabis compliance and launching successful 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've got a great line up of interviews, expert breakdowns and host insights.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenny Germano
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Under the Microscope with Jenny