If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture.
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Mike shares his journey from working as a design engineer to focusing on controlled environment agriculture, including his work in both indoor vegetable production and cannabis cultivation.
He co-founded Zartarian Engineering with Mike Siegel and has been instrumental in designing holistic cultivation facilities.
Challenges in Indoor Cultivation:
Mike discusses the unique challenges of designing and commissioning indoor cultivation facilities, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that considers the entire plant life support system.
He highlights the differences between growing cannabis and other crops like lettuce, noting that cannabis is particularly energy-dense and sensitive to environmental variables.
Commissioning and Tuning Cultivation Facilities:
The conversation delves into the critical process of commissioning a new facility, which involves ensuring that all systems operate as designed before plants are introduced. Mike stresses that skipping this step can lead to costly mistakes and crop loss.
He shares his approach to commissioning, which includes pre-operational testing, sensor placement, and gradually ramping up plant introduction to ensure optimal system performance.
Sensor Technology and Innovation:
Mike introduces the new canopy sensor array developed by Zartarian Engineering, which includes an IR sensor to measure leaf surface temperature—a critical factor in accurately calculating VPD (vapor pressure deficit) for cannabis crops.
The discussion covers the importance of accurate sensor placement and density, as well as the impact of leaf surface temperature on crop steering and environmental control.
Best Practices for Cultivation:
The episode concludes with practical advice for cultivation facility operators, including the need to balance optimization versus maximization in facility design, managing systems and teams effectively, and the importance of commissioning to ensure long-term success.
Conclusion:
Mike shares his deep expertise in CEA and indoor cultivation, offering listeners actionable insights into designing, commissioning, and optimizing indoor grow facilities. The hosts emphasize the value of Mike’s approach and suggest a potential follow-up episode to explore additional topics in more depth.
ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED:
If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture.
Pipp Horticulture is the leading space-saving mobile indoor vertical grow racking systems provider. All Pipp Horticulture products are made in the USA and easily integrate with other essential grow equipment like lighting, irrigation, drainage, and airflow systems. Reduce vertical farming costs with Pipp Horticulture’s high-density Mobile Vertical Grow Rack Systems.
Ian's background includes raising significant private equity, working in various sectors including high-end yachts, and being on the founding team of Loop Pay.
Discussion Topics
Financial Modeling Challenges
Unique challenges in creating financial models for the cannabis industry, such as commoditization and margin compression.
Importance of accurate KPIs and the variability of operator performance.
Impact of regulatory environments and compliance on financial models.
Investor Perspectives
Key factors investors look for in financial models: detail, sobriety of assumptions, and realistic schedules.
Importance of having skin in the game and available resources.
Construction and Operational Challenges
Unique construction challenges in cannabis facilities.
Importance of power availability and realistic project scopes.
Common mistakes: inadequate power planning and underestimating the complexity of projects.
Revenue Projections and Profitability
Critical variables affecting revenue projections and profitability.
Speed to market, talent, capitalization, and achieving KPIs are essential.
Detailed planning and high-quality execution are crucial for maximizing profits.
Emerging Trends and Developments
Shift from equity to debt financing.
Trends in multi-layer horticulture and automation.
Importance of energy cost analysis and life cycle costs.
Customer Retention and Market Knowledge
Importance of knowing your customer demographic.
Strategies for building customer loyalty and retention.
Examples from retail operations highlighting the significance of customer service.
Personal Story and Motivation
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
022 GrowMotion - Dialing in a 3-Tier Flower in Switzerland
In this insightful episode of "Cultivation Elevated," host Michael Williamson sits down with Sia of Grow Motion, to delve into the intricate world of the European cannabis industry. They navigate the complexities of establishing a thriving cannabis enterprise in Switzerland, from crafting a unique brand that resonates with a dedicated community to employing innovative agricultural technologies like the Elevate Platform system.
Sia shares his entrepreneurial journey and the strategic moves that set Grow Motion apart in a competitive market, including exclusive genetics and German partnerships. This conversation not only highlights the challenges of scaling a business and maintaining a strong team spirit but also speculates on the evolving role of Switzerland in the European cannabis landscape and the future of THC legislation. Listeners are invited to join Michael and Sia for an episode that promises to enrich their understanding of the cannabis industry and the meticulous efforts behind Grow Motion's success.
Key Takeaways
(04:37 Building a Facility in Switzerland
(16:10) CBD and THC Usage Comparison in Europe
(24:19) Cannabis Industry Challenges
(29:00) The Decision to Build Three Tiers
(34:58) Creating a Safety-Focused Elevate Platform System
(39:48 ) GrowMotion's Unique Program Details
(45:57) Switzerland's Cannabis History
(49:38) GrowMotion Goals
Memorable Quotes "If I start a project, I will never stop anytime. I will finish it. It's important to build a community, to give them the best quality. You cannot build a brand that reaches the top level and then is forgotten after two or three months." - Sia"We have to be different if we want to play the game for the long term. You can't compete on quality alone; it's about creating a unique product that resonates with the community and stands the test of time." - SiaConnect with GrowMotionConnect With PippThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
In this episode we meet the StackHouse team and unpack the essence of creating a solid cannabis cultivation team. Quality, quantity, consistency, and efficiency are the pillars of success we focus on, and how they are profoundly influenced by company culture and employee satisfaction. Discover the importance of transparency, equipment maintenance, and the balance between labor costs and product excellence. Our discussion also sheds light on the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on machinery, emphasizing the need for skilled technicians and the delicate act of maintaining a positive work environment.
Our conversation turns to the art and science behind phenotype genetics, racking, and moisture management in cannabis cultivation. We take a closer look at nursery layouts, the strategic placement of mother plants and clones, and the decision-making process behind pot sizes for optimal flowering. Hear about the challenges of managing moisture content in buds, especially in Nevada's arid climate, and how this impacts both testing results and customer satisfaction. We also highlight the strong culture of empowerment and education at StackHouse, demonstrating how a unified team approach can lead to commercial success and quality production. Don't miss this engaging episode from the heart of Las Vegas, where innovation meets tradition in the quest for cultivating excellence.
Key Takeaways
(00:02) Vertical Farming for Cannabis and Food
(15:08) Creating a Successful Cannabis Cultivation Team
(21:19) Phenotype Genetics, Racking, and Moisture Management
(34:06) Stackhouse
(38:19) Challenges and Innovation in Cultivation Facilities
(48:09) Team Culture in Cannabis Cultivation
(59:45) Indoor Cannabis Cultivation
(01:08:27) The Importance of Quality Cannabis Production
Memorable Quotes "I'm not addicted to cannabis. I'm addicted to growing cannabis. That's what's addictive. The side effect is just the good sweet herb, but the growing it, that's super addictive because it's just, it never stops, it's something new every day."Connect With PippThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
020 Fog City Farms - Roots in the Past, Flowers of the Future Pt. 2
Ever wondered how a second-generation farmer navigates the foggy world of California's cannabis industry? Join us as we traverse through the world of cannabis cultivation. Our guest, a seasoned grower with roots deep in the industry, shares his unique experiences and insights. Together, we unfurl the cultural influences that shape the success of cannabis operations and the unique challenges and opportunities that coastal California farming presents.
We share our own personal journey in cannabis cultivation, touching on genetics, managing light intensity, and the undeniable benefits of having a genetic library. We even discuss our unique cultivation process involving the use of greenhouses for vegging. We underscore the importance of brand-building; after all, consistency and loyalty are achieved through smaller batch production. Learn about our relentless pursuit of improvement in flower quality and the vital role that quality control and sorting processes play. So why wait? Tune in and let's grow together.
Key Takeaways
(05:26) California's Cannabis Consumption and Business Models
(10:32) Unrealistic Expectations in California Market
(16:36) Family-Owned Farming and Distribution
(21:03) Creating a Regionally-Based Brand
(24:57) Genetic Considerations in Cannabis Cultivation
(32:48) Importance of Airflow in Vertical Farming
Memorable Quotes "This is a plant that I'm super passionate about.""Don't you understand that some of the best genetics in the game are going to be testing sub 25%? And that there's also this whole other thing called the entourage effect involved here. That definitely has an effect on this cerebral experience with consuming the product.""We're more on like the regional wine or like a Sierra Nevada beer space rather than a Budweiser, still a gigantic brand and they've done very well, staying true to themselves."Connect with Fog City FarmsConnect With PippThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
019 Beard Bros. - Top Shelf Source of Cannabis News
Join us on a captivating journey as we share an insightful conversation with the Beard Bros and Anders Peterson of Pip Horticulture, taking you through their remarkable transformation from East Coast cultivators to a beacon of cannabis news in California. Can you imagine the struggle of becoming a trusted source of news amidst a sea of clickbait and noise? We tackle this challenge head-on, candidly sharing our experiences and the unique trials we navigated to solidify our platform in the market.
This episode takes a deep dive into the evolution of cannabis culture on the East Coast, spotlighting the influential role of California and how Hollywood and social media have accelerated its adoption. As we navigate through this discussion, we also tackle the transient aspect of Prop 64 and its potential impact. And if that's not enough, hold tight as we compare and contrast the unpredictability between the cultivation and media sectors of the cannabis industry—two domains that demand constant vigilance with local, state, national, and international news.
As we round off our discussion, we don't shy away from the complexities of social equity in cannabis, the distinct challenges of transitioning from a legacy cultivator to a legitimate business, and the intricate realities of the cannabis industry in various states. We also share the lessons learned from Canada's cannabis industry and the three Ps of success while emphasizing the importance of a sound facility and a strong brand. So, sit back and get ready to expand your understanding of the cannabis industry with the Beard Bros and Anders Peterson. Trust us, you wouldn't want to miss it!
Key Takeaways
(04:44) The Rise of Cannabis Industry Reporting
(09:54) Building Culture in Emerging States
(17:31) Passion in Cannabis Production
(32:42) California's Cannabis Industry and Investor Greed
(37:08) Limiting Licenses and Balancing Marijuana Supply
(44:09) Mismanagement in Canada's Cannabis Industry
Memorable QuotesConnect with Beard Bros.Connect With PippThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
018 Oakfruitland - Thriving & Expanding in the California Cannabis Market
Ever wondered how a vertical cannabis farm operates? Or how to scale from a 20,000 square foot space to a whopping 50,000 square foot multi-tier setup? Take a trip with us to Oakland, California as we explore Oakfruitland, a pioneering cannabis farm co-founded by our guest, Linzi. This episode will open your eyes to the challenges encountered in the building process, the transition to vertical growing, and the secret behind their reputation for unsurpassed canopy management and exquisite quality products.
As Linzi unveils the core business strategies of Oakfruitland, we dig into how lean operations and managing production costs have been instrumental in their success. We'll discuss their plans for expansion, the potential move into the Southern California market, and their mission to make their products available in over 120 dispensaries. Together, we'll explore what the future holds for vertical farming in the cannabis and broader food production industry.
Key Takeaways
00:0 - Vertical Farming Journey in Cannabis
15:43 - Maximizing Profit and Quality in Cannabis
21:01 - Future Plans and Success Factors
Memorable Quotes"We're always looking for new strategies, new techniques to grow better. It's not traditional anymore, and we have all the resources to help from the vendors, and we should do better every year.""My passion is looking at the numbers, looking at how the operations are growing. It's not about the dollar side, it's all about being in this age, mid 30s, to achieve something that you've always been looking for. And then we have this opportunity in this new industry, we should always cherish that.""I believe in customer service. I feel like if the person can communicate well and be able to deliver what the customer is asking for 100%, that I will enjoy the experience."Connect with Linzi
Ever wondered how the world of vertical farming is being revolutionized by LED lighting? Host Michael Williamson is joined by Corinne Wilder, the VP of Global Commercial Operations at Fluence. Corinne reveals the science-driven approach behind Fluence, a global LED horticultural lighting company. She shares her personal journey from a child growing up in a state park to a marine biology and ecology graduate and her transition to working in the commercial lighting industry.
Corinne has a unique perspective on the industry, having experienced firsthand the transition from a corporate giant like Panasonic to a startup atmosphere at Fluence. She sheds light on how LED technology has disrupted the vertical farming world, leading to the introduction of the all-white light at trade shows. Corinne also gives us an insider view on the challenges of understanding the title 24 code in California and its role in energy savings and rebates. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on the advantages of a broader spectrum of light for detecting pests and pathogens.
We discuss Corinne's leadership journey and her insights into women in leadership roles. She imparts valuable advice on finding your passion, advocating for yourself, and fighting against boundaries. We also delve into the fascinating world of oyster cultivation with our second guest, Rowan Jacobson, the author of numerous books on oysters. Get ready to discover the intricacies of oyster cultivation, the importance of native oysters to the American coast, and the intriguing possibility of creating an indoor aquarium environment for growing oysters. As we wrap up, we refocus on Fluence and the valuable resources they offer for those keen to delve deeper into this fascinating world.
Key Takeaways
0:00 - Vertical Farming With LED Lighting
8:58 - LED Technology Industry Career Transition
20:34 - Commercial Operations and Female Leadership
31:14 - Oyster Cultivation and Fluence Science
Memorable Quotes"The LED technology disrupted and catalyzed the vertical farming space and the introduction of the all white light at the trade shows flipped the script."Connect with CorrineConnect With PippThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
016 Urban Gro - Future Proofing and Integrated Design with Mitch Galton
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!
Key Takeaways
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
Memorable QuotesConnect with Urban GroConnect With Pipp HorticultureThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
015 Fluence - Progress & Challenges For the Global Cannabis Market
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.
Key Takeaways
00:00 - Vertical Farming and German Cannabis Market
13:28 - Cannabis Industry Challenges and Progress
Memorable Quotes"In 2015, LED lighting for crops was very special, but today it is an accepted and applied technology."For me personally, it's important to make the first steps. They are always the hardest, but once you start going, you go on."Connect with Fluence
Connect With PippThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Ian shares a personal story about his father's experience with medical cannabis.
Emphasizes the impact of cannabis on health and the motivation behind Ian's involvement in the industry.
ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED:
If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture.
Pipp Horticulture is the leading space-saving mobile indoor vertical grow racking systems provider. All Pipp Horticulture products are made in the USA and easily integrate with other essential grow equipment like lighting, irrigation, drainage, and airflow systems. Reduce vertical farming costs with Pipp Horticulture’s high-density Mobile Vertical Grow Rack Systems.
"In the world of cannabis cultivation, it's about more than just the plant. It's about the people, the passion, and the dedication to create something exceptional. That's what truly makes a difference in this industry." - Michael Williamson"
"We need to, as a team, have the way we do things. It happens to be very much influenced by my way, but it's not my way. I'm very open to adjusting things that make sense, but there needs to be a way or the way we do things."
"To do it at scale and to keep a team involved and keep success and pass rates of testing, that becomes more tricky consistently."
"We will pivot, we will survive, we've been hunted down, we had to hide, we had to do all of our own work and we're still here."
"You have two ways to build value right now in the cannabis industry. You either build an asset, a really good facility that you can prove with data that it can reproducibly hit quality and quantity every run, or you build the brand and that's the value."
"Cannabis is not just a plant, it's a culture. It's a movement. It's about wellness, creativity, and freedom. And as an industry, we have to honor that in everything we do."
"We're a global LED horticultural lighting company. So basically, first and foremost, we produce, manufacture, design and ship out LED fixtures for horticulture."
"It's not just LED lighting, because that's not just what customers need. It's talking about what is the whole environment that you're trying to create for with the customer, but really for the plant, right, our customer has always been the plant."
"What we're seeing a lot more of is groups that are already managing canopy. You know they have a facility that they either built you know, maybe even only three, four, five years ago that's kind of outdated or they made an acquisition, probably paid too much in a lot of cases, and now they're trying to kind of go back and make it profitable." - Mitch Galton
"Understanding how your system fits in with the rest of the equipment is really what matters, because you can have the best light, you can have the best rack, but if the grower doesn't have the system or the understanding of how that affects the rest of their system to really utilize it, they're always going to blame the equipment and they're not going to get the results." - Mitch Galton
"Speed to market, but it's once your operational speed to continue staying in market and in production is huge. If your HVAC goes out and you have a room sitting there for two weeks, it doesn't matter if it's the installer's fault, it doesn't matter if it's the manufacturer's fault. You just need to get HVAC up and running and being able to just make one phone call and, you know, be able to for the grower, move on with your day to day and just be sure that it's getting addressed, is huge." - Mitch Galton"
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