François Deguire stands at the helm of BioFloral Inc. as its Founder and President, also serving as the Chairman of the Board for Groupe BioFloral Inc. Since its inception in 1999, BioFloral has established itself as a luminary in the Canadian hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture landscape, setting industry standards for excellence.
As an innovator with a keen vision for the burgeoning sector, François has nurtured BioFloral into a beacon of success, distinguished by its commitment to teamwork, the cultivation of loyalty, the sparking of creativity, and an unwavering respect for employees, customers, and partners alike. Among its notable achievements, BioFloral takes pride in its robust 20-year partnership with Dutch nutrient company CANNA, an international leader in plant nutrition, further cementing its position as a colossus in the industry.
With a track record of entrepreneurial ventures, François has co-founded various influential entities, including the retail giant Hydromax, manufacturing powerhouse Flora Corp and Grozone Controls as well as Canadian licenced producer Verdélite Sciences—formerly known as Agro-Biotech—which was acquired by Emerald Health Therapeutics Inc. in May 2018. Beyond his leadership at BioFloral, François also contributes his expertise as a director and maintains an active role as a shareholder in several private enterprises within the cannabis sphere.
While directing a documentary about Canadian cannabis, I reflected on where the industry was at, who was leading in product development, and how companies were speaking to consumers. While most people know me for my work in advertising, film, and television, I was about four years into my seven years of work as a legal cannabis consultant in the US and Canada.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve obtained the highest level of Cannabis Sommelier certification and studied under one of Alberta’s leading industry professionals, Dr. Ife Abiola. In 2020, I launched my company, RGB Cannabis, combining a career in branding and marketing with my 25-year long love affair with cannabis.
At RGB, we offer a suite of curated products branded through a proprietary and scientific model that helps get LPs to market and create better cannabis experiences for consumers — available now in Canada! www.rgb-cannabis.com
You deserve a cannabis business that doesn’t make you feel overworked and overwhelmed. One that runs smoothly, is profitable, and shows the pride and passion of you and your team. The business you dreamed of when you got started.
It’s not easy though is it? It’s really hard!
I’m here to help you. With over 20 years experience building niche businesses in emerging sectors I will help you increase your profits, reduce your stress, and build the business you dreamed of. Your legacy.
Let’s talk about where you are at and where you want to get to. Reach me at grow@phenologic.ca.
Since starting his first company at the age of 22, Raj has established himself as one of Canada’s foremost business strategists and deal-makers. He is the founder of High Tide and its subsidiary companies Valiant Distribution and Canna Cabana and is the co-founder of High Tide’s subsidiary, Famous Brandz.
Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, Raj has grown High Tide from one small shop of 2 employees in 2009 into Canada’s largest non-franchised cannabis retailer with over 1,500 amazing team members and business interests spanning North America and Europe.
While committed to building a strong, profitable, and sustainable business, Raj also believes passionately that those who enjoy success hold a particular responsibility to give back. That is why he has spearheaded High Tide’s support of World Vision, which has seen the company sponsor a growing number of children from developing countries. This support has grown substantially since its inception, from the initial sponsorships of 3 children in 2006 to over 300 sponsorships in 2022, supporting families in 107 communities in over 31 countries. Under Raj’s leadership, this number will continue to grow.
On a personal level, Raj has also been a long-time supporter of Operation Smile, an organization that works to deliver free, safe cleft surgery to children in need saving them from a lifetime of pain and isolation.
Philip graduated from Simon Fraser University with a business degree in marketing. With ten years experience in the legal cannabis industry he has raised over $70M in debt and equity financing for a number of companies. Philip’s passion is Strategic Planning, developing and improving business, people and organizations.
Nicholas is a Chartered Professional Accountant with an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the Cannabis industry. As Chief Financial Officer of Cannara, Nicholas is responsible for overseeing the company’s finances and treasury and is a key decision maker in all facets of the company from genetic selection, marketing and branding, product formulation, sales, investor, and public relations. Prior to working in the industry, he practiced auditing at two of the big five accounting firms and worked as Vice President of Finance and Accounting for Dundee 360 Real Estate Corporation, a subsidiary of Dundee Corporation and a publicly traded company listed on the TSX.
Michael Perron brings more than 15 years of diverse experience to the leadership role at MTL Cannabis. Previously operating his own national advisory firm where he supported corporate development initiatives for a number of clients ranging from private equity, natural resources, and the CPG industry. Mr. Perron previously held the role of VP Business Development at MediPharm Labs (TSX:LABS) where he helped drive more than $129M of sales and $29M EBITDA for the company in its first full year of operations, building out the B2B, B2C, and international channels.
Prior to his role at MediPharm, Mr. Perron served a number of national advisory leadership roles at MNP LLP during his 10 year tenure at the firm, focused on the cannabis industry as well as a number of other industry verticals. Mike received a CPA (California) designation in addition to earning a master of accounting (MAcc) from the University of Southern California and a bachelor degree from the University of Jamestown.
Mr. Forbes comes to Phyto Extractions Inc. with a background firmly rooted in medicine, cannabis production and entrepreneurship. Demonstrating his knowledge and experience in the cannabis industry, Mr. Forbes has founded five medical cannabis clinics, under the Concord Medical Clinic umbrella, built Clarity Cannabis and Honeycomb Cannabis retailers to over 10 locations, and has also founded the cannabis licensed cultivation facility, Sitka Weed Works, in Canada.
Having medical experience of over 16 years, Mr. Forbes has also built and operated pharmacy chains across British Columbia and Alberta, and founded a dozen medical clinics, including three methadone clinics in order to protect the public from drug diversion and increase accessibility to plant medicine.
Mr. Forbes graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2002 with a BSc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, also achieving additional certification in Hormone Restoration, Age Management Medicine, and more recently, Cannabis Plant Production and Facility Management from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Michael also has his private pilot’s license from Mount Royal Aviation College and was elected to attend the Ivey School of Business for Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2017 where he received an honorary MBA.
Mario Naric is a smart, transparent, and youthful leader known for seeking optimal solutions in the cannabis industry. As the founder and CEO of Motif Labs, he combines his engineering expertise with a passion for excellence, ensuring his company doesn’t settle for mediocrity. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, coupled with a commitment to quality, position Motif Labs for rapid success in the cannabis space. It’s a pleasure to recognize Mario’s influential role in shaping the future of cannabis products and services.
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