by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
Margaret Brodie has been with Rubicon Organics since its inception in 2015 as CFO and was appointed Interim CEO on January 1, 2023. Ms. Brodie has been instrumental in building Rubicon Organics to be Canada’s leading premium and organic cannabis company, including winning Kind’s “Cannabis Company of the Year” in 2023. Rubicon Organics is known for its three flagship premium brands Simply Bare™ Organic, 1964 Supply Co.™ and Wildflower™. She has been an advocate for the British Columbia and Canadian cannabis industry at all levels of government. Ms. Brodie has over 20 years of experience in finance and management and holds the CPA, CA and ICD.D designations.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
Jay Schwartz, the Chief Operating Officer of Mendo Medical, is a key figure in revolutionizing the cannabis landscape in Canada. His visionary leadership at Mendo Medical, a division of Médicibis, has been pivotal in both the medical and recreational cannabis sectors.
Schwartz’s notable achievements include securing supply agreements with the top licensed producers in Canada, a testament to his commitment to quality and excellence. Through these strategic partnerships, he has curated an unparalleled menu of cannabis products, offering a unique selection that is unmatched in the country. This curation reflects his dedication to providing patients and consumers with exclusive, high-quality fresh cannabis options that are not readily available elsewhere.
A significant aspect of Schwartz’s leadership involved the strategic acquisition of Shelter Marketplace, CannMart, and JC Green patients. This move was not just about expanding Mendo’s market presence; it was a carefully planned transition to integrate these entities’ patient bases seamlessly into the Mendo platform. This transition reflects Schwartz’s focus on ensuring continuity of care and service for the patients. His foresight in these acquisitions has further strengthened Mendo Medical’s position as a compassionate and comprehensive provider in the Canadian medical cannabis market, emphasizing a patient-first approach.
In addition to his contributions in the medical cannabis sector, Schwartz has been instrumental in Mendo’s expansion into the adult-use recreational market. He has spearheaded initiatives to bring a diverse range of cannabis products under the brand Mendo Select to all provinces in Canada. This move into the recreational space demonstrates his ability to cater to a broader audience while maintaining a focus on product quality and safety.
Schwartz’s approach extends beyond product distribution. He emphasizes the importance of patient care, community outreach, and education about the benefits of cannabis. His efforts in these areas are crucial in transforming perceptions and fostering a more informed and responsible cannabis culture across Canada.
Jay Schwartz’s strategic leadership, innovative partnerships, and unwavering commitment to offering the best in cannabis products make him a prominent and respected figure in the Canadian cannabis industry, driving growth and excellence in both medical and recreational markets.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
Jay is a dedicated and passionate leader in the cannabis industry with over 25 years of experience. As a pioneer in cannabis production and post-harvest technology, Jay has devoted his career to elevating the industry by developing innovative solutions and empowering the people who make it thrive.
His journey has allowed him to work closely with small craft growers to collaborating with the largest commercial producers around the world. Jay’s unrivaled expertise in cannabis production, particularly in post-harvest processing, has made him a sought-after resource for those looking to optimize their operations and maximize their success.
As the CEO of Keirton, Jay oversees a company that is at the forefront of cannabis processing technology. Keirton’s cutting-edge equipment is deployed globally, processing millions of pounds of cannabis each year and contributing to the industry’s rapid growth.
Jay’s deep experience and knowledge grant him a unique and valuable perspective, set him apart as a true visionary in the cannabis space. With his unwavering commitment to cultivating people and technology, Jay continues to drive the industry forward, helping shape the future of cannabis. Connect with Jay to gain invaluable insights and learn from a seasoned expert who’s always ready to share his wisdom and passion.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
Jamie Blundell is the CEO of Segra International, an ag tech company serving the global cannabis industry. He has over 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles including a broad range of B2B and operational expertise with rapidly growing companies in the cannabis, digital media and manufacturing industries. He has capital markets experience and has raised money for both private and publicly traded companies. Through his extensive dealings with M&A, private equity firms, capital markets and large corporate divestitures, he brings a focused and dynamic approach to driving Segra’s growth.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
Jackie Bieman (formerly McAskill) is a product strategy leader and champion for start-ups and industry innovation in the beverage and controlled substance markets.
Prior to co-founding Sheesh Soda’s, Jackie was the Category Director at Hexo Corporation (one of Canada’s largest licensed producers at the time), where she oversaw edibles, dried flower and pre-rolls. Her introduction of nearly 100 products into the market took her categories from 5th to 1st place market share in under a year. She’s also spent time exploring white space areas of the industry, working on her book “chill – A Wine Lover’s Guide To Understanding Cannabis”.
Jackie brings over 18 years of industry-relevant experience to her businesses and clients. 11 years of this was as a senior buyer for the world’s largest beverage alcohol purchaser, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) where she launched brands such as Apothic, Tito’s Vodka and Meiomi into the Canadian retail space. Jackie honed her category management, marketing, and NPD strategy expertise at Unilever Canada and the Canadian Tire. In 2016 Jackie founded her own consulting company, BevPro Canada Inc., supporting new businesses launch into a congested beverage alcohol retail landscape successfully. During that time she also held the position of VP of LCBO relations for the Ontario Craft Distillers Association and taught in the post-graduate “Advanced Business Management – Alcoholic Beverages” program at Centennial College in Toronto and spent a summer teaching in Denmark at Aarhus University. In 2015 she was awarded the coveted Drinks Ontario Industry Partnership Award, granted to individuals with outstanding contribution to the industry.
Jackie holds a Bachelors Degree from Brock University, St. Catharine’s, and has completed executive development work at Wharton University of Pennsylvania Executive Education, Richard Ivey School of Business, and York University’s Schulich School of Business, along with numerous beverage industry specific courses.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
Frans joined the CANNA team in 2022 as the Business Unit Manager. Frans leads the team and operations and works on the strategies of Canna Canada. Frans grew up on a farm in South Africa, working in different industries throughout his career in both South Africa as well as Canada where he lives for several years now. He brings in a great mix of hands on mentality and strategic thinking.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
As Canopy Growth’s President for the Canadian region, Dave Paterson oversees all commercial, operational, and go-to-market capabilities within Canada. This includes leading the Company’s recreational cannabis activities under leading brands like Tweed, Doja, 7ACRES, and Deep Space as well as Canopy Growth’s medical cannabis division Spectrum Therapeutics.
Dave is a proven leader with more than 15 years of experience building commercial capabilities, leading product development, launching brands, managing businesses, and developing corporate strategy. Prior to joining Canopy, Dave served as Chief Commercial Officer for Indiva and has a recognized track record of developing and implementing strategies that unlock and seize new opportunities in highly competitive environments.
Prior to joining the cannabis industry, Dave served as Head of Marketing, Communications, and PR for The Beer Store; Vice President of Marketing, Product Development, and Strategic Partnerships for TravelBrands Inc.; and as the Managing Executive Director for Major League Baseball Canada.
Dave is a graduate of St. Mary’s College and Carleton University.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
Saskatchewanians believe in hard work, fair play, and integrity above all else and Brett Wells, CEO of Weed Pool Cannabis Cooperative, is no exception. Brett first entered the industry in 2018 and has been committed to a thriving cannabis industry ever since.
Weed Pool is a cooperative of proudly independent retailers dedicated to delivering the best-in-market products at fair prices for everyone. Together, the Cooperative has pooled its resources to negotiate a fair price and equal opportunity in the marketplace. Members enjoy access to a large selection of products in one place, annual patronage-style refunds, fast shipping, and a culture of mutual support.
