by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
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.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
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.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
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.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
Mr. Michael Perron, also known as Mike, CPA (USA), MAcc, serves as Chief Executive Officer at MTL Cannabis Corp. He serves as Director of Global Business Development at MediPharm Labs Corp. Mr. Perron served as Senior Manager and Cannabis Advisory Lead at MNP LLP. Mr. Perron has more than 10 years of professional business advisory experience to the MediPharm leadership team. While at MNP, Mr. Perron has held leadership roles within MediPharm’s management consulting, enterprise risk, and corporate finance practice areas.Mr. Perron most recently served as the advisory lead within MNPs national cannabis practice. He has served as a national advisory services lead supporting the cannabis industry and has been a key advisory with numerous LPs, LP applicants, and ancillary cannabis businesses. He is an alumnus of the Governor Generals Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC). Mr. Perron earned his Masters of Accounting (MAcc) from the University of Southern California, holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Jamestown, and is a Certified Public Accountant in California.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
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.
by Grow Up Conference | Jan 7, 2024
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.
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.
