Over the years, Kush has worked with many client groups, vendors, and partners.
We have assisted a multitude of clients in winning cannabis business licenses, demonstrating a deep understanding of regulated cannabis industry business licensing and facility operations.
Kush has also worked with clients to improve process and facility operations in effort to maximize profitability via its suite of operational management services.
Cannabis Start-up
The Opportunity | Start-up CBD/THC company
The Process | New Product Development and Innovation Accelerator
The Backstory | Grand Remedy CBD, a start-up CBD company, wanted to enter the CBD & THC marketplace but did not have a brand presence or go-to-market strategy. In the ultra competitive cannabis space, high-quality, innovative products along with a compelling brand story are necessary to survive.
The Result | Kush led Grand Remedy through a series of Innovation Accelerator workshops that identified and created their brand, and helped shape their Go-To-Market Strategy. The Kush team developed the logo and brand messaging, assisted with product selections and formulations, set up distribution channels, connected Grand Remedy with retail partners, built their online store and established their e-commerce platform. Kush also worked with Grand Remedy to launch a several CBD/THC products into the regulated Michigan marketplace.
Municipality assistance
The Opportunity | Chicago based development company creating an indoor agricultural industrial business park
The Process | Launching Your Business, Go-To-Market Strategies, Thinking Like A Startup
The Backstory | db3, a Chicago based development company, wanted to create a grower and processor’s paradise. Sensi Park was designed as a Building of the Future to accommodate any product type or grow method. With spaces starting at 5,000 square feet that can accommodate up to 28 foot grow heights, Sensi Park has the capability of providing unlimited opportunities to impact the global market.
The Result | Kush worked with db3 to develop their marketing strategy and go-to-market plan. Kush led a variety of strategic workshops, stakeholder meetings and focus groups in order to better understand the various user personas. Kush also attended various city and municipality meetings to work with government officials. Using the data collected, a marketing plan and brand guidelines were created including a logo and supporting materials. Additionally, Kush developed architectural plans, building renderings, and elevation drawings to be used for municipality discussions and investor relations meetings.
Standard Operating Procedures
The Problem | New cannabis facility in a competitive market
The Process | New Product Development, Launching Your Business and Innovation Accelerator
The Backstory | Cedar Springs Cannabis is the passion project of a long time Cedar Springs business owner. The owner had no previous cannabis experience and needed assistance throughout the entire process.
The Result | Kush worked hand in hand with Cedar Springs Cannabis every step of the way to help make this dream a reality. From attending municipality meetings, to assisting with the application process, to designing the building, developing the brand and training the staff, Kush was there. Additionally, Kush selected all of the operating systems, hired and trained the staff and set up the systems in order for Cedar Springs Cannabis to operate safety and legally within the state of Michigan. Because of their leadership, Kush offered Cedar Springs Cannabis a turn-key solution that allowed them to be competitive in an over saturated market.
HR & Employee Benefits
The Problem | Cannabis processing facility expanding and outgrowing current capacity
The Process | Training & Organizational Culture, Thinking Like A Start-Up, Design Thinking
The Backstory | Grand Rapids Cannabis Co. is a processing facility that provides solutions for cultivators and processors throughout the state. As the needs for their services increased, Grand Rapids Cannabis needed solutions that could grow with their business strategy.
The Result | Kush was able to work with Grand Rapids Cannabis Co. to assess their needs both now and in the future. With that information in mind, Kush worked to develop a plan, select appropriate HR solutions and coverage options, and put various systems and programs in place. Additionally, Kush worked to help understand the human capital side of the business and lead a series of workshops to help enhance employee culture and productivity.
Branding & Marketing
The Problem | Cultivation facility standing out in a crowded marketplace
The Process | Design Thinking Methods and Mentalities, Thinking Like A Start-Up, Innovation Strategies
The Backstory | Competition is fierce in the cultivation space and good brands have to stand out to remain competitive.
The Result | Kush led a series of Design Thinking Ideation sessions focused on marketing strategy, retail distribution, market viability, as well as overall brand development. Frosted Farms had a distinct look and story they wanted to convey to the cannabis community. Kush worked with Frosted Farms to set the brand and communications strategy and developed a suite of logos and design elements that were used on various packaging options and communication pieces. The systematic approach streamlined the process resulting in distribution into the Michigan marketplace.
Aesthetics & Design
The Problem | Chicago based cannabis group starting a provisioning center in a tourist hotspot
The Process | Launching Your Business and Go-To-Market Strategy
The Backstory | Green Koi, a group of cannabis investors, purchased a rundown, four stall car wash in a tourist town near the lakeshore. They needed a team of innovators to understand their vision and transform an eyesore into a high end retail operation.
The Result | Kush worked with the Green Koi team from the initial site plan all the way to the last nail on the construction punch list. Kush began by understanding Green Koi’s unique vision and set a clear direction for the project. Architectural designs were created, materials were sourced, and construction was managed and completed to transform an unsightly building into an unrecognizable retail operation.
Construction Management
The Problem | Established Colorado cannabis company moving into the Michigan market
The Process | Launching Your Business and Go-To-Market Strategy
The Backstory | Nobo, a Colorado based cannabis company, wanted to expand their brand presence into Michigan. They needed a team to help leverage their years of experience within the cannabis space in a new and unique market.
The Result | Kush worked with the Nobo team throughout the entire process to launch several provisioning and cultivation centers. The Kush team collaborated with various strategic partners to design the various properties, sourced the materials and components needed during the project, and managed the build-outs from the ground up. Once operational, Kush worked with Nobo to develop the go-to-market strategy for the provisioning centers and assisted in the customer-centered layout and design.