Experiences
Lac Courte Orielles Ojibwe University, Hayward Wisconsin
Agricultural Hemp Manager – May 2021 – June 2024
3-year USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture Tribal College Research Grant. Coordinate research with the University of Wisconsin-Madison for “Evaluating the Economic Feasibility of Companion Cropping in Industrial Hemp.” Primary responsibilities planning, implementation, cultivation, harvest, and economic feasibility of the hemp research project.
Lead program to first-ever legal Cannabis Harvest on Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation
Harvest Cannabis, Conway Arkansas
Cultivation Leader – December 2019 – November 2020
As the Start-up Lead, I was brought in to finalize the facility build-out and bring it to full utilization. I developed the forms and data collection processes for tracking plant life cycles from seed to sale. I created standard operating procedures and related documentation for everything from facility maintenance and harvesting to pest identification, and IPM. I was responsible for genetic phenotyping with a focus on optimal yields and flavor profiles to maximize market value. Provided ownership and management up-to-date in a weekly communication via email.
- Delivered a fully operational facility on-time in 120 days
- Staffed and trained full team
- Exceed production goals by 10%
Roots RX, Leadville Colorado
Cultivation Leader – January 2019 – November 2019
As the Facility Manager, I was tasked with resolving inconsistent production schedules and microbial contamination. I established a materials purchasing program to manage the garden on a quarterly basis that reduced shipping costs and improved production quality. I also improved the genetic offerings produced in the garden by sourcing new genetics. I provided the leadership team a monthly KPI report leveraging my data management system.
- A complete overhaul of team members’ roles and workflow with the establishment of a training program
- Exceed the previous year’s production by 150%
- Development of relations with supply company for priority shipping to the facility at zero cost increase
Doc’s Apothecary, Denver, Colorado
Associate Gardener – August 2018 – December 2018
As a Garden Associate, I worked with the garden lead to improve vegetative cycles, daily operations, facility maintenance, harvesting, yield projections, and post-production operations. I re-engineered the IPM program to comply with Colorado Department of Agriculture standards and was also able to help source new genetic strains proven to increase yields in the garden.
- Production increased 20%
- Increased quality of the product produced
- Eliminated powdery mildew utilizing a comprehensive IPM program
Pink House, Denver
Head Grower – July 2016 – November 2018
As the Facility Lead, I was responsible for the operations, processing, packaging, and maintenance teams. The facility was designed to control environmental contamination and the quality of products was a major focus in my role as the lead grower. Additionally, I created a breeding program to preserve and further refine the genetics. A multi-year project requiring substantial cross-team coordination during which we managed hundreds of plants, and compiled a substantial amount of data to identify the proven winners.
- Managed 120+ mother plants and the cloning program producing 200-300+ clones per week
- Managed harvest and trim team of 10 people and managed the curing process for a weekly harvest of 60-80 plants
- Managed data collection and analysis for performance reporting to leadership and investors.
Business Development People, Denver
Director of Operations – September 2009 – June 2016
As the Project Manager, I helped facilitate operations across 7 facilities with cutting-edge technology including LEDs and water-cooled lights, as well as other energy-efficient initiatives. I oversaw the development of a branding team focused and responsible for a $3 million increase in annual sales while managing social media marketing and web development.
- Startup and build-out of two production facilities approx. 15,000 sq. ft. of canopy space
- Development of five retail locations across the Front Range of Colorado
- Development of R&D program that would lead to long-term genetic preservation
- Quarterly local events, and yearly internal employee team-building events
- National industry convention booth presence, 2012 – 2015
Nexstar Broadcasting System, Champaign Illinois
Director Technical Director Camera Operator – April 2004 – December 2009
Education
Associates Degree – 2004 – 2006
Parkland College, Champaign, IL.
General Studies – 2002 – 2003
Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN.
Certification
Permaculture Design Certificate – 2022 ( CRIMPI – Puerto Rico)
Agroforestry Training Program – 2023 ( Center for Agroforestry – Columbia, MO )
Awards
2023 Sawyer County Fair, Wisconsin
- Bee Balm’s ” Monarda” 1st Place
- Cosmo’s ” Sensation Mix” 1st Place
- Daylily’s” Fans Hals” – 2nd Place
- Zinnia’s ” Lilliput” 1st Place