Name: Vanessa Williams

Company: Rutgers Law School

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://newjerseycannabusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/rutgers-law.png” title_text=”rutgers-law” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Share your elevator pitch. In one sentence, what do you do in the cannabis industry?

As Assistant Dean of New Programs at Rutgers Law School, I’ve spent the last six months developing our new Certificate in Cannabis Law and Business, a six-month program aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and license holders in running fully compliant cannabis businesses.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

Rutgers Law School has had a class in ‘Marijuana Law’ since 2018. When I started here in January 2022, I quickly learned that the legalization of cannabis is big news for New Jersey – and as the state university, I was convinced we needed to be part of supporting our community via educational programming.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Share a bit about your professional background. What, specifically, makes you well-equipped to serve clients in the cannabis industry?

The instructors involved in our Certificate in Cannabis Law and Business are all experts in their fields. We have faculty from Rutgers schools of law, business, environmental and biological sciences, and communication and information, who are closely collaborating with industry experts to design the curriculum. I’ve also spent the last few months building my network so that we can invite some terrific guest speakers to be part of the program, so that participants will really hear from people who are doing this on a daily basis.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

What do you feel is most promising about New Jersey’s cannabis industry?

As someone who has only been involved in the industry for the last few months, I’ve been overwhelmed by how much of a community and network the industry really is. Everyone seems so on-board and has been willing to introduce me to their contacts, who in turn introduce me to their contacts, and so on. I think that’s a really special thing, and one that speaks to the commitment of people involved with the industry in New Jersey.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Why did you join NJCBA? How do you anticipate NJCBA helping your business?

NJCBA was one of the first organizations that I reached out to to learn more about what’s going on in New Jersey. Their help and connections, and great online and in-person events, showed me that they’re a vital part of New Jersey’s cannabis industry.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Care to share a favorite NJCBA membership moment?

I don’t have one yet – I’ve only just joined! But even before I joined, I got to attend a couple of events, and was really struck by everyone’s friendliness and willingness to talk with me.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Provide one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s considering working in cannabis.

Join our certificate program! Haha, what a blatant plug. But seriously, figuring out what gaps there are in your knowledge, and then figuring out the best way for you to fill them – is it hiring someone else with that expertise? Is it finding an education program that’s going to specifically address those gaps? Is it talking to other people in your network who might have the information you need? From working on this certificate program with our subject matter experts, I know that the state and federal rules and regulations are complex, and if you don’t know something, you need to know how to find the answer.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Tell us about your favorite Jersey spot. What would you do in the Garden State on your day off?

I spend most of my time working at Rutgers’ Camden campus, but I haven’t yet had a chance to visit Donkey’s Place. I definitely need to make it over there in one of my lunchbreaks!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The post Vanessa Williams appeared first on NJCBA.

Name: Ryan Brandt

Company: Withum

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://newjerseycannabusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/RGB-Withum-scaled.jpg” alt=”Withum logo for NJCBA website” title_text=”Withum logo for NJCBA website” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Share your elevator pitch. In one sentence, what do you do in the cannabis industry?

I am the Tax Team Leader of Withum’s Cannabis Services team, well-versed in strategic tax planning and compliance issues.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

I became deeply involved in the cannabis industry when talks of recreational use in New Jersey gained momentum. I was already involved with the medical cannabis market, working with some of the original six alternate treatment centers (ATCs), and I knew the market was about to explode once New Jersey opened their doors to adult use.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Share a bit about your professional background. What, specifically, makes you well-equipped to serve clients in the cannabis industry?

Our team’s rich expertise in the cannabis industry spans over 10 years of providing Advisory, Tax and Audit services to both plan and non-plant touching segments of cannabis business enterprises. We are trusted business advisors with team members nationwide who are trained to specifically service the cannabis industry. We pride ourselves on helping our clients achieve their goals and navigate a highly regulated industry.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

What do you feel is most promising about New Jersey’s cannabis industry?

The fact that New Jersey is entering the cannabis market late in the game, we are fortunate enough to be able to learn from the mistakes and successes of various other states that have legalized. We are not going into this market wearing a blindfold. I believe our regulatory commission has strategically been working on placing this industry in a position of strength and success. I believe this industry is going to thrive right out of the gate.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Provide one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s considering working in cannabis.

The cannabis industry has a rapidly changing and complex tax landscape. It is very important to consider the tax implications on your business profits, so you can properly forecast cash flow and plan your budget accordingly.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Care to share a favorite NJCBA membership moment?

Presenting with President Ed DeVeaux. We discussed the 280e Tax Code and general cannabis accounting guidelines. It was a great way to engage with and inform the local community.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Tell us about your favorite Jersey spot. What would you do in the Garden State on your day off?

I would have to say my favorite spot is Mountain Creek in the winter. I love snowboarding and this place has the best slopes in Jersey!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The post Ryan Brandt appeared first on NJCBA.

Name: Tim Burdge, MSFM, FMP

Company: Syska Hennessy Group

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://newjerseycannabusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/syskahennessygrouplogo.png” title_text=”syskahennessygrouplogo” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Share your elevator pitch. In one sentence, what do you do in the cannabis industry?

As a Senior Associate with Syska Hennessy Group, I create exceptional environments that help cannabis facility management operations reach their full potential.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

Several of Syska Hennessy’s architectural and real estate development clients from other building sectors invited us to apply our engineering expertise to cannabis facilities. My colleagues and I are grateful because we’ve found this work to be extremely rewarding. We look forward to further growth in this sector.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Share a bit about your professional background. What, specifically, makes you well-equipped to serve clients in the cannabis industry?

I specialize in facilities management, which means that I’m always looking for effective ways for organizations to lower their operational costs.  As part of Syska Hennessy’s facility management advisory practice, I help clients transition from construction to operation, ensuring that my clients’ balance sheets aren’t overburdened in this process.  My colleagues and I are now applying this approach to cannabis facilities with great success. 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

What do you feel is most promising about New Jersey’s cannabis industry?

Quite simply, the geography of the state. Eventually, federal legalization will come, opening the borders for interstate commerce. New Jersey is very easy to navigate in short periods of time, making it ideal to capture market share from surrounding states, all which will contribute to the success of the NJ cannabis industry in the northeast as well as across the U.S.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Why did you join NJCBA? How do you anticipate NJCBA helping your business?

Syska Hennessy Group joined NJCBA because we see it as the go-to business community for cannabis in the state. We also believe strongly in NJCBA’s focus to make certain that decision makers and regulators understand and respect the needs of the cannabusiness community and that our community continues to represent responsible corporate citizens.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Care to share a favorite NJCBA membership moment?

At the risk of oversharing, I was having dinner with [NJCBA] board member Hector Corchado one evening just after Syska signed on as a corporate sponsor. Hector was thrilled with our decision and at that moment decided to call and introduce me to Scott Rudder, the founder and president emeritus of NJCBA, who thanked me for the support and said he would personally guarantee the ROI on our investment. I appreciated that level of care and attention.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Provide one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s considering working in cannabis.

Work smart, lead with kindness and gratitude, and always remember if it is something you will enjoy doing it isn’t really work anyway. Additionally, if you are using your experience as a cannabis patient or recreational consumer as the basis for working in this industry, your experience there isn’t enough. You should identify some professional development goals for yourself and always continue your education relative to the facet of the industry you are pursuing.


[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”85244b60-2bf6-4b46-9e90-45902dc55a94″ header_4_text_align=”right” text_orientation=”right” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Tell us about your favorite Jersey spot. What would you do in the Garden State on your day off?

Easy Question. I’d head to Jackson, where my two beautiful nieces Emily (9) and Hannah (8) are located. Nothing I love more than being their “fun-cle” on my days off.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The post Tim Burdge, MSFM, FMP appeared first on NJCBA.