#63 Cannabiz Chat: Sam Delgado + Bruce Eckfeldt - A Few Things - 52 Min

We discussed a number of things including: 1. State of #cannabisindustry across the state and region 2. How are the state and investors helping fund entrepreneurs 3. How is #diversity and #equity in space being supported 4. Outlook for the sector in short and long term Bruce is a consultant, coach, author, and speaker on organizational development and performance management. Originally an architect, he was a pioneer in the use of computer-aided design and 3D modeling. He also hosts to two successful podcasts: Scaling Up Services provides insights and strategies for how to successfully scale service-based businesses and Thinking Outside The Bud explores #innovation in the business of cannabis. Seeing the need for a more fast-paced and innovative approach to technology development, Bruce founded of Cyrus Innovation in 2003, one of the first Agile/Lean development consulting firms. After more than a decade of developing products and coaching companies adopting Agile/Lean practices such as Extreme Programming, Scrum, Kanban, and other Lean methodologies, Bruce sold Cyrus in 2014 to focus on broader organizational development initiatives and served as interim CEO, COO, and other executive roles across a number of different high-tech and professional service companies. Bruce has been a member of the Entrepreneurs'​ Organization’ since 2007 and has served in many chapter and regional leadership positions including Learning, Forum, and Accelerator. Bruce has served as the US East Regional Forum Expert and the US East Regional Accelerator Expert.---- Sam is vice chair of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. He is a retired Vice President of External Affairs for Verizon New Jersey. During his 21 years with the company he held various positions in human resources, corporate procurement, and government affairs. During his last 13 years, he served as Vice President External Affairs for Verizon New Jersey, Inc. and was responsible for matters related for the company’s external environment including: municipal and county relationships, emergency management, public policy, customer service, public relations, and the Verizon Foundation. Sam is a retired Marine Corps Reserve Combat Communications Officer with 20 years’ experience having served during Operation Uphold Democracy (1994-95) in the Republic of Haiti. In Haiti, he reported directly to former New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly monitoring human rights abuses; and mentoring and managing an international public security force. His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. In 2010 he returned to Haiti to assist in earthquake relief efforts acting as liaison for Doctors Without Borders, the Haitian Govt, and NGOs.