Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Gullickson.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first entered the cannabis industry at age 27, and have spent the last decade building and scaling businesses as an entrepreneur, investor, and multi-state cannabis license holder. My first venture was a cannabis consulting firm, and though I did not fully understand what I was getting myself into, my entrepreneurial enthusiasm inevitably led me to grow several successful companies. Over the course of eight years, my consulting firm expanded to include multiple brands as well as a digital library of cannabis business and licensing templates. In 2018, the firm and assets were acquired by a publicly traded cannabis company.
After stepping away from the industry for a few years to start a family, I decided to revisit my entrepreneurial endeavors as a leadership executive, establishing The Cannabis Business Advisors (CB Advisors) in 2020. CB Advisors is a national consulting firm headquartered in Phoenix. In my role as CEO, I guide stakeholders on corporate structure, financing, and operations to better position their companies for growth and potential exit. I am proud to have received multiple accolades for my work in the cannabis space. I was recognized as a Women to Watch and one of the Top 20 Women to Dominate the International Cannabis Space. I have also had the opportunity to present at the Real Estate Wealth Expos in Los Angeles and Toronto, alongside Tony Robbins and other entrepreneurs. Throughout my career, I’ve truly thrived in an unconventional business landscape and hope to inspire other women to pursue executive leadership in this industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As any entrepreneur will tell you, there are highs and lows when building and starting a business. Especially in a nascent industry where there are no precedents, starting a cannabis company was exceptionally challenging. What I’ve learned over the past ten years is that there is no shortcut to success, you’ve got to put in the time. I worked really hard early on in my career and eventually it paid off. I’m also still working hard!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Cannabis Business Advisors?
The Cannabis Business Advisors is a national consulting firm that provides strategic business guidance for cannabis license applicants and current license holders throughout all stages of growth. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including application and licensing preparation, operational analysis, merger and acquisition support, policy and procedures, exit strategy guidance, and business development planning. We are also in the process of launching a digital platform with educational course content to help entrepreneurs learn how to take the first step in opening a dispensary.
For us, one of the secrets to our success is having the background and expertise to build a successful and vibrant industry. I’ve been in the industry for ten years and my colleague Maxime Kot, who serves as President at The Cannabis Business Advisors, has over five years of experience. It definitely sets us apart from competitors, because we have really grown up with the industry and seen how it has evolved firsthand. I am really proud of the fact that we’ve remained a boutique consulting group, it allows us to work with applicants that we believe will elevate the industry and help it thrive.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Phoenix. The restaurants, the weather, the overall ease of living, the spas, the people, I could go on and on! I’ve worked all over the country and really have always been proud to call Phoenix home.
Contact Info:
- Email: sara@thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com
- Website: https://thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saralgullickson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCBAdvisors/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecbadvisors
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saragullickson/
Read the full article here.
