Most operators think debt is dangerous. But what if the real problem is how we think about it?
The opposite is true: when used correctly, debt is the single biggest growth lever in cannabis. Every major industry scales on borrowed capital — cannabis is the only one still trying to do it alone.
This week we sit down with Adam Stettner to discuss:
• Why debt — used properly — compounds growth
• The difference between smart leverage and over-leverage
• How operators can fix cash-flow bottlenecks and scale predictably
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Adam Stettner and FunCounter
03:05 Adam's Journey into the Cannabis Industry
06:12 Understanding Underwriting in Cannabis Financing
09:05 The Importance of Client-Centric Financing
11:56 Navigating Complex Variables in Cannabis Lending
14:57 Building Infrastructure for Cannabis Financing
17:48 Segmenting the Cannabis Industry for Better Insights
20:55 The Unique Challenges of Cannabis Lending
24:12 The Role of Transparency in Client Relationships
28:23 Building Partnerships for Success
29:29 Funding Options for Operational Efficiency
32:29 Understanding Technology and Business Operations
37:54 Navigating Debt and Financial Strategies
42:10 Using Debt to Accelerate Growth
52:46 Exploring Funding Opportunities
Summary
In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney welcome Adam Stettner, CEO of FunCounter, to discuss the complexities of cannabis financing. Adam shares his journey from the apparel industry to cannabis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique challenges of underwriting in this space. He highlights the need for a client-centric approach in lending, the significance of transparency, and the innovative strategies FunCounter employs to navigate the cannabis market. Adam also discusses the importance of knowledge sharing and the metrics that indicate success in cannabis financing. In this conversation, Adam Stettner discusses the importance of building partnerships in the cannabis industry, focusing on how funding can enhance operational efficiency and support business growth. He emphasizes the need for flexible financial solutions that allow businesses to thrive without being constrained by debt. Stettner also highlights the significance of understanding technology and its impact on business operations, advocating for a metrics-based approach to financial decisions. The discussion concludes with insights on leveraging debt as a tool for growth and the importance of fostering relationships in the industry.
Guest Links:
About Adam Stettner:
Adam has 30 years of business, strategy and leadership experience in both Private and Public Companies. In 2021, Adam believed the timing and opportunity was right for him to bring his passion for business, innovative financing and entrepreneurial spirit to the Cannabis sector by creating funding products for all areas of this early stage, growth industry by founding FundCanna. FundCanna provides short term funding to all areas of the sector; cultivators, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, distributors and retailers. In just its first year, FundCanna has underwritten roughly 3000 files and funded over 500 unique files bringing much needed liquidity and financing solutions to the legal Cannabis industry.
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