Get Licensed. Get Open.
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ABOUT THE FIRM For 10 years, Tenax Strategies has provided end-to-end project management for clients to establish licensed cannabis businesses in several states, including in some of the most heavily-regulated and challenging municipalities and locations. We take cannabis businesses from concept to commence operations, managing projects and cutting through the red tape so cultivators, retailers, manufacturers and others can focus on getting their doors open and join this exciting and growing industry. Unlike many cannabis consultants, we actually perform the work. We don’t just create a plan and advise clients on what to do. We execute that plan, including taking on the often labor-intensive tasks and managing the project from idea to opening. We handle the license application process, sort through state and local laws and permitting regulations, build coalitions of support in local communities, manage site selection, assist on compliance for state and local matters when businesses merge or are acquired and more. Our experience and track record has prepared us for success in even the most challenging business or regulatory climates. We customize campaigns that work and have the know-how to remove barriers to entry so responsible operators can thrive in the exciting cannabis industry.
DRIVEN. DEDICATED. DETERMINED.
OUR TEAM PETER D'AGOSTINO, PARTNER A proven leader, Peter has extensive experience implementing and executing government relations and public policy strategies for private and publicly traded cannabis companies, Fortune 500 companies, corporations, partnerships, investors and individuals. Peter has unique expertise in helping companies negotiate all levels of municipal and state government as they seek approval of projects. He regularly represents clients in front of Select Boards, City Councils, Planning Boards, Health , Zoning Boards of Appeal and other state and local agencies. Peter works to achieve successful outcomes for both his clients and the municipalities. Well versed in the regulatory challenges of emerging markets, Peter has developed a reputation as one of the leading strategists in the cannabis industry in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. He is skilled at illustrating for communities the many benefits of the industry, including job creation, economic development and the creation of new tax revenue, leading to successful licensure of cannabis operators. He also specializes in locating zoning compliant sites and assisting operators through the permitting process, including negotiating fair host community agreements or local resolutions.
Since 2012, Peter and the Tenax team have been relentless in representing cannabis operators to help them get licensed and get open. Peter assists clients with site selection, building municipal support, land use approvals, permitting, community outreach, cannabis licensing, general cannabis business consulting and post operational support. Peter provides a comprehensive project management approach, often taking companies, investors or indivduals in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey from concepct to commence operations.
GREG D'AGOSTINO, PARTNER With over 20 years of experience in public affairs, Greg is a highly-skilled strategist that has managed campaigns for a wide spectrum of highly-regulated industries and complex legislative and regulatory issues. He leveraged his decades of public affairs experience to spearhead Tenax's multi-state expansion of the cannabis practice, providing cannabis consulting and project management services to clients in emerging and legal markets across the country. Greg's top priority is delivering value to clients by helping new operators get started in the industry, assisting existing operators to enter new markets, and expanding their portfolio of assets. Greg is driven to protect he position of his clients in the marketplace to deliver clients a return on investment. Greg is a creative problem solver and a passionate advocate for his clients, leveraging his extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry to develop innovative solutions that drive success. He is an experienced strategist and negotiator, adept at navigating the ever-changing landscape of the cannabis industry to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients and is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations. Before Greg acquired Tenax Strategies, he served as COO of one of Boston’s most successful communications and public affairs firms. Greg’s top goals were to protect his client’s business interests, grow their businesses, or create new opportunities for them in their respective industries. Early in his career, Greg worked with many of Massachusetts’ top elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.
JACOB HICKS, ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT Jacob's journey into the cannabis industry may have been accidental, but his passion for the field is anything but. Initially hired for his expertise in government affairs at Tenax Strategies, Jacob gradually found himself drawn into the complex world of cannabis. With his love of puzzles and a talent for solving complex issues, Jacob quickly thrived in the competitive cannabis industry. What sets Jacob apart is his desire to see things grow from start to finish. He manages the many stakeholders involved in getting a cannabis business up and running, from architects and engineers to legal aid and administrative staff. Together with the Tenax team, he has helped numerous clients take their cannabis business ideas from conception to commence operations. Whether it's navigating complex regulations, securing funding, or building a successful brand, Jacob is committed to delivering results that exceed his client's expectations. Jacob's ability to build strong relationships with officials and government bodies, helps to ensure that Tenax clients are seen in a favorable light when applying for a cannabis license. In addition, his background in social work and relationship-building skills allow him to excel in challenging communications and to help clients achieve their goals within the complex world of government affairs and cannabis regulation. Finally, his ability to interface with regulators is unparalleled. Jacob's value to the Tenax team and clients is exemplified by his determination, resourcefulness, and expertise in navigating complex situations.
CATHERINE BROWN, ESQ, ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT Catherine is a distinguished Suffolk University Law School graduate, licensed to practice law in New Hampshire and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Her expertise extends to the regulatory affairs of cannabis control, for which she holds certification from Clark University. Although her involvement in the cannabis industry was by chance, when she interned at a Boston-area law firm focused on cannabis policy in 2018, Catherine has since immersed herself deeply in this evolving field. She served as the Research Director for the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where she contributed to much of the legislation on cannabis that's enforced today, including the groundbreaking Senate Bill 3096. This bill promotes equity in the cannabis industry and removes barriers to entry for small businesses. Catherine's early entry into the cannabis industry at its genesis gave her a unique vantage point to observe its growth and evolution. Since her auspicious internship, Catherine has continuously expanded her knowledge of cannabis legislation and policy in tandem with the industry's progress. As a result, she has emerged as a key player in the burgeoning cannabis movement in the Northeast and has built an exciting career in this rapidly developing field. When she isn’t poring over a sizable legal document with a smile, you’ll find Catherine cheering for the Mercedes F1 racing team, hiking with her husband, and fundraising for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
MICHAEL VALENTI, SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE At Tenax Strategies, Michael is a versatile team player, holding two essential roles within the organization, contributing his expertise to both the public affairs and cannabis sides of the business. He is highly skilled at interfacing with numerous local and state governments, navigating complex regulations to ensure the success of Tenax clients. Michael's passion for helping businesses navigate government is at the heart of his work. He empowers businesses and individuals to communicate effectively with government representatives, advancing their goals and achieving favorable outcomes. Michael is driven to see companies succeed and has a keen eye for how the government works and intersects with businesses of all sizes. Michael is a guiding voice for the client in front of government regulation, whether at the municipal or state level. He plays a critical role in finding ideal and compliant sites for cannabis businesses, whether it's a dispensary, vertical operation, or another establishment, and is skilled at leveraging his expertise to assist cannabis clients with property searches and management. In addition, Michael interfaces with realtors and property owners and works closely with municipal officials to educate them about the industry's regulatory requirements and Tenax clients' needs. Michael's success story is a testament to his unwavering commitment to achieving results and creating value for Tenax clients. His expertise and dedication set him apart in his field, making him a valuable asset to Tenax Strategies.
BEN DUKE, SENIORACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ben recently graduated from Northeastern University, where he studied business and political science. He finds the cannabis industry incredibly intriguing because of its novelty, unexplored potential, and competitive landscape, which provide ample opportunities for him and Tenax Strategies clients to thrive. Ben is known for his adaptability and inquisitive nature, which have proven to be invaluable assets in enhancing his problem-solving approach to work. Beyond his academic pursuits, Ben has invested significant time into coding and computer programming, making him Tenax Strategies' go-to person for anything technologyrelated. Within a few months of joining Tenax Strategies, he created efficient programs that automate manual data entry, streamlining team productivity. Although Ben is a recent addition to the Tenax Strategies team, he brings with him a strong background in business and an insatiable curiosity for the world around him. With a keen eye for problem-solving, Ben quickly recognized that the traditional method of presenting real estate listings in a spreadsheet format was not ideal for clients looking to open a cannabis retail shop. So, leveraging his expertise in programming, Ben built an interactive and personalized map to help the client navigate zoning regulations, identify heavily-regulated areas, and pinpoint the best real estate options available to open their cannabis business. In his free time, Ben indulges his passion for science and technology, staying up-todate on the latest breakthroughs in physics and space exploration. On Sunday mornings, you’ll find him cooking and continuing his education in programming through self-directed learning.
HOW WE HELP Our firm has deep experience in cannabis public policy and an extensive track record of building support and receiving local and state level approvals.
WHAT SUCCESS MEANS TO OUR CLIENTS
There are many steps toward achieving these goals, and many require deep industry expertise and experience, and frequently, extensive research, outreach and administrative work. We handle it all.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tenax will provide the Client a single point of contact for navigating complex state and local regulatory frameworks and for seeking approvals from the principals. Our approach minimizes the owner’s and investor’s time requirements on the day to day items while retaining full control and decision making authority over every aspect of the entire project. We believe this approach provides the smoothest and shortest path to getting a cannabis businesses operational.
Local Permitting: We are experts at building relationships with local regulators and elected officials, coordinating grassroots support and navigating through the red tape of city and town halls. Here’s what we do . . . Negotiate local “host community agreements” or “local resolutions". These are multi-faceted and often tricky engagements that require experience and expertise; Educate local elected officials that our clients’ sites and companies are the right fit for the limited number of licenses they want in their community;
Site selection/control – Identifying and securing a viable and attractive site that complies with local bylaws is key to successful licensure. We help navigate through zoning bylaws and ordinances, identify buffer zones, undertake landlord negotiations and assist with site leases and purchases; Bylaw changes – Often Town Meeting or City Council approval is required in order to site a cannabis business and we have a long track record of successful campaigns. We’ve also succeeded in overturning cannabis bans in some communities; Site plan review approvals – We work with licensed professionals to prepare your site plan, customized to comply with local regulations, so you can be approved for business; Special permit decisions – We review local permitting regulations and prepare your application with a keen eye for detail to avoid mistakes or delays Municipal Government Affairs: Tenax represents clients’ interests with respect to a wide variety of needs it will have at the municipal level related to generating buy-in for the project and obtaining the necessary support and approvals needed to keep the project moving forward and viable throughout the project timeline. Here’s what we do . . . Build local support with elected officials or decision makers Representation in front of municipal boards and committees, including elected officials, planning and/or zoning boards, boards of health, conservation commission, etc. as needed Work with zoning and planning boards on site plan reviews and special permits Negotiate host community agreements or local resolutions Create community relations campaigns, including community outreach meetings and events
Work with local boards of health that sometimes require cannabis businesses to obtain “operating permits” or similar approval; Work with conservation commissions in communities that require an “order of conditions” or similar approval; Guide businesses through entire licensing and permitting process; Coordinate all vendors necessary for permitting and development, including architects, lawyers, business consultants, civil engineers and security vendors; Development of Request for Application (RFA), Request for Information (RFI) or Request for Proposals (RFP) in communities engaging a public process for cannabis projects. State Licensing: Tenax coordinates and executes timely submittals of state-required materials and documentation for license applications and renewals. These are complex, often tedious and labor intensive undertakings that involve the review, creation and coordination of hundreds of pages of documents, filings and emails. We take on that work and make it our job to make you successful in the community. We remove the burden from the client. Whether a single state operator trying to get into the industry for the first time or an established multi-state operator (MSO) looking to break into a new market, we can customize a winning strategy.
What we do: Manage licensing process from concept to commence operations; Coordination and development of application materials; Develop strategies to increase likelihood of licensure; Coordination among consultants to ensure requirements of state or regulatory process; Customize plans state-by-state;
To discuss this proposal, please contact: Greg D’Agostino Partner 617.388.6477 greg@tenaxstrategies.com
To learn more about our firm, please visit: www.TenaxStrategies.com