An informative exploration of cannabis operations, covering topics like plant morphology, genetic testing, production planning, market influences, and vital KPIs. Our panel, fluent in cannabis, agriculture, finance, and plant biology, aims to empower you to leverage data-driven practices to enhance your operations beyond just yield.
Leif Olsen, Partner, Catalyst BC
Leif Olsen, co-founder of Catalyst BC, is a legacy operator, seasoned professional, and trailblazer in the cannabis industry with extensive experience in licensing, operations, start-ups, and branding. Leif began his career in regulated cannabis in 2008 when he co-founded Kind Love, a pioneering medical and adult-use cannabis company in Colorado. By 2015, Leif co-founded Catalyst BC in response to the surging demand for regulated cannabis expertise, operational excellence, consumer-focused marketing, and groundbreaking solutions throughout the supply chain. Since its inception, the Catalyst team has assisted clients in 17 states and 6 countries and has been instrumental in securing over 55 licenses across eight states with a near-perfect success rate.
Leif’s influence extends beyond consulting. He has been instrumental in creating several ancillary companies, including Allele Genetics, 303 Seeds, Compliant Packaging, and Greenhaus Industries. Notably, Greenhaus Industries was acquired by Pipp Horticulture, setting a global standard in vertical farming solutions. In his current role at Catalyst BC, Leif leverages his deep industry knowledge and Lean methodologies to integrate Kaizen-like approaches, providing valuable insights and strategies to emerging and established cannabis operators.
Ian Miller, CEO, Catalyst BC
Ian is a serial entrepreneur, whose professional, educational, and personal experiences
have shaped and positioned him as a leader in the cannabis industry. His foundations
were laid at the University of Florida, where he pursued a BA in Architectural Design
and an MS in Building Construction. Additionally, he co-founded the Molecular Genetics
degree path at the Honor College, equipping him with expertise in genetics, horticulture,
and accounting.
Ian found great success managing construction projects in Miami Beach, handling
projects up to $18,000 per square meter. He transitioned through roles of escalating
responsibility in the construction sector, culminating in the founding of two successful
firms. Further advancing, he served as Vice President and Macro-Procurement
Specialist at Merchant Services LTD, nurturing over 300 business relationships and
facilitating company sales efforts, handling business procurements ranging from $5
million to $2 billion annually.
His career took a transformative turn at Loop, Inc., the precursor to Samsung Pay. As a
core member of the founding team, Ian spearheaded a triumphant Kickstarter
campaign, offering crucial design consultancy and fabrication insights. Concurrently, he
played a key role in relocating the sole serial-production carbon-fiber yacht
manufacturer from Sweden to North America, orchestrating successful intercontinental
and multicultural team integrations.
Transitioning into the cannabis sector as the Founder and CEO of Solace Companies in
Las Vegas, Ian undertook the rigorous task of raising $22 million in private equity to
erect a pioneering cannabis cultivation and processing facility. Utilizing groundbreaking
technologies, the venture set new standards in NV, bagging prestigious awards within
months of operation. Now steering Catalyst BC, Ian is channeling his extensive
professional background and entrepreneurial spirit to foster innovation and community
development across the ever-growing cannabis landscape.