Over the past few years, CannaReps has been slowly expanding its consulting services to go beyond standard education formats, in order to encompass a more collaborative and hands-on approach to procurement, product development, quality assessment, and effective communication strategies for our clients.
For the past 5 years, CannaReps has consulted with clients small and large around the globe, solving problems of every kind imaginable. Today, we would like to share the story of one particular company and how CannaReps is actively helping this client reach their goals.
Aaron’s BCBud: A case study
I met William Marshal in class when he took our Cannabis Sommelier program. He was an enthusiastic student and it always makes me very happy and impressed when I see the ownership and/or c-suite executives in class taking the time to build a strong foundation.
William—or Bill, as he likes to be called—owns and operates a federally licensed producer called Aaron’s BCBud together with his son Mike, and I have to say that these two really won me over with their passion and full-on commitment to joining this industry with the best foot forward.
A few weeks after class, Bill reached out to me with some questions about pathogen management, and shortly after I found myself ready to tour his facility located in one of my favorite places in the whole wide world: the town of Coombs, BC.
Coombs is one of those places of cannabis lore and legend that I simply love. I mean the name Coombs is practically synonymous with good weed, as a microcosm of supreme hippie dankness within the grand universe of herb that is Vancouver Island. I was highly intrigued as to what I would find within.
What I found was the Ferrari of production facilities. Everything a grower ever wanted was drawn up and executed to perfect dimensions. I was able to provide some direction on the use of sulfur burners and a few other details in the areas of production/processing that would lead to some gains, establishing a strong foundation of trust between the ownership, the production team, and myself.
I always say: In the end, the proof is in the pudding. Even before our help, Aaron’s BCBud was already growing some really good weed. Now—with pathogen concerns at bay and a more preventative IPM strategy in place—their team is clearly feeling even more confident to take on the day, while quality continues to improve.
Let the product speak for itself
After touring the production area of the facility, we were able to see the finished product. We eagerly entered the storage room in our white gowns and waited at a distance from the stainless-steel shelves.
We were particularly excited knowing that these buds were grown in a rich soil medium which can provide a particularly aromatic product when done right.
Although we could not legally touch or taste the product, the aromatic notes were quite apparent as soon as each air-tight metal container was popped open. The amount of trichome cover and stickiness also became clearly apparent as employees went through a number of metal airtight containers using white gloves and tried breaking apart large clumps of buds that were all stuck together. It looked just lovely!
While conducting a standard product assessment, we were able to identify a few minor issues that could be improved by slightly altering the trim and remediation protocols.
At this stage, the ownership was ready and open to hear our suggestions and there was no resistance in making the requested changes.
Now, with product on the way, looking and smelling like true Coombs high grade, we were ready to put our network to work.
Representing BC’s best
Like I said, Bill and Mike’s team were growing great bud, even before we met them, but aside from the minor issues, they had one problem. Being a new LP, Aaron’s BCBud had not yet built a reputation or an extensive network of clients. Fortunately, CannaReps can help in this department.
When we meet a company like Aaron’s BCBud with roots in the local community and an authentic passion for quality, we know that we have found the type of producer that we can help.
Today, CannaReps works closely with Bill and his production team on a day-to-day basis keeping close track of batch quality, allowing us to confidently represent their products in educational outreach campaigns while building their network of customers in Canada and the world over.
A look towards the future
A crucial part of our work is helping clients to assess the continuity of quality parameters between production runs, especially during the production development phase.
The quality of the end product helps our team to determine how specific aspects of production could be improved. Once production methods are dialed, the next step is usually genetics.
With the help and guidance of the CannaReps team, Aaron’s BCBud aims to go beyond genetic curation of known cultivars and focus on continually developing their genetic stock into new and exciting places.
Currently, the company is working with familiar BC classics like BC Rockstar and Island Pink. Though these types of go-to names will remain a part of their regular roster, this is just them getting started.
CannaReps is hard at work on this project, providing relationships with renowned local breeders that are now overseeing unique crosses that will one day differentiate this brand from other producers as one of BC’s finest.
For more information about CannaReps Consulting services for your company, please visit send your inquiries to wholesale@cannareps.ca