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What’s the biggest challenge facing the cannabis industry right now, and how are you and/or your company addressing it?
First of all, thank you for this opportunity. Big picture, I think uncertainty surrounding cannabis regulation is probably the biggest challenge facing the industry right now. The resulting investment trepidation has negative impacts for both those who touch cannabis directly and technology suppliers like Sorting Robotics. That said, I’m hopeful that near term clarity on those issues will fuel continued investment into our robotics sector. Sorting Robotics perpetually addresses this challenge by not only developing robust, novel technology to bring worthwhile returns to our customers, but by offering hands-down unparalleled customer support as traditional operators become proficient robotics operators.
Where do you see the most exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in cannabis?
Having installed our robotics at a variety of cannabis manufacturers around the country, it’s been clear to see the opportunity for production line and facility automation to improve our customers’ bottom line. I think one of the more technically exciting areas for growth will be the systems engineering development as companies transition from individual machines/cells to a system of interconnected robotics linking multiple production processes together to run autonomously. Sorting Robotics is all-in on supporting this next wave of interconnectivity.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to break into the cannabis industry?
Whether it’s the cannabis robotics industry or any other industry, I think advancement comes from consistency and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and seek mentors for both technical and interpersonal skills. When you find the right opportunity, you’ll be prepared with an existing foundation of skills and a trajectory of growth.
What is the most important thing you have learned from your experiences in the cannabis industry?
Having spent most of my engineering career in institutional aerospace and technical leadership, some of the most critical growth I’ve made is continuing to deliver technically excellent products while being much more judicious in the deployment of technical resources. Building one rover suited for Mars can be a multi-decade effort with engineering processes that don’t parlay to commercial industrial robotics, so I’ve quickly grown into the mindset of rapid innovation and thrive upon the immediate feedback from customers as Sorting Robotics continues to expand its technology portfolio.
What do you want your legacy to be as it relates to the cannabis industry?
I want Sorting Robotics to be THE go-to source for state-of-the-art robotics products and custom integration services for the cannabis industry, and I’d like our company to be remembered not only for the products we provide but, perhaps more importantly, the support we provide throughout our customers’ experience. I think our customers would tell you that we’re much more than a product vendor, and I hope our legacy is that of partnership and mutual growth.