CANNABIS BUSINESS ADVISORS - Key Persons
Ann Torrez has experience in research and development of cannabis products and accessories, analysis of cannabis market research, and coordinates with cultivation and manufacturing for new and emerging cannabis strains/products within the United States. She also has experience in preparing and submitting 30+ applications for cannabis business licensing in over 11 markets. Currently, Ann is a Receivership Specialist, acting on behalf of court-appointed receiver, managing cannabis businesses. Responsible for the protection and growth of assets in compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Providing operational and regulatory expertise along with business acumen tailored to each project.
Donald Burton has worked in executive level positions, operations, sales and marketing for several businesses including pharmaceuticals. Notable is his 4 years as District Sales Manager for Sanofi Aventis U.S., a leader in the field of product development and Patient assistance within the United States pharmaceutical industry, where he directed the Cleveland Clinic Specialty and Metabolism Business Units. He currently holds marijuana business licenses in several states including Nevada, Ohio, and Michigan.
Larry Lemons started Snowell Enterprises Inc., a consultancy specializing in Business Management and Consulting. Since Snowell, Lemons has successfully built and operated Nifty genius LLC, an apparel manufacturing and consulting company as well as The Harvest Foundation of Nevada, a State regulated medical marijuana facility in Las Vegas Nevada. He also holds and operates medical marijuana business licenses in Ohio and Michigan.
Maxime Kot is president and part owner of national consulting firm The Cannabis Business Advisors. A cannabis licensing and compliance expert with six years of direct industry experience, Kot has built a proven track record securing multiple cannabis licenses across 17 state markets. Kot's strategic approach and in-depth knowledge on government policy and rulemaking has led her to excel in the highly regulated market. As president, Kot oversees client relations at The Cannabis Business Advisors and serves as company lead on projects involving application and licensing preparation, operational analysis, policy and procedures, and business development planning. With a keen understanding of cannabis market trends, Kot evaluates new opportunities and builds complex business cases encompassing opportunity sizing, competitive strategy, functional requirements, and execution timelines for license applications. In addition to her professional expertise, Kot is a valued industry spokesperson who has presented at high-profile business and investor focused conferences, including MJBizConINT'L, MJBizCon Las Vegas, Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, and the Marijuana Industry Trade Association's 16-week Social Equity Mentorship Program. Kot holds a Bachelor of Science focused in Marketing from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Founder
Sara is an entrepreneur, investor, and corporate dealmaker with more than a decade of experience building and scaling businesses personally and professionally. A high-level strategist, Sara advises stakeholders on corporate structure, financing, and operations to better position their companies for growth and potential exit. Recognized as a Women to Watch and one of the Top 20 Women to Dominate the International Cannabis Space, Sara has received numerous accolades for her business contributions. She has been invited to present at the Real Estate Wealth Expos in Los Angeles and Toronto, MJBizCon, Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo, and other speaking circuits focused on high-growth industries. Throughout her career, Gullickson has thrived in an unconventional business landscape, merging her expertise in brokering relationships to cultivate success.