Edward Benjamin

At Theory Wellness, I holistically lead production, product development, and the creation of data-driven tools and reporting across multiple states (MA, ME, VT, NH) in a vertically integrated cannabis business. My focus is on creating innovative, best-in-class products that meet the evolving needs of our consumers while ensuring efficiency and scalability in production. I have played a pivotal role in the growth of Theory Wellness into one of the largest privately held, vertically integrated cannabis companies in Massachusetts. Key Achievements: Developed a suite of SQL-based, data-driven reporting tools that drive decision-making across the organization, from production planning to supply chain and retail inventory management. Oversee all product development, working closely with teams on formulation, packaging, scalable manufacturing operations, and material input constraints, including the Hi5 Beverage Line, selling over 1M cans annually. Optimized operations through data, improving batch sizing, reducing testing costs, and enhancing menu health and product availability for customers. Led material resource planning, ensuring raw material availability is aligned with production goals and optimized for efficiency. Increased team efficiency by focusing on higher output with fewer resources while maintaining strong team morale and a positive workplace culture.

As Vice President of Innovation at Parallel, I led the "Innovation team" (6 leaders with expertise in product dev, operations, equipment, extraction, and consumer insights) with a focus on developing and bringing new products to market. Key areas of responsibility included: - New Product Development: Led recipe formulation, concentrate development, and packaging design. Commercialization of R&D: Successfully brought innovative products to market, driving growth in key categories. - Operations & Marketing Alignment: Acted as a bridge between operations and marketing, ensuring seamless product launches and market strategies. - Data & Technology Deployment: Guided the rollout of advanced data systems and technology to support production and market expansion. - Market Trends & Strategy: Focused on understanding consumer needs and aligning product development with emerging market trends. Additionally, I provided critical support throughout the acquisition of NETA and its rebranding as "Parallel," playing a "catch-all" role to ensure the success of various initiatives.

As one of the first three employees at New England Treatment Access (NETA), I played a critical role in growing the company to over 800 employees, serving 3,500+ customers and generating over $500k per day across two retail stores in a vertical-only market (when wholesaling was not permitted). I also played a key role in the company's acquisition, valued at over $850M. Key Responsibilities: -Product Development: Led the development of all NETA products, from concept to execution, including packaging, SOPs, staffing, training, and ongoing operations management. -Process Development: Instrumental in creating original SOPs across inventory management, transportation, security, retail operations, production, cultivation, and data management. -Operations Leadership: Managed vertical cannabis operations, retail, supply chain, and inventory management, driving efficiency and scalability. -Branding: Primary liaison with the branding agency, guiding brand and product strategies to establish NETA as the most well-known cannabis brand in Massachusetts. -Data & Software: Developed a custom software suite that scraped MJ Freeway data, integrating it into our SQL server for analysis and inventory management, effectively creating a tailored MRP system. -Implemented a custom built "Integration Tool" linking MJ Freeway with the state-run Virtual Gateway, significantly speeding up transaction times and enabling higher transaction volumes. Spearheaded the transition to LeafLogix after MJ Freeway crashed, becoming one of the first LeafLogix customers in Massachusetts and shaping its integration with the state system. Key Milestones: -Sold the first gram of adult-use marijuana on the East Coast during the opening of NETA’s Northampton Adult Use retail store. -Played a major role in securing the license for the Brookline location and was pivotal in petitioning the town for a cannabis license during a highly tense period in the state's licensing process.

Enservio provides software and service solutions to help property insurance carriers price their policies correctly and settle their contents claims quickly and accurately. At Enservio, I was responsible for the collection, analysis, and reporting of sales and operations data, ensuring its accuracy to enhance sales and improve operational productivity. Key Responsibilities: - Data Analysis & Reporting: Developed both internal and customer-facing interactive reports to increase sales efficiency and drive results. Utilized Excel (Macros, VBA, Analytics), Access, and SQL to analyze and present data. - CRM Management: Managed Enservio’s Salesforce.com platform to track leads, improve customer relationship management, and optimize sales processes. - Process Improvement: Created processes to streamline data handling and manage outsourced labor, improving productivity across sales, operations, and finance.

· Respond to emergency and transfer calls · Evaluate and provide emergency medical care to transport patients · Prepare and test medical equipment; coordinate communication and transfer of medical data with hospitals