Using local and national tactics to rally support for hemp and CBD

The attack on the CBD and hemp industry is forcing a strong response from national advocacy organizations, such as the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, and impacted grower, Stoney Branch Farms. You'd think their tactics would vary widely, but when we welcomed Kerry Hinkle from the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and Justin Ward from Stoney Branch Farms, the basis of their tactical outreach wasn't too dissimilar. Watch as they discuss how elements of their outreach, like growing consumer/advocate loyalty, building media relationships, and tackling systematic problems in the industry, embodies pillars of Brand Protection PR™.

Six years ago, World Lung Cancer Day (WLCD) was an afterthought, with no more impact than Lost Sock Remembrance Day. Yeah, we had never heard of it either. That is until Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) tapped into its network of lung cancer patient advocates to turn WLCD from an unknown to a day that celebrates hope thanks to advancements in research, all while destigmatizing the disease. Our guest today, Jim Baranski, Executive Director for LCFA, often says, "Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and no one deserves to have lung cancer." Listen to today's Move the Stairs podcast, where we talk through the stages of Brand Protection PR™ through the lens of WLCD until we arrive at what people who are truly living with lung cancer do deserve: hope.

Blue Delta Jeans COO and co-founder Nick Weaver joins us on the Move the Stairs podcast to share the remarkable journey of turning a concept into a highly successful luxury jean brand. Alongside his business partner Josh, Nick recounts their cash-strapped early days, their relentless drive to succeed, and how they’ve crafted a product that attracts clients ranging from professional athletes to A-list celebrities. In this episode, Nick delves into the enduring power of “word of mouth” and top-notch communication with stakeholders, revealing how these tactics, in addition to a "one-size fits one" mentality, have fueled rapid growth and widespread endorsements in the digital age.

Recall several months ago the log jam of aid waiting to get into Gaza? Among that aid were 35 pallets of C.U.R.E kits, each containing up to $2,000 worth of medical aid, including wound dressings, sutures, sterile gloves, hemostats, and other critical care items. Through intense logistical operations, Project C.U.R.E. was able to "Move the Stiars" and get its medical aid into the war-torn region. Director of Kits, Meghan McCann, joins us on this new episode of the Move the Stairs podcast to reflect on this triumph and paint a larger picture of the scale and logistical challenges this organization conquers daily to provide needed medical supplies to 135 counties worldwide.

We sit down live with Daniel Paul, Vice President of Marketing at NOBO, a leader in cannabis operations. Listening to this episode, you'll learn consumer loyalty strategies that have fueled expansion possibilities to new markets, invaluable insights into blossoming a robust media relations campaign, which supports brand awareness, and methods to shape a company that not only survives but thrives through innovation and strategic media relationships.

What if there was a way to use precision technology to optimize the benefits of medicine or vitamins? Our latest Move the Stairs Podcast guest, James Matuszewski, joined us to discuss nootropics and his precision medicine delivery method. Nootropics are considered any substance that has a positive impact on mental skills. Operating a business using technology that's unique but also relatively unknown to many, James explains why it's so important to meet the expectations of his consumers while balancing a tightrope of educating them about how the product works.

How do you get your story picked up by local news stations all over the nation? Join us as Scripps News National's segment producer, Maya Saenz, reveals tactics that can help you earn placements you wouldn't know about unless you worked in media! These behind-the-scenes insights can help you develop everything from industry etiquette with reporters to an irresistible story offering that resonates with their viewers and your stakeholders. The latest episode of the Move the Stairs podcast is your gateway to turning media relations into a powerful ally for your brand.

The 2020s have introduced us to many buzzwords and phrases like sustainability, organic, eco-friendly, and more, as brands try to connect with a more environmentally conscious consumer. However, when you peek behind the curtain, sometimes all is not what it seems. That's why we were so excited to speak with Stefanie Reiser, Founder and CEO of Acknowledge Farms, an organic, regenerative farm in Maryland's Pleasant Valley. Stefanie explains how her inspiration and acknowledgment of those who tended the very same land centuries before her have evolved into an ethos for her farm. This ideology she now uses as a building block for the successful branding and culture of her products and employees, effectively helping her stand out!

When you pivot from finance to cannabis, it's easy to say you're not in it for the money. After all, the "Green Rush" is more than 10 years behind us. That didn't stop David Miller, Co-owner of Flow Gardens, from opening his hemp company at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. He knows the state of cannabis is hard! From enduring market oversaturation, lack of regulation, and misinformation, his products and customer service must be top-notch! Learn how David embraces the Move the Stairs mentality by actively involving his loyal customers, embracing media inquiries, and using a strong foundation of employee training to maintain the resiliency of his company.

CBD/Hemp events are experiencing a resurgence, reclaiming their spotlight following the challenges of the pandemic. In this episode of Move The Stairs, we talk with Morris Beegle from Colorado Hemp Company. Join us as we uncover the strategies to select the perfect events for your business and, more crucially, how to captivate the attention of customers, businesses, and the media alike. Beegle, a seasoned expert in the CBD and hemp realm, takes center stage to share his insights on what to consider for event selection and the value of the timeless approach of face-to-face relationship building, reminding us that amidst the digital age, genuine human interaction remains an unparalleled tool for building a resilient brand.