BretT PUFFENBARGEr
BRIDGING THE GAP FROM BONG TO BOARDROOM
Marketing, PR, & Business Development For The Cannabis Industry
GET TO KNOW ME
Hi, I'm Brett... If you've found yourself here by accident; buckle up because I can be a bit of an acquired taste.
Here's a little bit about me:
I'm a multifaceted professional thriving in the dynamic world of cannabis. My journey spans from public relations and marketing to business development and brand cultivation, driven by my academic pursuits in strategic marketing (PhD-BA in progress), and grounded in my Master's in PR and Bachelor's in Media Communications.
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Beyond the credentials, I'm a rebel at heart. My approach to the cannabis sector is defined by radical transparency and a relentless drive to foster genuine change. I'm known for my candid insights and unwavering commitment to integrity, often challenging the status quo and spotlighting the industry's ne're-do-wells. The spicier the topic, the more I think we should be talking about it in the open.
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My experience includes being a 6-time LinkedIn Community Top Voice across diverse domains like Personal Branding, Digital Marketing, and Strategic Communications.
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I'm the co-founder and managing partner of Good Highdeas, a bespoke advisory firm. This has allowed me to extend my expertise to a wide array of clients, from industry pioneers to newcomers. We specialize in elevating businesses through savvy media, marketing, PR, and business development strategies.
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I also empower individuals and teams through LinkedIn coaching and training, focusing on the power of personal branding and its impact in today's interconnected world.
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Oh, and in the immense amount of free time, I have between work, school, and what I like to think of as a social life, I also serve on the advisory board for HeroGrown, where I help veterans transition into the legal cannabis market, a cause close to my heart as a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
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Outside my professional life, I'm a passionate advocate for Pitbulls and veterans. My personal interests include Star Wars, Magic: The Gathering, and exploring the world of Pokemon Go. You'll often find me sharing life's moments with my wife and our beloved pets on Instagram @BrettPuffenbarger. I'll also happily talk your ear off about MMA, underground and heavy music, or the fact that memes are modern-day hieroglyphics.
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For collaboration, advice, or just a chat, feel free to reach out. Despite my eccentricities, I'm actually a nice guy. I promise.
With Montel WilliamsSpending some time talking all things veterans and cannabis with the one and only Montel Williams | The Nature Boy!A little one on one time with the 26 time world wrestling champion Ric Flair |
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X to the ZGiving the man, the myth, the legend, Xzibit a rundown on cannabis banking and compliance at MJBizCon 2022 | 1000029032 |
Planting SeedsSome face time with Tor Hammer and David Tran... if you don't know who they are you should Google them #IYKYK | Meeting of the MindsCan't beat a day spent chatting with the amazing and powerful David Palechuck, the illustrious Jocelyn Sheltraw, and the amazing Kieve Huffman |
Javier Hasse ladies and gentlemenThe man who can make or break your career... managing editor of Benzinga Cannabis Javier Hasse | Emerald CupWith the great and powerful Tim Blake... the man behind Emerald Cup |
Clear Skin ClubOutside of MjBiz with Jason Reposa and Lauren Mundel | God Of ExtractionMeeting the legendary cannabis scientist Dr. John McKay in real life! |
NECANN BostonGetting ready to speak at NECANN Boston 2023 | MCBA represent!Kaliko and Precious of the amazing MCBA |
4 Florida OriginalsMy platonic soulmate and cannabis entrepeneur Roz McCarthy along with the power couple of the century Erik and Tamieka Range | Benzinga BrosThe Lane Brothers back stage at Benzinga Miami |
Too Much Amazing in One PlaceIf you don't know who these people are... are you even in cannabis? | MJUnpackedGeorge Jage the founder and CEO of MJUnpacked |
MJ Unpacked NYCKim Jage Gregory Frye Brad Bogus 3 names you have to know... | After Party LifeWe all know the real reason we go to conferences is for the after parties... right? |
Mixtape Dropping SoonMarshall Ogen and William Mckenzie discussing the NYC tradition of scooping Halal Guys from the food cart that launched an empire | Florida Cannabis News |
Skunk Magazine | Swami!!!!!!! |
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Media Appearances
Podcasts & Webinars
Media Appearances & Publications
Experience
Education
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Vice President of Marketing
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Green Check 2022-Present
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Co-Founder & Managing Partner
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Good Highdeas 2020-Present
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Contract Roles as VP of Corporate Initiatives for Multichain Ventures, Head of Sales & Marketing for FOCUS (Foundation of Cannabis United Standards)
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Co-Host
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CannaBS Detector Podcast 2021-Present
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Director of Digital Marketing & Sales Integration
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Vanguard Scientific Systems 2020
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Director of Communications
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SUNCOAST NORML 2019-PRESENT
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Director of Public Relations
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BUDS FOR VETS- 2017-2019
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Vice President of Business Development
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NATIVE HEMP SOLUTIONS/HEMP4WATER 2019
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General Manager
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KNOX MEDICAL/FLUENT 2016-2017
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Director of Business Development
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SEMINOLE & ORLANDO HARLEY DAVIDSON 2013-2016​
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Corporal/Squad Leader
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United States Marine Corps 2006-2011
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Northcentral University
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PhD-BA- Class of 2027​
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Full Sail University
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Master of Arts in Public Relations
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Valedictorian- Class of 2021
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Full Sail University
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Bachelor of Science in Media Communications
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Salutatorian- Class of 2020
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Association of Commercial Cannabis Compliance Experts
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CCCE & CCCP Certificates
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Learn Sativa University
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Manager and Budtender Certification
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