AROYA Office Hours LIVE

How do you grow consistent, top-shelf cannabis across eight state markets at once? Cian Sullivan and Jason Van Leuven sit down with Sequoia Anderson and Kenny Keith of Clout Kings, a multi-state cannabis cultivation brand running roughly one facility per state across eight states.They get into the systems behind consistency at scale: why shared monitoring is non-negotiable for multi-state quality control, how to write SOPs general enough to deploy anywhere while still hitting target results, the cooling and dehumidification red flags they look for before taking on a facility, and the bud rot risk that shows up when you pack more plants into a retrofitted room. Plus managing a 60-plus cultivar library through the candy wave, the tradeoffs of tissue culture vs live mothers, and why putting a dollar figure on retention and downtime is the operator's best tool for getting buy-in.A practical listen whether you run one room or many.

In episode 140, hosts Cian Sullivan and Jason Van Leuven, Director of Applied Technology at AROYA, are joined by special guest Jonah Carrington, Director of Genetics and R&D for Cookies Humboldt and One Log.Jonah takes us behind the scenes at one of the most diverse and innovative operations in the country, sharing the journey from humble beginnings to building a state-of-the-art genetic hub that drives Cookies' nationwide expansion. From construction and operational challenges in rural Humboldt to the technical nuances of genetic preservation, R&D, and adapting to changing industry demands, Jonah gives an honest look at what it takes to maintain efficiency, accountability, and a strong company culture—while keeping every piece of equipment (and plant) running at its best.We dig into everything from scaling production and developing new strains for both flower and hash to the importance of leveraging data (including AROYA’s advanced crop steering sensors) for repeatable success across different cultivation environments. Along the way, you'll get insights on the realities of tourism myths, market optimism, and why a dedicated, empowered team is the heart of top-tier operations.00:00 Career Change Leads to Unexpected Journey05:16 From Indoor Growing to Farming11:17 "Promote Within: Value of Internal Talent"17:53 Building Accountability-Driven Culture25:40 Insights on Strain Yields and Processing31:42 Optimizing Strain Analysis with Sensors38:01 Embracing Technology in Agriculture42:41 Early Challenges in Business Focus48:21 Legal Industry: Social Adoption Misconceptions53:18 Evolving and Educating in Industry57:13 "If You Build It" Optimism

In this episode, host Cian is joined by Director of Applied Technology Jason Van Leuven for a look into the world of cultivation, featuring special guests Tyler Snell and Adam Redding from Certified Cultivators in Ohio. Certified Cultivators stands out as a third-generation family business that impressively transformed an auto parts facility into a cutting-edge cultivation and processing operation.In this conversation, Tyler and Adam share their remarkable journey from grassroots growing to managing a thriving commercial-scale operation. They discuss their hands-on experiences, the importance of teamwork, and how building a positive, trust-driven company culture has been their superpower as they have grown from a startup team of under 30 to over 170 employees. The episode explores their innovative approaches, like double-tier veg setups, meticulous cleanliness, and ongoing R&D trials to refine their methods. The team also discusses practical strategies for crop steering, irrigation, and maintaining tight quality control to meet Ohio’s strict regulatory standards, all while putting an emphasis on people, community, and relentless learning.Plus, listeners get answers to real cultivation questions and a candid look at Certified’s expansion plans and the challenges that come with scaling up while protecting their unique culture.If you’re curious about what it really takes to build and sustain a successful cannabis business—from the ground up and from the heart—this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

In this week’s episode, host Cian and resident expert Jason are joined by Anders Peterson, Director of Horticulture at PIPP Horticulture. If you’ve ever marveled at wall-to-wall multi-tier canopies in a grow room, chances are PIPP had a hand in it—and Anders has been at the center of that evolution.Anders kicks things off by sharing his journey, from his early days in the Bay Area working with Prop 215 growers and running his own facilities, to his transition into high-tech vertical cultivation design across the globe. Together, the trio explore the state of the cannabis industry both domestically and internationally, comparing trends and best practices from the U.S. to Europe and beyond.The discussion covers the major factors driving multi-tier adoption, pitfalls to avoid, and how state-of-the-art climate control and data-driven solutions can maximize your yield. Anders and Jason don’t just talk tech—they share candid war stories from their hundreds of facility visits, and why stepping out of your comfort zone is key to next-level growing. Whether you’re curious about airflow best practices, the importance of robust crop registration, or the future of facility design, this episode is jam-packed with tips you can take straight to your grow operation.Tune in for a masterclass in modern cultivation—and stick around for insider anecdotes, practical advice, and a look at what’s brewing for 2025 and beyond!00:00 Cultivation Insights with Anders05:17 From Gardener to Global Grower08:34 European Cultivation Strategies Insights11:20 Diverse Global Preferences17:18 Vertical Farming: Location and Market Viability18:28 Strategic Real Estate for Expansion22:19 Mechanical System Challenges in Facilities25:36 Efficient Ductwork Designs for HVAC31:45 Optimizing Climate Through Rack Design35:09 Optimizing Airflow for Growth37:53 "Plant Empowerment: Greenhouse Challenges"41:30 Optimal Sensor Placement & Data Strategy45:25 Streamlining Plant Growth Process48:19 Climate Control: Key to Growth Transition53:24 Optimal Airflow for Plant Growth54:15 "Importance of Sub Canopy Lighting"57:56 Cultivation Questions? Contact Us!We’re on Social Media! Follow us for everyday cultivation knowledge straight to your feed📲 Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@AROYA📲 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aroya.io/Thank you for tuning into AROYA OFFICE HOURS!📲Don’t forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/aroya-office-hours-live/id1692385343📲If you love this show, please leave us a THUMBS UP and share your favorite episodes with friends.We really appreciate your support.Host Links:📲Jason van Leuven, https://www.instagram.com/_van_lovin_/📲Cian Sullivan, https://www.instagram.com/hightechhorticulture/‘Office Hours’ is an AROYA by Addium Inc. Podcast //Produced by Chris Ripley, https://www.instagram.com/_mrripleyc_About the ShowWe dive into the world of cultivation with live, unfiltered discussions. Each episode features seasoned experts addressing your most pressing cultivation questions, offering insights gleaned from decades of hands-on experience. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, tune in to elevate your cultivation knowledge and skills, straight from the source. Engage with us live and get the answers you need to succeed in the ever-evolving industry.

This episode explores the science and engineering behind optimal climate control for indoor plant cultivation. We're joined by special guest Willy Stober from Stober Engineering, alongside our expert hosts Cian, Jason, and Seth.Willy shares exclusive insights from his groundbreaking PG&E-funded research study examining energy consumption patterns and thermal load management in controlled environment agriculture. His work has revolutionized our understanding of how environmental factors impact plant development in indoor growing facilities.Episode Highlights:- Climate Control Optimization: Discover cutting-edge techniques for maintaining ideal temperature, humidity, and air circulation to maximize crop yields- Environmental Stability: Learn how consistent growing conditions significantly enhance plant health and production quality- System Integration: Explore how modern HVAC systems can be integrated with lighting, irrigation, and monitoring technology for comprehensive facility management- Energy Efficiency: Understand the latest innovations for reducing operational costs while maintaining optimal growing conditionsWhether you're an experienced commercial grower or managing a small-scale indoor garden, this episode delivers valuable technical knowledge and practical applications from leading industry experts. Join us as we examine the engineering principles that drive successful indoor agriculture in today's rapidly evolving industry.00:00 Indoor Cultivation Energy Study05:46 Challenges of Scaling Cultivation11:08 Optimizing Room Environment Constraints19:41 Integrated vs. Standalone Dehumidifiers Analysis25:47 Challenges in System Optimization26:51 Facility Systems Integration Focus34:30 Greenhouse Innovation for Growth37:35 Emerging Opportunities in HVAC Industry44:21 Data Visualization Importance52:54 Optimizing Irrigation and Facility Management56:01 Tech Solutions for Farm Equipment Monitoring59:34 Prioritize Expert Integration Solutions

Welcome to another episode of Office Hours LIVE, where we explore the intricate world of commercial horticulture. In today's episode, host Cian and expert Seth Baumgartner navigate the complexities of substrate EC, irrigation strategies, and the optimization of growing conditions under various lighting environments. The duo discusses the importance of understanding your market, making responsible business decisions, and investing in key cultivation areas to remain competitive in a fluctuating industry. They also touch on plant breeding and phenotype selection challenges, offering actionable advice for novice and seasoned growers. 00:00 Enhanced Accuracy of TEROS Sensors09:40 Optimizing Nutrition for High-Intensity LEDs14:13 Market-Driven Plant Cultivation Choices19:51 Adapting Production Strategies23:36 Cutting Losses in Cannabis Growing31:28 Design Considerations for HVAC & Irrigation35:09 Optimizing Investment in Growth Systems44:01 Optimizing Plant Nutrition Signals45:15 Boost Nutrient Feed for Better Yields52:25 Strategic Plant Breeding Techniques59:10 Finding Success in Business StabilityWe’re on Social Media! Follow us for everyday cultivation knowledge straight to your feed📲 Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@AROYA📲 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aroya.io/Thank you for tuning into AROYA OFFICE HOURS!📲Don’t forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/aroya-office-hours-live/id1692385343📲If you love this show, please leave us a THUMBS UP and share your favorite episodes with friends.We really appreciate your support.Host Links:📲Jason van Leuven, https://www.instagram.com/_van_lovin_/📲Seth Baumgartner, https://www.instagram.com/seth_baumgartner/📲Cian Sullivan, https://www.instagram.com/hightechhorticulture/‘Office Hours’ is an AROYA by Addium Inc. Podcast //Produced by Chris Ripley, https://www.instagram.com/_mrripleyc_About the ShowSeth, AROYA’s Manager, Client Success, and Jason AROYA’s Director of Applied Science, lead you down the rabbit hole of cultivation insights and demystifying bro-science. We dive into the world of cultivation with live, unfiltered discussions. Each episode features seasoned experts addressing your most pressing cultivation questions, offering insights gleaned from decades of hands-on experience. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, tune in to elevate your cultivation knowledge and skills, straight from the source. Engage with us live and get the answers you need to succeed in the ever-evolving industry.

Welcome to another episode of Office Hours LIVE. This is episode 130. Join our resident experts Seth and Jason as they unravel the complexities of managing light and nutrient dynamics to optimize plant growth. This week, we're tackling a question from our audience: Does higher PPFD and DLI require higher EC, and how should you adjust your nutrient strategy accordingly? We explore the intricate balance between light levels, nutrient uptake, and plant health, offering insights drawn from both scientific principles and practical cultivation experiences. Don't forget to engage with us on YouTube and Instagram and smash that like button to support the growth of Office Hours LIVE. Your reviews and feedback help us thrive!