Raftis Consulting
LLC Background
Mr. Raftis brings over 9 years of experience working in the cannabis industry, having served in a variety of positions. He started as a retail associate at a new shop right at the beginning of Washington state’s legalized industry in 2015 and worked his way up to Assistant Manager and then General Manager. Then as the Director of Business Development Mr. Raftis has helped develop cannabis retailer’s personnel policies and launched new businesses in new markets. Mr. Raftis holds an Associate of Arts degree emphasizing Accounting, Business Law, and Business Marketing from Green River College in Auburn, Washington.
In his previous roles, Mr. Raftis excelled in leading sales and helping promote the company resulting in record level gross revenues. Mr Raftis was chosen to manage complex expansion opportunities with known barriers and was tasked to build and lead a team to open each new store location.
Areas of Expertise
Reviewing your specific needs
I have an extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry, especially regarding emerging markets within the United States. I’m ready to leverage my exemplary relationship building and communication skills to advance the mission of cannabis business owners. I would bring over six years of experience in management and development in the cannabis industry.
Checking local and state laws
– Analysis on all Federal and State and Local laws & regulations for the State of application.
– Getting company insurance in required areas by law.
– Finding a viable cannabis retail location within local jurisdictions that meet all zoning and buffer setbacks.
– Meet with city officials to go over potential city ordinances regarding zoning restrictions or other requirements needed to be met before applying for a license.
LLC and Business Licenses
– Formation and Registration of LLC.
– Drafting of Operating Agreement.
– Assigning a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).
– Finding Registered Agent service for companies.
– Create a companion LLC to hold national and state trademarks and copyrights for the company’s cannabis brand.
Insurance and Banking
– Analyze divisional regulatory and pricing on new business licensing opportunities, sites, permits and potential building rentals.
– Prepare budgets and schedules for expansion opportunities with input from the business owner. Build lasting relationships with vendors, staff, guests, and community that helps promote businesses’ brands.
– Revenue Forecasts for individual Cities.
Review of entire business model
– Assist with retail facility design, buildout, and maintenance.
– Advise on setting up a bank account through local credit unions.
– Create company policies and SOPs regulating compliance with all local and state laws.
– Develop comprehensive applications and submitting the applications for potential cannabis retail stores, at a state and local level.
Equity Applicants
Raftis Consulting wants to help foster equitable participation in the cannabis industry and create business opportunities for those negatively impacted by the War on Drugs. If you are an equity applicant and meet any of the following qualifications, you are eligible for a reduced or waived consultation fee.
Have a household income below 80% of the average median income in your place of residence for 2019
Have been arrested for or convicted of the sale, possession, use, manufacture, or cultivation of cannabis (including as a juvenile) anytime before 2016
Have a parent, sibling, or child who was arrested for or convicted of the sale, possession, use, manufacture, or cultivation of cannabis (including as a juvenile) anytime before 2016