UCS Advisors

UCS Feel Good Friday! Tony Gallo is an absolute OG in the cannabis security space and someone we’ve had the pleasure of attending 40+ conferences with over the years. Beyond being a leader in the industry, he’s become a great friend (and apparently, a part-time wardrobe supplier—thanks to the Sapphire Risk Advisory Group golf shirt!). Today’s event is another great reminder that relationships are what drive this industry forward. Huge thanks to Jordan Isenstadt of Marino. for hosting and always bringing the right people together. Not to mention, Jordan consistently manages to light up every photo with his perfect smile and create genuine connections in every room. Here’s to strong friendships, plenty of laughs, and a few collected shirts along the way. #FeelGoodFriday #Networking #CannabisIndustry #RelationshipsMatter

?? UCS Advisors' Green Nugget Advisory Tip: How Do You Know If You're Ready to Talk to Investors? ?? One of the biggest mistakes founders make is approaching investors before they're truly prepared.?So how do you know if you’re ready? We created a free Investor Ready Quiz to give you a clear, honest assessment. It will show you: ? The areas where you're strong and ready to pitch? ? The areas you need to strengthen BEFORE you start those conversations Because talking to investors too soon—without your materials, narrative, or systems in place—can actually hurt your chances in the long run. Want to find out how ready you really are?? ?? Take our Investor Ready Quiz now! https://lnkd.in/ewEef7AJ

UCS Advisors' Green Nugget Advisory Tip: Make Every Conference Count Conferences aren’t just events, they’re prime opportunities to grow your network, sharpen your pitch, and connect with key investors. But showing up isn’t enough. You need a game plan. That’s why UCS Advisors created a Conference Prep Playbook—a step-by-step guide to help you maximize every conference you attend. ? Know your business inside and out ? Nail your 30-second pitch ? Plan ahead & research attendees ? Be personally prepared—physically, mentally, and logistically ? Know where & how to make meaningful connections ? Have the right materials ready ? Implement a system for follow-ups Want a copy of the playbook? ?? Comment CONFERENCE below and we’ll send it to you! Don’t leave your next event to chance! Go in prepared, confident, and ready to achieve your greatness. (Who is going to NECANN?! We'll see ya there!) #GreenNuggetTips #UCSAdvisors #Networking #InvestorRelations #ConferencePrep #BusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #CapitalRaising

FeelGoodFriday: Celebrating the Real Ones Who Pay It Forward At UCS Advisors, we love highlighting those who are making a real impact. And not just in their industries, but in their communities. This week, we’re giving a big shoutout to two powerhouse individuals who embody the spirit of giving back, networking, and uplifting others. ?? Anthony & the 40 Tons Brand Team – A brand with a mission, 40 Tons is more than just a name; it's a movement. They’re out here creating real change, advocating for social justice, and helping individuals impacted by the system find new opportunities. We’re thrilled to see them sponsoring a networking event at NECANN Boston—because when great people come together, big things happen! ?? Vladimir Bautista & Happy Munkey LLC – A true NYC mover and shaker, Vlad has built a brand that’s not just about lifestyle but about community, culture, and making meaningful connections. His dedication to the industry and his ability to bring people together is nothing short of inspiring. These two aren’t just leaders; they’re OGs who understand the power of paying it forward. They know that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you lift up along the way. Here’s to Anthony, Vlad, and everyone out there making a difference. Keep building, keep connecting, and keep inspiring! ???? #Networking #PayItForward #FeelGoodFriday #40Tons #HappyMunkey #NECANN #UCSAdvisors

?? UCS Advisors' Green Nugget Advisory Tip: We Practice What We Teach ?? At UCS Advisors, we don’t just give advice—we live it. We constantly iterate, improve, and apply the same strategies we teach our clients. Because if we’re not doing it ourselves, how can we expect you to? ?? Here’s what you need to do to level up your networking and fundraising game: ? Have a 2-Minute Pitch Ready – When introducing yourself at networking events, a clear, confident pitch makes a swift impact and piques interest so others come to you. ? Know Your Audience – Who will be in the room? Adjust your pitch to speak their language so you make meaningful connections. ? Practice Out Loud – Saying your pitch in your head isn’t enough. Words sound different when spoken aloud. Rehearse where you can hear yourself and refine as needed. And let’s take a moment to appreciate this: Dr. David is outside, in the cold, at night, making this video because he truly cares about serving his network. That’s what it means to show up and put in the work so you can achieve your greatness. The question is, are you putting in the work, too? #GreenNuggetTips #UCSAdvisors #Networking #PitchPerfect #Entrepreneurship #Fundraising #BusinessSuccess #InvestorRelations

? Going live in 2 hours – Capital Raising AMA! ?? If you’re raising capital (or planning to), you don’t want to miss this. At 1 PM ET today, we’re hosting a live AMA where you can get straight answers on: ? How to know if you’re ready to raise? ? What investors actually care about? ? The biggest mistakes that kill deals? ? What’s working (and what’s not) in 2025 ?Join us live at 1 PM ET: https://lnkd.in/guHaZkxA No fluff. No generic advice. Just real, unfiltered insights to help you raise smarter. See you soon! ?? #startups #fundraising #capitalraising #UCSAdvisors #AMA

UCS Advisors' Green Nugget Advisory Tip: Raising Capital is About More Than Just a Deck Too many founders believe that raising capital is about WHAT they have: the deck, the executive summary, the numbers. But the truth is, it’s about HOW they raise and the strategy behind it. Here’s what really matters in the fundraising process: ? The Narrative – How are you positioning yourself online? What story are you telling that attracts the right investors? ? The Relationships – Are you building real connections, engaging with potential investors, and creating trust before you ever ask for funding? ? The System – Do you have a structured process for tracking outreach, follow-ups, and investor conversations? ? The Pitch – Are you refining and practicing, ensuring you can confidently present your opportunity in any situation? And when it comes to your deck and executive summary-how do you even know you built them for the right investor? ?? Very few founders raise money from a deck alone. Your materials are just tools—the smallest and easiest part of the process. What truly secures funding is the preparation, relationships, and execution behind them. If you’re focused only on the deck, you’re missing the bigger picture. Fundraising isn’t just about having the right documents—it’s about having the right approach. Register for the AMA here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gmkw6jRE #GreenNuggetTips #UCSAdvisors #InvestorRelations #Fundraising #StartupSuccess #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #PitchPerfect

?? Capital Raising AMA – Get Your Toughest Questions Answered ?? Raising capital isn’t just about the pitch. It’s about the strategy—knowing where to focus, how to position yourself, and what investors really care about. On Wednesday, March 12, UCS Advisors is hosting a live AMA to tackle your biggest fundraising questions: ? How do you know if you’re ready to raise? ? What are investors actually looking for? ? How do you avoid the biggest capital-raising mistakes? ? What’s working in today’s market (and what’s not)? If you’re a founder thinking about raising—or in the middle of it—this is your chance to get real, unfiltered advice from experts who’ve been in the trenches. Drop your questions below ?? or join us live to get the insights you need to move forward with confidence. https://lnkd.in/gmkw6jRE #startups #fundraising #capitalraising #UCSAdvisors #AMA

In a world where networking often feels transactional, there are still those who prioritize genuine connections. David Fettner and Tony Pavlakis are prime examples of that. They are movers and shakers across multiple industries, constantly traveling the country—from Chicago to Las Vegas, Miami to New York, and beyond—attending major events and conferences. But what truly sets them apart is their approach to building relationships. For them, networking isn’t just about business—it’s about meaningful conversations. It’s not What have you done for me lately? but rather: -How are you doing? -How’s your family? -How have your travels been? -What’s new and exciting? - How can my network support you? This past week, Dr David Cunic had the chance to spend some quality time with these two, reinforcing the importance of real connections. As industry leaders who understand the value of authentic networking, David and Tony continue to make an impact wherever they go. Here’s to many more great conversations ahead! #Networking #RealConnections #RoadWarriors

UCS Advisors' Green Nugget Advisory Tip: Luck Favors the Prepared Success isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time—it’s about being ready when opportunity knocks. The best founders and entrepreneurs always practice their pitch, their networking skills, and their ability to communicate their vision. Why? Because you never know when you’ll meet the right investor, partner, or opportunity. ?? How to Stay Ready: ?? Practice your pitch regularly so it’s sharp and natural ?? Refine your storytelling to make an impact in any setting ?? Stay active in networking and industry events—opportunities don’t just show up, you create them Opportunities will come—but will you be ready to seize them? Luck isn’t random. It’s what happens when preparation meets opportunity. #GreenNuggetTips #UCSAdvisors #AlwaysBePracticing #Entrepreneurship #InvestorRelations #BusinessSuccess #Fundraising #BeReady