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AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

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by Matt Battaglia

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AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business. AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving. Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more… AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ Please Subscribe. Thanks for Listening. - More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/

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2/4/2020

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Episode thumbnail for Why Data Centers Are Becoming America's New Industrial Backbone w/ Tom Sullivan of Air2O - AZ TRT S07 EP09 (291) 6-14-2026

June 22, 2026

Why Data Centers Are Becoming America's New Industrial Backbone w/ Tom Sullivan of Air2O - AZ TRT S07 EP09 (291) 6-14-2026

<p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Why Data Centers Are Becoming America's New Industrial Backbone <strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;">w/ Tom Sullivan of Air2O</span></strong></span></strong></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333; background: white;"> - AZ TRT S07 EP09 (291) 6-14-2026    </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';"> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';"> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 1;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">What We Learned This Week</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">1. AI Is Creating One of the Largest Infrastructure Booms in History</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The AI revolution isn't just software.<br /> It requires:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> physical buildings</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> massive electrical systems</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> cooling infrastructure</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> energy innovation</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The data center buildout may become one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever undertaken.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">2. Cooling Technology Is Becoming Just as Important as Computing Power</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The future winners in AI may not only be software companies.<br /> Engineering and thermal management firms could become critical infrastructure players.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Cooling is no longer an afterthought:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> it's now central to AI scalability.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">3. Arizona Is Quietly Becoming a Strategic Technology Hub</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Arizona's:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> land</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> climate</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> business environment</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> power infrastructure<br /> are making it increasingly attractive for:</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> semiconductors</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> data centers</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> advanced manufacturing</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Phoenix continues evolving into a major technology corridor.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">4. Many Public Narratives Around Data Centers Are Outdated</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The perception that modern data centers waste massive amounts of water may no longer reflect reality.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Modern facilities:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> increasingly use closed-loop systems</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> focus on efficiency</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> consume more electricity than water</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The real long-term challenge may actually be:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> grid power generation.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">5. Nuclear Energy May Return Through AI Demand</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> AI could accelerate adoption of:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> SMRs</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> localized nuclear power</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> next-generation energy systems</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Technology growth may revive public discussions around nuclear power in ways not seen in decades.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #222222;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  <img src= "//assets.libsyn.com/show/333191/AZ_TRT_-__Air_20__-_Tom_S_-_6-2026.png" alt="" width="1340" height="754" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';"> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Guest: Tom Sullivan, CEO & Co-Founder of Air2o</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">LinkedIn:</span> <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sullivan-491706b4/"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sullivan-491706b4/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Bio:</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;"> Tom is a seasoned leader with a diverse background, rooted in military service and later refined in the civilian sector. Commencing his professional journey in 2007 with enlistment in the British Army. Graduating from the Military College of Leadership & Development in Harrogate, he went on to pursue advanced studies in Electrical Engineering at the Military College of Electronic & Aeronautical Engineering.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;"> His operational deployments, spanning both peace and wartime roles, equipped him with invaluable experience. Tom served as a pivotal military liaison to civilian weapons development contractors, specializing in diverse missile platforms, including ground-to-air and ground-to-ground systems.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;"> Recognition for his exceptional service came as he was awarded a Commander's Commendation for his work on a mission-critical system and process development project he led in Afghanistan. Beyond the battlefield, Tom further underlined his pursuit of excellence and commitment to professional development by achieving accreditation by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;">  In 2014, Tom brought his wealth of experience to the fledgling startup Air2O, joining the three-person company as the Operations and Project Management Lead. His role evolved, culminating in his appointment as Chief Operating Officer in 2020. In this capacity, Tom led a management team responsible for the development and implementation of foundational processes and routines, encompassing HR, recruitment, retention, IT management, Health and Safety, and Vendor management.</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;"> Under Tom's operational guidance, Air2O witnessed substantial growth, expanding from a modest three-person team in 2014 to a multinational workforce of over 100 employees across four countries today. His initiatives included implementing modern Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Project Management (PM) techniques, culminating in the recent ISO 9001 company accreditation with zero non-conformances reported during external assessment.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Website:</span> <a href="https://air2o.com/about-us/"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">https://air2o.com/</span></a></span></p> <p style= "line-height: 115%; background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style= "color: #333333;">Air<sub>2</sub>O is a <strong>global leader in advanced thermal management solutions</strong> to the mission critical environments of Data Centers, Indoor Agriculture/Cultivation and large Industrial Facilities such as Lithium Battery and Semi-Conductor production globally. With custom build capabilities, a culture of creative engineers and an infrastructure to support the manufacture of the most innovative of solutions, Air<sub>2</sub>O aims to deliver the most efficient and optimal solutions for our clients globally.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #333333;"> Air<sub>2</sub>O is an Eren Groupe company, a multi billion organization based in Luxembourg whose mission is to support innovative technological solutions in the fields of renewable energy production, energy conservation and energy storage. Together, we deliver a unique solution for highly efficient, ecologically sound thermal management systems that can be deployed cost-effectively in the most demanding environments.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #333333;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: 7.5pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #333333;"> Our reach spans North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, emphasizing custom-engineered solutions prioritizing efficiency and sustainability. We stand proud as Arizona's exclusive low dew point HVACD system manufacturer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';"> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 1;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">About Air20</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Company Focus</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> "Thermal Management Without Compromise"</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Industries served:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> data centers</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> semiconductors</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> pharmaceuticals</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> healthcare</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> lithium industry</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Growth Story</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 3 employees in 2017</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 150+ employees today</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> rapid scaling after COVID</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> fueled by VC and private equity investment</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';"> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Episode Theme</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The future of data centers, cooling technology, AI infrastructure, and why Arizona has become a major hub for next-generation digital infrastructure.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 1;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Segment 1 — What Data Centers Really Are</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Core Concepts</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Data centers have existed for more than 30 years, but the explosion of:</span></li> <ul type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> the Internet</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> cloud computing</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> smartphones</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> AI<br /> has dramatically increased demand.</span></li> </ul> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Society now depends on massive amounts of digital infrastructure to support:</span></li> <ul type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> computers</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> cell phones</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> cloud applications</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> AI processing</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> streaming</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> business systems</span></li> </ul> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Tom Sullivan predicts that within a few years:</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; margin-left: 1.0in; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 40–50% of the population may live within 5 miles of a data center.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">What a Data Center Looks Like</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Usually located in industrial areas</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Large buildings with few or no windows</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Inside are:</span></li> <ul type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> server racks</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> data halls</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> GPUs</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> backup batteries</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> power systems</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> cooling infrastructure</span></li> </ul> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">The Biggest Challenge: Heat</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Servers consume enormous electricity and generate significant heat.</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Cooling systems can account for:</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; margin-left: 1.0in; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> roughly 30% of a data center's electricity usage.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Evolution of Cooling</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Traditional Cooling</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Similar to a computer fan system</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Cool air pushed in, hot air pulled out</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Older facilities maintained temperatures around 72°F</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Modern Efficiency</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Newer facilities can safely operate in the 90°F range.</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Immersion Cooling</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Servers submerged in special cooling fluid (not water)</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Highly efficient but:</span></li> <ul type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> expensive</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> difficult to maintain</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> operationally complex</span></li> </ul> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Direct-to-Chip Cooling</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Emerging next-generation solution</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Liquid cooling piped directly to processor chips</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> More efficient and scalable for AI workloads</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 1;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Segment 2 — The AI Infrastructure Boom</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Why Cooling Matters More Now</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> AI workloads require:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> far more computing power</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> denser server environments</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> advanced thermal management</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Cooling Technology Timeline</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Immersion cooling gained momentum around 2020</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Direct-to-chip cooling accelerated around 2023</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Historic Infrastructure Buildout</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Tom discussed the scale of current infrastructure spending:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Estimated global data center infrastructure investment:</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; margin-left: 1.0in; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> $7 trillion</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Comparisons:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 12x the U.S. roadway network cost</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 23x the Apollo moon mission cost</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Who Is Investing?</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Major technology companies are driving this expansion:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Microsoft</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Amazon</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> NVIDIA</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Investment areas include:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> data centers</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> utilities</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> energy</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> construction</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> AI infrastructure</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Air20 Company Background</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Origins</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Started in 2012 as a part-time engineering company</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Specialized in:</span></li> <ul type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> thermal management</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> data centers</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> semiconductor facilities</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> pharmaceuticals</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> healthcare engineering</span></li> </ul> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Founder Background</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Tom Sullivan:</span></li> <ul type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> former military electrical engineer</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 10 years military experience</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> entrepreneur with deep engineering expertise</span></li> </ul> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Company Growth</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> In 2017:</span></li> <ul type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> connected with venture capital in Scottsdale</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> moved operations to Arizona</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> expanded manufacturing and engineering</span></li> </ul> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Current Capabilities</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Air20 now handles:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> engineering</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> software</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> programming</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> manufacturing</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> construction coordination</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Cooling systems can range from:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> $50,000 units</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> to $1 million+ systems</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Private Equity</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Company was eventually acquired by private equity</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Significant scaling followed VC and PE investment</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 1;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Segment 3 — Why Arizona Became a Data Center Hub</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Arizona Advantages</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Tom explained why Arizona attracts major data center investment:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Business Climate</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> business-friendly environment</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> attractive economics</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> supportive infrastructure</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Geography</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> flat land</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> affordable real estate</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> low natural disaster risk</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Climate</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> predictable weather conditions</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> strong operational reliability</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Debunking the "Water Usage" Myth</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> A major discussion centered around misconceptions about data centers and water consumption.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Historical Cooling</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Older evaporative cooling systems:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> used more water</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> used less electricity</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Modern Systems</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Current systems:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> use more power</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> use significantly less water</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Closed Loop Cooling</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Modern cooling systems circulate water through:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> sealed piping systems</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> closed-loop infrastructure</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> This minimizes water loss.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Bigger Water Users</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Tom pointed out:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> electric generation plants</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> steam turbines</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> nuclear facilities<br /> often use far more water than data centers themselves.</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Massive Power Consumption</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Data centers now operate at unprecedented scale.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Power progression:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> homes → kilowatts</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> industrial → megawatts</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> hyperscale data centers → gigawatt-level demand</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> One comparison:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> A large data center can equal the energy usage of 833,000 homes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Future Energy Solutions</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Potential future solution:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 4;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)</span></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> compact nuclear reactors</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> already proven in:</span></li> <ul type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> submarines</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> aircraft carriers</span></li> </ul> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Potential advantages:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> localized power generation</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> reduced grid strain</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> scalable infrastructure support</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 1;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Segment 4 — Nuclear Energy & The Future</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Nuclear Energy Perception</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Tom discussed how technology industries often face negative PR cycles.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Modern Nuclear Technology</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> According to Tom:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> nuclear technology has evolved significantly</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> safety standards are dramatically improved</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> waste is greatly reduced</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> efficiency is far higher</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> SMRs are now:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> being tested</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> deployed experimentally</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> explored for powering data centers directly</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Benefits:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> smaller footprint</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> scalable deployment</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> less pressure on public grids</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> reliable energy generation</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Key Point</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> "The water usage myth is dead."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 3;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Larger Theme</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Modern society increasingly depends on:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> digital infrastructure</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> electricity</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> AI computing</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> cloud services</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The challenge is no longer whether we need data centers.<br /> The challenge is:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> how to power and cool them efficiently.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';"> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;">Tech Topic:</span></strong></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href= "https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science"> <span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; 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Episode thumbnail for Flat-Fee Legal Services & the Rise of Fractional General Counsel w/ Ryan Hurley of Litix Legal  - AZ TRT S07 EP08 (290) 5-28-2026

May 28, 2026

Flat-Fee Legal Services & the Rise of Fractional General Counsel w/ Ryan Hurley of Litix Legal - AZ TRT S07 EP08 (290) 5-28-2026

<p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Flat-Fee Legal Services & the Rise of Fractional General Counsel</span></strong> <strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> w/ Ryan Hurley of Litix Legal</span></strong></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; background: white;"> - AZ TRT S07 EP08 (290) 5-28-2026    </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <h1><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Things We Learned This Week</span></h1> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Small businesses still need sophisticated legal strategy</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Even companies with only 5–10 employees need governance, operating agreements, cap tables, and employment structures built correctly from day one.</span></p> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> The traditional legal billing model is under pressure</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Hourly billing and massive retainers are frustrating both client & attorneys. Flat-fee legal services are emerging as a more predictable alternative.</span></p> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Arizona is becoming a legal innovation hub</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Arizona's ABS laws now allow non-attorney ownership & outside investment. This could fundamentally reshape how legal services operate.</span></p> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> AI will likely compress legal fees across the industry</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">AI is helping firms automate admin, documents and research. That efficiency may lower costs for clients and increase competitive pressure on traditional firms.</span></p> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> AI legal tools still need human oversight</span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Platforms like Legalzoom can help with basic setup work, but founders still need experienced legal counsel for fundraising, equity structure, governance, and long-term growth decisions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Guest: Ryan Hurley, CEO - Principal Attorney & Co-Founder, Litix Legal</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Website:</span> <a href="https://www.litixlegal.com/"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">https://www.litixlegal.com/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: black;"> Certified Attorney | Strategic Business Guidance | Startup Representation | Compliance & Risk Mitigation | HR Oversight | Contract Negotiation | Equity & Debt Raises | Joint Ventures | Mergers & Acquisitions | Board Governance | Investor Relations | Government & Media relations</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: black;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; background: white;"> An experienced attorney with 20 years, Ryan Hurley is CEO and co-founder of Litix Legal, a new kind of law firm on a mission to make clients love their lawyers and lawyers love their law firm by replacing the outdated hourly billing model with flat fees whenever possible.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; background: white;"> Hurley previously served as general counsel for Copperstate Farms, a vertically integrated cannabis company with 9 dispensaries under the Sol Flower brand name and one of the largest greenhouse cannabis production facilities in North America. Hurley was an instrumental player in Copperstate Farms' birth, growth, and development, positioning the company as a market leader through his strategic business advice, careful compliance and risk mitigation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; background: white;"> Referred to as Arizona's "Father of Cannabis Law," Hurley has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona and as one of the 20 Names to Know by Phoenix Business Journal. He has been a part of the Arizona cannabis industry from its inception and played a pivotal role in the initiatives to legalize medical and adult-use cannabis in Arizona. A founding member and former board member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, Hurley is deeply entrenched in all aspects of the cannabis industry and a sought-after expert on cannabis policy. Ryan Hurley was also a founding member of the Arizona Dispensaries Association and the organization's former vice president. Hurley was also a pioneer in the AZ solar energy and cryptocurrency/blockchain industries.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; background: white;"> A dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable attorney, innovator, and entrepreneur, Hurley has presented at several conferences and seminars throughout the country and has been featured in many interviews in television, print, and radio. His expansive background in policy has cemented his reputation as a reliable thought leader.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; background: white;"> Hurley holds a B.S. in environmental science from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law. Before emerging as a leader in the cannabis industry and co-founding Litix, Hurley was an associate attorney at Lewis and Roca LLP focusing on land use, zoning, water, and environmental issues and a named partner at Rose Law Group.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <h1><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Podcast Notes</span></h1> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Guest: <span class="whitespace-normal">Ryan Hurley</span></span></h2> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Company: Litix Legal</span></h2> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Episode Theme:</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">How Arizona's new legal business model, flat-fee legal services, and AI are reshaping legal support for startups and small businesses.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img src= "//assets.libsyn.com/show/333191/AZ_TRT_-__Litix_Legal__-_Ryan_H_-_5-2026.png" alt="" width="902" height="507" /></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Episode Notes</span></h1> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Episode Overview</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Litix Legal</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">was formed in 2025 using Arizona's new "alternative business structure" (ABS) law, which allows non-attorneys to own equity in law firms.</span></span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The firm is focused on:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Startups</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Small businesses</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Growth-stage companies</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Fractional / outsourced general counsel services</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Their mission is to modernize legal services through:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Flat-fee pricing</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Technology and AI workflows</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">More accessible legal support</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Strategic partnership models for founders</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The firm does <strong>not</strong> handle:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Litigation</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Criminal law</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h1><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Segment 1 — The Legal Gap for Small Businesses</span></h1> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Key Discussion Points</span></h2> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Small businesses still need real legal infrastructure</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Many startups and smaller businesses are:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Too small for a full-time in-house attorney</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Too large or complex for DIY legal templates</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Most companies still need:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Corporate structure setup</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Governance</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Employment agreements</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Operating agreements</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cap table strategy</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Investor preparation</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Equity and profit-sharing guidance</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Startups need strategic legal guidance early</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Ryan discussed how founders preparing for:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">fundraising,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">seed rounds,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">or Series A growth</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">need legal partners who understand:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">ownership structure,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">equity distribution,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">governance,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and investor expectations.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Important startup legal topics include:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Number of company units/shares</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Ownership percentages</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cap table organization</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Equity incentives</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Employment contracts</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">A poorly structured company early on can create major issues later.</span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of pain later."</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Traditional legal billing frustrates startups</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Traditional law firms often:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Charge large retainers ($10,000+)</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Bill hourly ($650/hour+)</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Create unpredictable costs</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Litix Legal is attempting to solve this with:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">predictable flat-fee pricing,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">monthly packages,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and faster attorney access.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Example package:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Around $2,000/month</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Includes meetings, calls, emails, and ongoing support</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The model functions similarly to:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">outsourced general counsel,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">or a fractional legal department.</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h1><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Segment 2 — Reinventing the Law Firm Business Model</span></h1> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Ryan Hurley's Background</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Ryan has:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">practiced law for 20 years,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">worked at large corporate firms,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">worked in zoning and politics,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">advised cannabis and solar companies,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and served as in-house counsel for a fast-growing cannabis company.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">That cannabis company reportedly grew to:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">650 employees</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">$100M in revenue</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Problems with the traditional legal industry</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Ryan explained how many attorneys dislike the traditional billable-hour system.</span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Large firms often require:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">2,000+ billable hours annually</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">intense time tracking</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">constant pressure to maximize billing</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">According to Ryan:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">clients dislike the unpredictability,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">attorneys dislike the structure,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and the industry has resisted modernization for decades.</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Arizona's Alternative Business Structure (ABS)</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Arizona changed legal industry rules through ABS reform.</span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Historically:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Only attorneys could own law firms</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Non-lawyers could not receive equity or profit-sharing</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The new Arizona model allows:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">non-attorney ownership,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">outside investment,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">operational partners,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and more scalable business structures.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<br /> Ryan's COO/cofounder has a technology background and is not an attorney.</span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Other regions experimenting with similar models:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Utah</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Washington DC</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Internationally: UK and Australia already use versions of this structure</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Industry resistance</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Ryan noted that some traditional firms oppose these changes because:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">legal firms have operated similarly for 100+ years,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">entrenched firms fear competition,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and fee compression threatens legacy models.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">States like:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">California</span></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Illinois</span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">have reportedly pushed back on similar reforms.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h1><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Segment 3 — AI and the Future of Legal Services</span></h1> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> AI is changing law firm economics</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">AI and automation tools are helping firms:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">reduce administrative work,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">improve workflow efficiency,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">lower operating costs,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and potentially reduce client fees.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Ryan believes AI will contribute to:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">industry-wide fee compression,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">more efficient legal delivery,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and increased competition.</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> LegalZoom and AI still have limits</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Ryan noted that:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">DIY legal platforms,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">template systems,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and AI tools like Claude</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">can help with:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">boilerplate documents,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">simple entity setup,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">and basic workflows.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">However:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">businesses should still seek professional legal review,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">especially for growth-stage decisions or investor preparation.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The concern is:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">founders may over-rely on generic AI outputs without understanding legal risks.</span></li> </ul> <div class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Fractional legal services are growing</span></h2> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Litix Legal positions itself as:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">an outsourced general counsel solution,</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">or a fractional legal department.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Monthly plans reportedly range from:</span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "line-height: normal; font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">$1,000 to $4,500+<br /> depending on complexity and communication needs.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The firm says early client feedback has been strong.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Legal Shows:</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <a href= "https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Legal-Asset+Protection-Estate+Planning"> https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Legal-Asset+Protection-Estate+Planning</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; 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Episode thumbnail for High Growth, Higher Risk: The Business of Cannabis w/ Melissa Diaz of Highrock Accounting - AZ TRT S07 EP07 (289) 4-12-2026

April 16, 2026

High Growth, Higher Risk: The Business of Cannabis w/ Melissa Diaz of Highrock Accounting - AZ TRT S07 EP07 (289) 4-12-2026

<p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> High Growth, Higher Risk: The Business of Cannabis w/ Melissa Diaz of Highrock Accounting</span></strong></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; background: white;"> - AZ TRT S07 EP07 (289) 4-12-2026    </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h1><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">What We Learned This Week</span></h1> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Cannabis Companies Are Taxed on Gross Margin</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Because of 280E, they can't deduct ordinary business expenses — creating massive tax burdens.</span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Federal Classification Drives Everything</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Schedule I status impacts taxation, banking, regulation, and investor appetite.</span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Many Companies Are Playing Legal Offense</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Some are challenging 280E aggressively, treating unpaid taxes as a strategic risk.</span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Licensing Structure Determines Success</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Limited-license states create stronger economics. Unlimited states create margin compression.</span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Consolidation Is Coming</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Stronger, vertically integrated, mid-sized operators are likely to dominate by 2026.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Guest: Melissa Diaz</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href= "https://www.highrock.co/"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">https://www.highrock.co/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-k-diaz-cpa-10215623/"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-k-diaz-cpa-10215623/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; background: white;"> Melissa Diaz is a powerhouse at the intersection of accounting, strategy, and tech. As Co-Owner and CRO of High Rock Accounting (and co-founder of Rebel Rock PC, now High Rock), she leads with precision on everything from cash flow and budgeting to due diligence and audit readiness. At High Rock she helps businesses harness cutting-edge technology to make smarter, faster, fully compliant financial decisions both day-to-day and long-term.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; background: white;"> With an expertise in Cannabis and the Technology industry, Melissa's mission is clear: empower businesses to stay competitive, compliant, and efficient in high-pressure, high-growth environments. Whether she's solving complex reporting challenges or decoding 280E, Melissa brings charisma, clarity, and confidence to the table every time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <img src= "//assets.libsyn.com/show/333191/AZ_TRT_-__Cannabis_-_Melissa_D_-_2-2026.png" alt="" width="1013" height="570" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h1><span style="font-size: 12pt;">🎙 <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Podcast Notes</span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> Guest: Melissa Diaz</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><br /></span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Topic: The Legal, Tax & Business Reality of the Cannabis Industry</span></strong></span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Segment 1: The Federal Tax Problem (280E)</span></h2> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> The Core Issue: Federal Classification</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The cannabis industry's biggest challenge isn't demand — it's federal law.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cannabis is still classified as a</span> <strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> Schedule I controlled substance</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">, meaning:</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">No accepted medical use (federally)</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Same category as cocaine and methamphetamine</span></span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Other classifications:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Schedule II</span></strong> <span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">– Highly controlled with medical use (e.g., oxycodone)</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Schedule III</span></strong> <span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">– Lower control (e.g., Tylenol with codeine)</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Over-the-counter drugs are not controlled substances.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Why This Matters: Section 280E</span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Under</span> <strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> Internal Revenue Code 280E</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">:</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cannabis businesses can only deduct</span> <strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">They cannot deduct normal operating expenses.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">This means they are effectively taxed on</span> <strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> gross margin</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">, not net income.</span></span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Result:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Extremely high effective tax rates.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cash flow pressure.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Structural workarounds.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Industry Workarounds</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">To manage tax exposure, many cannabis companies:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Use Cost Segregation</span></strong></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Categorize as many expenses as possible under COGS.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Rarely challenged aggressively.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Create Management Companies</span></strong></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">A separate affiliated entity handles:</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Wingdings;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Admin</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Wingdings;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Marketing</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Wingdings;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">HR</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Wingdings;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Operations</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Charges a management fee to the cannabis entity.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Helps shift deductible expenses outside 280E limitations.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Possible Federal Rescheduling</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">If cannabis moves to Schedule III:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Businesses could deduct ordinary expenses.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Massive financial impact.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Immediate improvement in profitability.</span></span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Segment 2: Legal Challenges & Risk</span></h2> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> The Harborside Case</span></h3> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Legal challenge against 280E application.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Many companies have followed similar strategies using management entities.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Ongoing uncertainty.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Executive Order & Medical Cannabis</span></h3> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Medical cannabis revenue represents 10–15% of total revenue.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">38 states allow legal medical or recreational cannabis.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Federal inconsistency remains.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Protective Filings</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">If companies owe significant taxes (e.g., $10K+ unpaid liabilities):</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Protective filings can preserve rights.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Strategic legal positioning matters.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Big Question</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">If the IRS loses major 280E challenges:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Could owe interest refunds to companies.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Significant fiscal impact.</span></span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">But there's always:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l17 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Litigation risk</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l17 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Opportunity cost</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l17 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cash flow strain during disputes</span></span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Segment 3: State-Level Expansion & Industry Consolidation</span></h2> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Florida Example</span></h3> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo12; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Recreational legalization pushed in 2024 but failed.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo12; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Multi-state operators (MSOs) heavily lobby for expansion.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo12; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Example: Trulieve and other large operators.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Tax Strategy Risk</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Some companies treat unpaid taxes as:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo13; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">A "loan" from the IRS</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo13; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Betting on favorable legal rulings</span></span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">But risk:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l14 level1 lfo14; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Potential clawbacks</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l14 level1 lfo14; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Penalties and interest</span></span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Many companies are aggressively challenging 280E.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Segment 4: Regulation, Licensing & Industry Structure</span></h2> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> State Regulation Differences</span></h3> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo15; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">New Jersey & New England: Unified recreational frameworks.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo15; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Unlimited license states = oversaturation.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo15; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Limited license + lottery systems = high barriers to entry.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Zoning Restrictions</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Dispensaries:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l15 level1 lfo16; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cannot operate near schools or churches.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l15 level1 lfo16; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Subject to strict local zoning rules.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l15 level1 lfo16; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">"Vice-style" regulation model.</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Vertical Integration Matters</span></h3> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Very difficult to survive with just one vertical.</span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Companies that control:</span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cultivation</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Processing</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Distribution</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Retail</span></span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">…have stronger margins and operational control.</span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Operational Reality</span></h3> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">No outdoor growing in high heat climates.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Indoor, climate-controlled warehouses dominate.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Highly regulated workforce (Facility Agent cards required).</span></span></p> <h3><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Financing Landscape</span></h3> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l19 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Real estate lending</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l19 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Sale-leaseback arrangements</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l19 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Hard money loans (due to banking restrictions)</span></span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div> <h2><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> 2026 Industry Predictions</span></h2> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo20; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Large operators buying smaller failing companies (trend slowing).</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo20; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Growth of mid-sized operators:</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo20; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">2 states → $20–50M revenue.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo20; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style= "font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">3–5 states → $100M+ revenue.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo20; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Continued consolidation.</span></span></p> <p style= "margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo20; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-family: Symbol;"><span style= "mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">        </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Ongoing regulatory and tax uncertainty.</span></span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Melissa's Perspective:<br /> Being a service provider in cannabis means operating in constant uncertainty — but that's also where opportunity lives.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"> Cannabis 2025 in Review: Lessons Operators Can't Afford to Miss</span></strong></span></p> <p class="ember-view" style= "margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">If your client or employer is a cannabis operator who made it through 2025, congratulations. They survived a year that separated the strategists from the dreamers, the operators from the opportunists, and the businesses built on solid fundamentals from those riding on hype alone.</span></p> <p class="ember-view" style= "margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="ember-view" style= "margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">This wasn't the year of explosive growth and easy money. This was the year the cannabis industry got real.</span></p> <p class="ember-view" style= "margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="ember-view" style= "margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Let's break down what happened in 2025 beyond the headlines. More importantly, let's break down what it means for the cannabis industry and you.</span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Article Link:</span> <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cannabis-2025-review-lessons-operators-cant-afford-miss-diaz-cpa-psosc/"> <span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">HERE</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333; background: white;"> Cannabis Topic:</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333; background: white;"> </span><a href="https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Cannabis-Hemp-Marijuana"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; background: white;">https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Cannabis-Hemp-Marijuana</span></a></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;">  </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;"> Tech Topic:</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span><a href="https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech</span></a></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;">  </span></strong></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333; background: white;"> Best of Biotech from AZ Bio & Life Sciences to Jellatech</span></strong><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;">:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span><a href="https://brt-show.libsyn.com/best-of-biotech-from-az-bio-life-sciences-to-jellatech-brt-s04-ep26-189-7-2-2023"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HERE</span></strong></a></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Thanks for Listening</span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: black;"> Please Subscribe</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: black;">to the Podcast</span></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: black; font-weight: normal;">  </span></strong></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;"> AZ Tech Roundtable</span></u></strong><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span></u><strong><u><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;">2.0</span></u></strong><u><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> with </span></u><strong><u><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;">Matt Battaglia</span></u></strong></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;">The </span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;">show</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> where </span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;">Entrepreneurs</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;">, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Top Executives, Founders, and Investors</span> come to share insights about the <span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">future of business</span>. </span></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;"> AZ TRT 2.0</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> looks at the </span><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;">new trends in business</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;">, & how classic <span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">industries are evolving</span>. </span></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;"> Common Topics Discussed: </span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;">Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more… </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: 7.5pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;">  </span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: 7.5pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> AZ TRT Podcast Home Page:</span></strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span><a href="http://aztrtshow.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">http://aztrtshow.com/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: 7.5pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast:</span></strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span><a href="https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+Of"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Click Here</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: 7.5pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> Podcast on Google:</span></strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9icnQtc2hvdy5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiQ0_bx39jvAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAw&hl=en"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Click Here</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: 7.5pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> Podcast on Spotify:</span></strong><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7n3EjXVZYv3ruTLrdmrJWM"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif';">Click Here</span></a><span style= "line-height: 115%; font-family: Arial, 'sans-serif'; color: #333333;">                   </span></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;"> More Info:</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: white;"> </span><a href="https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/</span></a></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;"> KFNX Info:</span></strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;"> </span><a href="https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #0068d2;">https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style= "margin-bottom: 7.5pt; background: white;"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;">  </span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6.8pt 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; color: #333333;"> Disclaimer:</span></strong> <span style= "font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; color: #333333;">The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.</span></span></p> <p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6.8pt 0in;"> </p>

292 total episodes available with 2 transcripts

Recent guests on AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

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Stuart Broyles

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Timothy Seward

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Drew Seifried

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Ted Benna

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Celeste Wilson

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Gary Perkins

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Evan Floersch

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Daniela Santagelo

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Joan Koerber-Walker

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Adam Gower

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Cooper Simson

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What is AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0?

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.

AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.

Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…

AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/

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How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates weekly.

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