Canna Connect Show

Episode 33 | Mark Carlson on Cannabis Packaging, Leadership & Building Brands in Minnesota

CannaConnect Season 1 Episode 33

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0:00 | 32:29

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What role does packaging play in the future of cannabis?

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Steven Eigenmann sits down with Mark Carlson of The John Roberts Company to talk about the intersection of packaging, branding, entrepreneurship, and Minnesota cannabis culture.

After decades working in printing and packaging across markets like Colorado, California, Oregon, and Washington, Mark witnessed firsthand how cannabis evolved into a billion-dollar industry and how packaging became a major part of compliance, branding, and customer experience.

The conversation explores:

  •  Cannabis packaging and compliant branding 
  •  Minnesota’s growing hemp-derived THC beverage market 
  •  Why packaging matters in a competitive cannabis industry 
  •  Leadership lessons from athletics and business 
  •  Mentorship, trust, and relationship-building 
  •  Supporting small cannabis businesses 
  •  The evolution of print and packaging technology 

Mark also reflects on his time at the University of Minnesota, learning from leaders like Tony Dungy and Mike Shanahan, and why trust remains the foundation of both business and leadership.

The Canna Connect Show highlights the builders, innovators, and community leaders helping shape Minnesota cannabis from the ground up.

Chapter Markers

00:00 Disclaimer
 00:45 Introducing Mark Carlson of The John Roberts Company
 01:00 Minnesota Cannabis Growth & Hemp Beverage Packaging
 02:55 Early Exposure to Cannabis Packaging Through Heidelberg
 04:20 Watching Cannabis Markets Grow Across the U.S.
 05:40 Why Packaging Matters in Cannabis Branding
 06:35 Supporting Cannabis Businesses Through Print & Packaging
 07:45 Joining The John Roberts Company After 34 Years
 09:25 Growing Up in Chicago & Winning a State Championship
 11:20 Leadership Lessons from Sports & Business
 12:00 Tony Dungy, Recruitment & the Big Ten
 14:25 Mike Shanahan & Coaching Leadership
 16:30 Athletics, Business & Life Lessons
 18:20 How Printing & Media Have Changed
 19:00 Leadership, Mentorship & Building Trust
 22:00 75 Years of The John Roberts Company
 23:00 Packaging for Minnesota Cannabis Brands
 24:00 Why Customer Service Still Wins
 25:00 Hemp Beverages Are Exploding in Minnesota
 25:30 The Future of Cannabis Packaging & Regulation

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Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

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