The Dime Secrets Behind Failed Cannabis Builds: Where Every Team Needs to Look Now ft. David Fettner
Most cannabis facilities fail before the first wall goes up.
Most assume it’s because of money — but they’re wrong.
It’s because no one asked the right questions.
The question you need to ask now is:
Where should we be looking to set ourselves up for long-term success?
Asking the right questions is critical — because decisions made for today can become death warrants tomorrow. Knowing where to look (and what to avoid) can be a game-changer.
This week, we sit down with David Fettner, Managing Partner at Grow America Builders, to expose the hidden pitfalls that derail cannabis facility projects before they even begin.
From chaotic planning to compliance nightmares to overinvesting in the wrong upgrades, we break down the most expensive — and avoidable — mistakes in the game.
In this episode, we cover:
• The most common and costly mistakes operators make when building cannabis facilities
• Where smart investments need to be made now — including AI, technology, and automation
• What separates successful projects from the ones that go sideways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to David Fetner and Grow America Builders
03:04 Transitioning to the Cannabis Industry
06:08 Navigating Zoning and Construction Challenges
09:01 Balancing Grower Preferences and Compliance
12:03 Evaluating Properties and Site Selection
14:59 Timing and Strategy for Engaging with Builders
17:59 Upgrading Facilities for Compliance and Efficiency
21:53 Incremental Upgrades in Cannabis Facilities
24:08 Engineering for Regional Climate Challenges
25:14 Self-Contained Climate Control in Grow Rooms
27:01 The Role of Data and AI in Cultivation
29:51 Proactive Pest and Disease Management with AI
31:39 AI's Role in Climate Control and Efficiency
33:01 Overcoming Resistance to Technology in Growing
36:27 The Future of Sustainable Cannabis Growing
38:16 Cost Challenges in Sustainable Practices
40:21 Must-Have Facilities Features for Efficiency
43:21 The Importance of Due Diligence in Facility Planning
45:10 Common Mistakes in Cannabis Facility Management
46:15 Understanding Budget Constraints for Successful Projects
Summary
In this conversation, David Fetner, managing partner of Grow America Builders, shares his journey into the cannabis industry, discussing the unique challenges of construction and zoning in this emerging field. He emphasizes the importance of early consultation, the role of technology and AI in cultivation, and the need for facility upgrades to meet compliance standards. David also highlights common mistakes made by teams and the significance of understanding budget constraints. The discussion concludes with insights into sustainability and the future of cannabis cultivation.
Guest Links
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fettner-79a108148
- https://growamericabuilders.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/growamericabuilders
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-america-builders-llc/
Our Links
Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.
At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.
8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain
The Dime is a top 5% most shared global podcast
The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast
The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.
Sign up for our playbook here:
🎥 YouTube: The Dime
📸 Instagram: The Dime
https://www.newton-insights.com/
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.