• Streamlining Productivity: Daily Grit Shit Done Checklist
    Aug 30 2023

    Excited to announce the latest episode of Success Up North is now live! In this episode, we dive into the importance of consistent hard work and creating your own version of success. Tune in as we discuss strategies for managing checklists, optimizing growth in the farming industry, and the key differences between being an entrepreneur and an intrepreneur within a company.

    Check out the full episode on https://pod.link/1671341038 and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations. Stay tuned for the next episode of Success Up North!


    Episode Highlights:
    - Developing a daily "Grit Shit Done" checklist to stay on track and tackle one-off tasks efficiently
    - Maximizing plant growth in the indoor farm and the importance of timely spacing and irrigation
    - Updates on our Arthur build-out, including plumbing and HVAC progress
    - Insightful takeaways from "Your Next Five Moves," our latest company book club selection


    Key Takeaways for Listeners:
    - Consistency is key: By working consistently and focusing on the small tasks, we can slowly but surely achieve excellence.
    - Adaptability is essential: As entrepreneurs, it's important to adjust our mindset when working within a company, ensuring expectations align with our entrepreneurial spirit.
    - Habits and checklists drive success: The power of habit and effective checklists can help us stay organized, and focused, and track progress toward our goals.

    Connect with Charlie:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliemckenzieipm/

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    16 mins
  • Scaling Up with Habits: Unlocking Success in Farming and Growing Operations
    Aug 11 2023

    In this episode, I dive into the powerful insights from "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and the impact it has had on my daily routines as a grower. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

    The Power of Effective Habits: As a farmer, I've always known that habits play a crucial role in achieving success and scaling up production. "Atomic Habits" has reinforced this belief, urging me to make my daily habits more attractive and obvious for better adherence. By making my habits visible, I've been able to spend less money and consume less cannabis, positively impacting my overall productivity and financial well-being.

    A Checklist for Productivity: Today, I had an extremely productive day at the farm by implementing a daily checklist. It kept me focused and motivated to accomplish all of my tasks, including follow-up calls, reaching out to potential customers, and even a meeting with a vendor. The checklist not only helps me stay organized but also ensures that no vital tasks slip through the cracks.

    Embracing Digital Solutions: Technology is revolutionizing the farming industry, and I had a fascinating encounter with the CEO of Wayfest. They showcased a new product that utilizes computer vision and artificial intelligence to grade and clone plants, promising an increase in yield by 5 to 15%. I am considering becoming one of the trial facilities for this innovative system, as it has the potential to transform our production processes and drive even greater success.

    If you're interested in learning more about the importance of effective habits, the secret to productivity through checklists, and the latest advancements in digital solutions for growers, tune in to this episode of "Success Up North." Your growth journey awaits!


    Key Points:

    - Importance of effective habits for success in farming and scaling up production

    - Making habits more attractive and obvious for better adherence

    - Introducing a new grading and cloning system using computer vision and AI

    - Productive Day at the Farm

     

    Connect with Charlie:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliemckenzieipm/

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    9 mins
  • Shit Happens - It's How We Respond That Sets Us Apart
    Jul 31 2023

    In this episode, we'll get an inside look at some of the tasks on the agenda for the day and conquering un-motivation. Ah, the trials and tribulations of farming! We encountered a problem with the photoperiod in our indoor, resulting in a disrupted light cycle for two days. But hey, challenges are opportunities in disguise, right? 

    Today, I'm feeling a bit unmotivated, but that won't deter me from tackling the tasks on our agenda. From compliance testing to trellis installation, leaf removal to pruning, and up-potting, we've got a busy day ahead! Let's grow grit some! I've been reflecting on the mistakes made in the past year. Stay tuned because, in an upcoming episode, we'll discuss those lessons learned and how they propelled us forward. Learning from our past is a crucial part of growth! 

    One frustration I have is the lack of internet access and remote monitoring capabilities at our farm. We're actively working on solutions so that we can keep a closer eye on our operations and ensure smooth, efficient functioning. Amidst all the tasks and meetings, we're also finalizing clone purchase and customer service agreements with the help of our legal team. Sometimes growing involves lawyers. 

    Our team is currently working on training sessions for proper moisture levels in rock wool cubes. Ensuring the health and growth of our crops is a top priority. With a thousand cuttings ready to fill our spaces, it's an exciting time! 

     

    Here are key takeaways from the episode:

    • Acknowledging the challenges faced
    • Emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes
    • Limitations in farm management
    • Demonstrating the scale of farming operations

    Connect with Charlie:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliemckenzieipm/

     

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    13 mins
  • Working In and On the Business: Balancing Time and Passion for Growing
    Jul 14 2023

    Welcome to the Success Up North Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the challenges of maintaining humidity levels in our trays, essential for healthy plant root growth. Discover effective techniques such as spot watering and adjusting dome vents to regulate humidity. Our passion for continuous learning in the industry shines through as we discuss plant mixing and the importance of hands-on experience in overcoming challenges.

    Let's explore the cultivation of clones and the management of flowering hemp cultivars. We emphasize the need for rigorous biosecurity protocols to protect our plants and ensure a successful operation. Learn about our daily work schedule and how each team member contributes to various aspects of the business, driven by our unwavering dedication to being exceptional growers and leaders.

    Tune in to the Success Up North Podcast and gain valuable insights into the world of plant cultivation and business. Be inspired by our commitment to lifelong learning, our pursuit of improvement, and our unwavering passion for nurturing thriving plants. Success awaits as we share our experiences and expertise with you.

    Here are three takeaways from the episode:

    1. Finding the balance: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for promoting plant root growth. Adjusting the vents on the domes can help regulate humidity, ensuring a conducive environment.

    2. Spot watering for success: Instead of fully irrigating all the plants at once, spot watering can be more effective. This technique allows for better control over moisture levels and enhances plant development.

    3. Working with passion and dedication: I am excited about learning and improving skills in plant mixing. The importance of physically working in the crop to understand and address challenges, all while balancing time between working on the business and in the business is equally important.

    Key Points:

    • Finding a balance for promoting root growth
    • Excitement about learning and improving plant mixing skills
    • Importance of physically working in the crop
    • Balancing time between working on and in the business
    • Passion for growing and commitment to lifelong learning
    • Checking propagation and making environment adjustments
    • Fertilizer solution in tray reservoir- Struggles with low humidity and adding moisture

     

    Connect with Charlie:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliemckenzieipm/

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    12 mins
  • Overcoming Lack of Motivation and Gritting Shit Done
    Jun 23 2023

    Hey everyone, I'm excited to share the latest episode of Success Up North with you! In this episode, I talk about my journey as a grower, family man, and business leader, and how I'm constantly searching for ways to create my own version of success. Here are three takeaways from the episode:

    1. Pushing through lack of motivation: I talk about how some mornings can be tough to get going, but I always try to push through any feelings of unmotivation and find my first wind of the day. It's important to stay focused and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
    2. Problem-solving: I discuss a specific problem I'm facing with cashflow, and how I'm actively seeking solutions to fix the situation. I believe in sharing my knowledge and experiences with others who may be facing similar challenges, so we can all learn and grow together.
    3. Prioritizing family time: In the midst of a busy day, I take time to go watch my son's first wrestling meet with my wife and daughter. It's important to prioritize family time and make the most of the moments we have with our loved ones.

    I hope you enjoy listening to this episode and find value in the content. As always, please share with others who may benefit from it and leave a review if you enjoyed it. Let's keep growing together!

     

    Key Points:

    • THC distillate
    • Addressing challenges with cannabis cash flow
    • Pushing through unmotivation
    • Prioritizing family time

     

    Connect with Charlie:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliemckenzieipm/

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    8 mins
  • Starting a New Crop: A New Season of Life
    Jun 16 2023

    Grow a crop worth growing: Whether you're a grower or not, this is a metaphor that applies to all aspects of life. If you want to achieve success, you need to be committed to doing your best every day. You need to wake up each morning and tell yourself that today is the day you're going to grow a crop worth growing. By doing this consistently, you can achieve your goals and create a life worth living.

    I hope you enjoy this episode and find these takeaways helpful. As always, please hit subscribe, rate the podcast, and leave a review if you enjoy what you hear. And if you'd like to connect with me on LinkedIn for more video and written content like this, please do so! Until next time, just grow with it.

     

    Key Points:

    • Grow a crop worth growing
    • Timing is crucial for clones
    • Living a life worth living
    • Aeroponic cannabis facility
    • Mother stock and cultivation techniques

     

    Connect with Charlie:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliemckenzieipm/

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    13 mins
  • Incentivizing Your Team: How to Avoid Hamstringing Growth
    Jun 9 2023

    I'm excited to share the latest episode of Success Up North with you all. In this episode, I discuss the importance of incentivizing your team and following through on your promises. Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

    1. Incentives are essential to growth: When you incentivize someone on your team to perform a certain way, and they exceed your expectations, it's crucial to follow through on your promise. By not rewarding them, you risk hampering your growth with that individual and what the future looks like.

    2. Communication is key: As a leader, it's important to communicate with your team and be transparent about your plans. If promises are made and not kept, it can lead to resentment and a lack of respect for those in charge. It's crucial to have a plan in place to make things right and follow through on your commitments.

    3. Delayed gratification is necessary: Sometimes, as a business owner, you may not be able to meet your end of the agreement. In these situations, it's essential to communicate with your team and figure out a way to make it right. This may involve offering promotions with a plan for an increase in compensation as profitability increases. However, it's important to hold yourself accountable and follow through on your promises.

    I hope these takeaways were helpful and provide some valuable insights into how to lead and incentivize your team. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit subscribe, rate the podcast, and leave a review. And if you'd like access to more video and written content, let's connect on LinkedIn.

    Until next time, just grow with it!

     

    Key Points:

    • Incentivizing Your Team: How to Avoid Hamstringing Growth
    • Finding Solutions for Compensation Agreements
    • Advancement-Minded Employees: How to Keep Them on Your Team

     

    Connect with Charlie:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliemckenzieipm/

     

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    8 mins
  • Unlocking Potential Through Consistency with Corey Lord - Part 2
    May 26 2023

    Growers can learn to grow anywhere with ownership. Ownership means taking full responsibility for the cultivation process. This includes understanding the environment, the plants, and the tools needed for successful growth. It also means recognizing the importance of making decisions and taking action. By taking action, growers can learn to adjust their methods and make the necessary changes to maximize their harvest.

    Recognize the importance of making mistakes. Making mistakes can be a valuable learning experience and can help growers become more successful. In order to learn from mistakes, growers must be willing to take risks and accept failure. This can help them to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments to their methods.

    In this second part of the episode with Corey Lord and Charlie McKenzie, they discuss various strategies for preventing burnout. They emphasize the importance of taking time off and delegating tasks to trusted team members. They note that even if someone has solid habits, they will eventually hit burnout if they don't take breaks. Not having trusted team members to take care of tasks while away can make it difficult to take time off. Therefore, establishing trust in team members is crucial to prevent burnout. Additionally, stepping away from work can allow others to step up and gain a better appreciation for what someone brings to the team.

    By taking ownership of the process and understanding the importance of taking action and making mistakes, growers can maximize their harvest and minimize the time and energy spent on the process. With the right attitude and team, growers can be inspired to work together and reach their goals. With a plan, growers can stay focused and ensure that their efforts are not wasted. Gain can be found in bad decisions if growers are willing to take ownership of the process and understand the importance of taking action and making mistakes. With the right attitude and team, growers can be inspired to work together and reach their goals. 

     

    Key Points:

    • Character-building situations.
    • Harvesting and drying challenges.
    • Avoiding burnout in agriculture.
    • Burnout during harvest season.
    • Dry flower racks.
    • Motivating the team.
    • Finding fulfillment in growing.
    • Growing cannabis without a perfect environment.
    • Cannabis growth in greenhouses.
    • Holiday-specific packaging mistake.
    • Cannabis strain variety.
    • Humble beginnings of cannabis production.
    • Perseverance and Failure.
    • Finding positivity in tough times.

    Connect with Ch

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    51 mins