Staff
Andrew Berman is a versatile executive with a unique background and skill set. Mr. Berman has a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law. He clerked for two federal judges and practiced law for eleven years in San Francisco before joining the Business Affairs group at America Online. After AOL, Mr. Berman became CEO of AirLink Communications, Inc., an early-stage wireless data company located in Hayward whose success culminated with a merger into Sierra Wireless, Inc. Staying aboard as the publicly traded company’s Senior Vice President & General Manager, Berman led all facets of Sierra Wireless’s AirLink business unit, including its North American growth and international market expansion. Berman then joined Cricket Media, Inc., a public company in the education media sector, as Chief of Staff to the CEO.
Most recently, Mr. Berman was an Entrepreneur in Residence at ZG Ventures, LLC, a prominent venture capital firm based in Washington, DC. Mr. Berman also has extensive experience in local government relations and community building, having served on the Mill Valley City Council and as Mayor and Vice Mayor of Mill Valley. His public service also includes serving as Chair of the Marin County Telecommunications Agency, on local Planning Commissions and on County Emergency Medical Boards, through which he developed expertise in land-use and public safety issues at the local level.
GMR Executive Spotlight Q&A –
Full birth name: Andrew Berman
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Harborside Inc.
Years at current company: 1.5
Education profile: BA @ University of Michigan, JD @ University of Miami School of Law
Most successful professional accomplishment before cannabis: Andrew was a partner at a law firm before moving into the business world. After holding various executive roles at AOL, AirLink Communications, Sierra Wireless, and Cricket Media, Andrew made the move to Harborside, occupying the role of CEO of one of the biggest names in cannabis.
Company Mission: Since its inception, Harborside has always strived to retail, cultivate and curate the best in California cannabis. They have stayed true to their pillars of customer trust, choice and value.
Company’s most successful achievement: Harborside’s history has been filled with milestones: from the first legal sale of cannabis in California in 2006 to recently listing as a public company on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Soon, Harborside will open a retail location in Desert Hot Springs with the second cannabis drive-thru in the state. But perhaps Harborside’s biggest achievement is their longevity and legacy. Despite being a non-profit company until 2018, Harborside has thrived and grown into one of the most trusted names in the industry.
Has the company raised any capital (yes or no): Yes – Harborside completed three rounds of funding prior to listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange on June 10.
If so, how much?: $6.5M Series A, $27M Series B, $15M in May 2019
Any plans on raising capital in the future? Yes – we are now a publicly listed company (Ticker: HBOR) on the Canadian Securities Exchange.
Most important company 5 year goal: Harborside is looking to expand in multiple areas. The company is aiming to innovate and create new brands, as well as fully launch the Key brand, a product line that provides premium quality at affordable prices. Key products have gained traction in 50 dispensaries statewide with just a soft launch. Harborside will also optimize output at its cultivation sites, in addition to opening new retail locations in and San Leandro and Desert Hot Springs. The company’s overarching goals remain the same as they always have been: be northern California’s premier cannabis company, build a quality work experience for our team, continue to be the Best in the Bay, and provide trust, choice and value to our customers.
