Author: itulsupport

A C-Suite Leader should not tell others how to do their job, but instead clearly communicate the long-term plan, strategies and goals to their employees.

As part of our series called “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective C-Suite Executive,” we had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Gemignani.

Mark Gemignani is the visionary CEO and founder of Dominion Builders and DAG. With over 40 years of experience in construction and development, operating out of Miami, Washington D.C., and New York, Gemignani has led diverse projects such as high-rise, retail, restaurant, corporate office, government, advanced agriculture, industrial, and pharmaceutical-grade construction. DAG, which started as a division of Dominion Builders, is an industry leader in the development, design, and construction of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities for the food crops and cannabis industries. A former state champion wrestler and collegiate athlete, his determination extends beyond business. Currently, he chairs the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Development and Construction Council, showcasing his commitment to excellence.

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Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

From a young age, I always aspired to be a builder. My go-to toys as a child were the erector set, Tinker-toys, and Legos. My journey officially started in Virginia when I put myself through college by painting and renovating homes. After college, I moved into commercial construction, where we built spaces for markets such as the federal government, defense, tech, and finance industries in the Washington, DC area. In 2005, I moved to Coral Gables, where I partnered with another individual and developed high-end residential condominiums in Midtown Manhattan. Following the financial crisis of 2008, I formed Dominion Builders. During the time of this Great Recession, we built Dominion Builders, focusing the firm on federally funded local government contracts, the only source that was spending any money at the time. Today, I’ve been a construction industry entrepreneur for over 40 years and have led diverse projects such as high-rise, retail, restaurant, corporate office, government, industrial, pharmaceutical-grade construction, and more. Recognizing a gap in the market, Dominion Builders launched an agriculture division, now known as DAG.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

There are many interesting things that have occurred over the years, but one of the biggest breakthrough events that occurred was signing a contract with my partner to develop a 34-story luxury high-rise in Midtown Manhattan. By assembling strong team members for all aspects of the development, we designed and constructed the building under budget and in record time, having no prior development experience. This was a pivotal moment in augmenting my career.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?

My internal mantra is to work hard, enjoy life, do the right thing, make a positive influence on others, give thanks, and pray for guidance. By sticking to this mantra, it has helped me navigate through both failure and success.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on your leadership style? Can you share a story or an example of that?

“The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” by John C. Maxwell explores years of leadership experience and observations of leaders and shares key takeaways to leadership. For one, a leader must demonstrate and embody what cohorts and followers should do. Leaders must lead by example, which I aim to do at Dominion Builders and DAG.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

Dominion’s experience is exemplified through an eminent award-winning portfolio, highlighting our craftsmanship, teamwork, and passion to impact real estate communities. Our company has a culture where people enjoy coming to work, and for the most part, our employees enjoy each other. We encourage occasional get-togethers such as lunches and cigar socials. The team recently initiated a Friday afternoon push-up contest where we track not only the winner but also individual improvement from the previous week.

Additionally, it is almost impossible to find a niche in the construction business. Another thing that makes us stand out is that we have carved a niche in the market and are one of the only companies providing integrated design and construction for indoor agriculture facilities. Adapting to our clients’ needs, DAG, our agriculture division, became the go-to source for those seeking a custom grow facility for the food crops and cannabis industries — from concept to harvest. DAG’s approach focuses on cost-effective solutions to assure long-term success for growers throughout North America.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

• Flexibility — Allowing employees to work within a range of means as long as they achieve the required results has helped build a dynamic and happy team.
• Integrity — Having integrity helps set an example of treating others with respect, taking responsibility, and earning the trust of others.
• Resilience — Resilience has given me the ability to quickly recover from setbacks, stress, and unexpected changes.

Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?

I made the decision several years ago to stop bidding/competing on hundreds of low-margin projects and instead focus on procuring large, negotiated projects and bidding/competing only where we had a better than 50% chance of success. This resulted in several years of low volume and financial losses. From there, we have shown resilience and now have a current volume of five times what it had been prior.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Most of our readers — in fact, most people — think they have a pretty good idea of what a C-Suite executive does. But in just a few words can you explain what a C-Level executive does that is different from the responsibilities of other leaders?

C-Suite executives are integral in steering the company towards its goals. Some of the responsibilities to achieve this include implementing a comprehensive long-term plan for the organization and motivating other leaders who are responsible for carrying out the plan.

What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a C-Suite executive? Can you explain what you mean?

A typical myth is that the C-Suite executive does not have to work hard to achieve their goals. In reality, C-Suite executives, in many cases, work relentlessly to continue to grow the business, often working long and hard hours.

What are the most common leadership mistakes you have seen C-Suite leaders make when they start leading a new team? What can be done to avoid those errors?

A C-Suite leader should not tell others how to do their job, but instead clearly communicate the long-term plan, strategies, and goals to their employees. It is essential to allow others to utilize personal and creative strengths to achieve all interim steps required to achieve those goals.

In your experience, which aspect of running a company tends to be most underestimated? Can you explain or give an example?

The ability to attract and maintain qualified and motivated employees is in my view the most underestimated but most important task. The adage, “You’re only as good as the sum of your parts, and one person can’t be a team” says it all.

Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective C-Suite Executive”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.

1. Make certain to choose a career that aligns with what you enjoy doing. It’s important to take the time to reflect on your interests, skills, and values to determine what is most important to you to help you best succeed.
2. Focus on assembling highly experienced vendor and consultant teams to achieve highly successful results.
3. Attract and hire only highly qualified and motivated employees. When a new hire has the proper qualities, they effectively handle their work and responsibilities and add great value to the team.
4. Set an example for your employees and act in a manner that you expect others to act. Leading by example helps inspire, encourage, and guide team members to be their best.
5. Give positive feedback for positive results often. Treating your employees with respect and telling them that you appreciate their efforts and hard work will go a long way in creating trusting relationships.

In your opinion, what are a few ways that executives can help to create a fantastic work culture? Can you share a story or an example?

Executives can help create a positive work culture by getting to know their team members and talking frequently about personal lives outside of the work environment. When connecting with coworkers on a personal level, it helps build a connection and trust. I encourage executives to meet with team members for lunch or to grab a drink after work. They can also sponsor occasional office celebrations to create a break from work.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Set the tone of the day by spreading positive energy with everyone you encounter. Positive energy spreads exponentially.

How can our readers further follow you online?

For more information, visit www.dominionbuild.com or www.dagfacilities.com. You can also visit our social media channels:

• Dominion Builders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominionbuilders/
• Dominion Builders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominion_builders_miami/
• Dominion Builders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dominion-builders-llc/
• DAG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plandesignbuildgrow/
• DAG Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominionAG
• DAG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dag_facilities/
• DAG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dagfacilities/

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

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About the Interviewer: Douglas E. Noll, JD, MA, was born nearly blind, crippled with club feet, partially deaf, and left-handed. He overcame all of these obstacles to become a successful civil trial lawyer. In 2000, he abandoned his law practice to become a peacemaker. His calling is to serve humanity, and he executes this mission at many levels. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and trainer, as well as a highly experienced mediator. Doug’s work spans from international efforts to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. He teaches his innovative de-escalation skill that calms any angry person in 90 seconds or less.

With Laurel Kaufer, Doug founded Prison of Peace in 2009. This project trains life-sentenced and long-term incarcerated individuals to become effective peacemakers and mediators. He has been deeply moved by inmates who have applied empathic listening, leadership, and problem-solving skills to reduce violence within their prison communities. Their commitment to learning, improving, and serving their communities inspires Doug to expand Prison of Peace, making these skills accessible to anyone who seeks them.

Doug’s accolades include California Lawyer Magazine Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year, Purpose Prize Fellow, International Academy of Mediators Syd Leezak Award of Excellence, and National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Neutral of the Year. His four books have won numerous awards, and his podcast, Listen With Leaders, is currently accepting guests. Click here to learn more and apply.

Link to article

The 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 at the Diplomat Resort in Hollywood is anticipated to be a significant event for Florida’s cannabis industry. The conference, sponsored by Florida-based DAG Facilities, a national industry leader in the planning, design and construction of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities, aims to provide a crucial platform for advocacy and education while showcasing the potential economic advantages, such as job creation, increased tax revenues and the social and health benefits of a regulated cannabis market.

The CLAB conference comes at a critical time for Florida’s Cannabis industry. This year carries higher stakes as Florida voters prepare to vote on Amendment 3 in November. Amendment 3 is a critical ballot measure that has the potential to legalize recreational Cannabis use across the state. Achieving a 60% vote is necessary for its passage, making it vital to rally support, raise awareness, and emphasize the impact legalizing Cannabis can bring to Florida’s economy, public health, and social equity.

“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo,” says DAG’s CEO Mark Gemignani. “Florida is poised to become one of the largest Cannabis markets in the country. This conference comes at a critical time for Florida’s Cannabis industry, with 22 new licenses expected to be announced, and right before Florida’s general election, which includes a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. At the conference, participants will have the opportunity to hear from key leaders in the industry and have important conversations about the ‘Yes on 3’ initiative, the benefits and misconceptions of cannabis legalization and more.”

The event will showcase the potential economic benefits, including job creation, increased tax revenues and the social and health advantages of a regulated cannabis market. It aims to offer a platform to address concerns and misconceptions about Cannabis, with an emphasis on the importance of a legal and controlled environment over the existing black market.

As Florida nears a possible significant policy shift, the 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo will be the catalyst for informed dialogue and decisive action, helping to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for the state through the responsible legalization of Cannabis.

“DAG advocates for and supports the growth of Florida’s Cannabis industry and believes in responsible and safe use of Cannabis,” Gemignani says. “Having a more controlled product is good for consumer safety. It will also allow for more discoveries in health care, building our economy with a new industry. Florida’s Cannabis industry has the potential to be more inclusive than other industries.”

For more information, visit www.clabconference.com. Click here for to read the article in the SFBW.

As a continuation of its ongoing dedication to the budding Cannabis industry, Florida-based DAG Facilities– a national industry leader in the planning, design and construction of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities for the indoor

agriculture industry – is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the 7th Annual Cannabis LAB (CLAB) Conference and Expo. The 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo will take place on Oct. 14-15 at the Diplomat Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

 The 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo is expected to be a landmark event for Florida’s Cannabis industry. The stakes are higher than ever this year as Florida voters prepare to decide on Amendment 3 in November, a crucial ballot measure that could legalize recreational Cannabis use across the state. With a 60% vote needed to pass, it is essential to garner support, spread awareness and highlight the transformative impact that legalizing Cannabis can have on Florida’s economy, public health and social equity.

 “We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo,” said DAG’s CEO Mark Gemignani. “Florida is poised to become one of the largest Cannabis markets in the country. This conference comes at a critical time for Florida’s Cannabis industry, with 22 new licenses expected to be announced, and right before Florida’s general election which includes a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. At the conference, participants will have the opportunity to hear from key leaders in the industry and have important conversations about the ‘Yes on 3’ initiative, the benefits and misconceptions of Cannabis legalization and more.” 

 The conference will be a pivotal platform for advocacy and education. Bringing together Cannabis industry leaders, business executives, celebrities and politicians, the event offers a unique opportunity to make a compelling, unified statement about the benefits of Cannabis legalization. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, share insights and strategize on how to amplify the “Yes on 3” message. The collective influence of these key stakeholders can significantly shape public opinion and demonstrate the broad, bipartisan support for this initiative.

 Participants are invited to contribute to a historic effort to redefine Florida’s Cannabis landscape. This event will highlight the potential economic benefits, such as job creation, increased tax revenues and the social and health advantages of a regulated Cannabis market. It will also provide a forum to address concerns and misconceptions about Cannabis, emphasizing the importance of a legal and controlled environment over the existing black market.

 As Florida nears a possible significant policy shift, the 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo will be the catalyst for informed dialogue and decisive action, helping to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for the state through the responsible legalization of Cannabis.

 Gemignani continued, “DAG advocates for and supports the growth of Florida’s Cannabis industry and believes in responsible and safe use of Cannabis. Having a more controlled product is good for consumer safety. It will also allow for more discoveries in health care, building our economy with a new industry. Florida’s Cannabis industry has the potential to be more inclusive than other industries.”

 Mr. Trainwreck, a critically acclaimed artist known for showcasing at Red Dot during Art Basel Miami Beach and throughout New York City, has been selected to create signature artwork for the event. He plans to showcase a chosen collection of his artwork of iconic 3D pop collage paintings and sculptures at the upcoming 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo, turning the location into a special art display. Alongside his presentation, there will be a silent auction offering attendees a chance to purchase art from his renowned collection.

 CLAB focuses on law, accounting, and business, aiming to bring corporate professionalism to the Cannabis sector. DAG’s Director of Strategic Partnerships Todd Friedman is actively involved in CLAB, where he serves as an executive leadership committee member and the Miami Chair.

For more information about the 7th Annual CLAB Conference and Expo, please visit www.clabconference.com.

Full Article: https://www.miamilivingmagazine.com/post/dag-is-the-presenting-sponsor-of-the-7th-annual-cannabis-lab-conference-and-expo?postId=66bfb98da5eee7cf64fdd10e

Full article here

DAG, a designed and builder of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities for the indoor agriculture industry, has been awarded a new contract for a $14 million expansion project for Ascension Biomedical’s indoor cannabis cultivation facility.

Ascension is an Ohio-owned craft cultivation facility committed to using clean growing practices, as well as harvesting and trimming 100% by hand, which helps preserve vital terpenes and cannabinoids, showcasing the unique characteristics and expressions of each cultivar.

“We are looking forward to expanding our cultivation operations to further serve the patients and consumers of Ohio,” said Fadi Boumitri, CEO of Ascension. “We engaged with DAG to help ensure our facility can produce the highest quality flower in Ohio from the moment it comes online. DAG has a reputation for getting cannabis facilities operational and performing at a high level, and that is exactly what we are expecting here.”

Ascension’s craft operation is in a custom-built, 19,328-square-foot facility in Oberlin, Ohio. The expansion will add 27,314 square feet, totaling 46,642 square feet. The existing building will be adapted for post-harvest use and the new building will be utilized for cultivation. With a newly constructed 40-foot high cultivation facility, the project will be comprised of two identical floors. This allows for a homogenous standard operating procedure, uniform canopy design, and production resulting in a greater yield of high-quality product.

DAG is leading the pre-construction phase of the project handling design documentation, early procurement, and establishing final cost components. DAG has utilized the services of Core Design Group for the preparation of fully detailed construction drawings. Construction is commencing June 2024 with an estimated completion in March 2025. 

“It is a privilege to work with Ascension to help expand its indoor cannabis cultivation facility in Ohio delivering integrated planning, design, and construction services,” DAG CEO Mark Gemignani said in a statement.”We are proud to collaborate with companies such as Ascension that are focused on providing a consistent, premium-level quality product.”

DAG, a designed and builder of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities for the indoor agriculture industry, has been awarded a new contract for a $14 million expansion project for Ascension Biomedical’s indoor cannabis cultivation facility.

Ascension is an Ohio-owned craft cultivation facility committed to using clean growing practices, as well as harvesting and trimming 100% by hand, which helps preserve vital terpenes and cannabinoids, showcasing the unique characteristics and expressions of each cultivar.

“We are looking forward to expanding our cultivation operations to further serve the patients and consumers of Ohio,” said Fadi Boumitri, CEO of Ascension. “We engaged with DAG to help ensure our facility can produce the highest quality flower in Ohio from the moment it comes online. DAG has a reputation for getting cannabis facilities operational and performing at a high level, and that is exactly what we are expecting here.”

Ascension’s craft operation is in a custom-built, 19,328-square-foot facility in Oberlin, Ohio. The expansion will add 27,314 square feet, totaling 46,642 square feet. The existing building will be adapted for post-harvest use and the new building will be utilized for cultivation. With a newly constructed 40-foot high cultivation facility, the project will be comprised of two identical floors. This allows for a homogenous standard operating procedure, uniform canopy design, and production resulting in a greater yield of high-quality product.

DAG is leading the pre-construction phase of the project handling design documentation, early procurement, and establishing final cost components. DAG has utilized the services of Core Design Group for the preparation of fully detailed construction drawings. Construction is commencing June 2024 with an estimated completion in March 2025. 

“It is a privilege to work with Ascension to help expand its indoor cannabis cultivation facility in Ohio delivering integrated planning, design, and construction services,” DAG CEO Mark Gemignani said in a statement.”We are proud to collaborate with companies such as Ascension that are focused on providing a consistent, premium-level quality product.”

Full Article: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39230228/designer-and-builder-of-cea-facilities-inks-14m-contract-for-expansion-of-indoor-cannabis-cultiv

Key Takeaways:

• Unique Project Requirements: Controlled environment agriculture projects, such as greenhouses or indoor farming, are distinct and vary significantly depending on the crop, affecting the specifications for equipment, plumbing, and electricity.
• The Critical Role of Early Equipment Specification: Delaying decisions on essential components like LED lighting, grow systems, and automated controls can hinder construction processes, as specifications are needed early on to adapt facilities adequately.
• The Overlooked Elements of Farm Integration: Integrating all farm elements, including utilities and construction features, is crucial for successful operations, beyond focusing on plant cultivation.
• The Importance of Early and Collaborative Planning: Proper planning and collaboration between growers and constructors from the project outset ensure equipment and facility compatibility.
• Adaptability and Teamwork as Success Factors: Awareness of critical components and effective teamwork among all stakeholders are vital in controlled-environment agriculture projects.

Navigating the Complexities of Controlled Environment Agriculture With DAG

In an enlightening conversation with Christopher Block, COO of DAG, a company at the forefront of constructing controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities, we explored the unique challenges and considerations that set these projects apart from standard construction endeavors.

According to Block, “Construction has many standard projects, but Controlled environment agriculture is unique every time, as depending on the crop, the equipment and their specifications varies largely. You cannot plan a greenhouse or indoor farm growing strawberries the same way as lettuce even if some areas are similar.”

The Impact of Delayed Decisions on Construction

Block highlighted a recurrent issue involving procuring critical items like LED lighting. Growers often delay these decisions, not realizing the downstream impact on the construction timeline and planning.

“Sometimes, growers delay the selection of the critical components until the very end, but that poses a problem as we, constructors, need the specifications and plans (which constructors usually give upon order) to adapt the facility adequately,” Block explains. This delay can create bottlenecks, affecting the overall project delivery and operational startup.

Holistic Planning: Beyond Plants

Block emphasizes the importance of comprehensive planning that extends beyond plant cultivation. Startups and even established companies focus on plants a lot, but what about other elements in a farm that need to be integrated?” he questions, pointing out a common oversight in the industry. Integrating all farm elements, including utilities and construction features, is crucial for a seamless operation and demands attention from the project’s inception.

The Blueprint for Success: Early Collaboration and Adaptability

The path to a successful CEA project is paved with early, collaborative planning between growers and constructors. “Planning at the beginning is prevalent to make sure that the equipment is adaptable to the facility planned,” states Block, underscoring the need for a unified approach. Awareness of critical components and a team-oriented mindset are indispensable, ensuring that all aspects of the project align with the operational goals and specifications.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach to Controlled Environment Agriculture

Christopher Block’s insights shed light on the intricacies of constructing CEA facilities, highlighting the necessity of early decision-making, comprehensive planning, and teamwork. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing these principles will be key to overcoming the unique challenges of controlled environment agriculture, paving the way for innovative, efficient, and successful farming operations.

Full Article: https://agtechdigest.com/p/emphasizing-integrated-planning-in?isFreemail=true&post_id=142998588&publication_id=1331464&r=5wrm2&triedRedirect=true

Full Article: https://cannatechtoday.com/better-by-design-maximizing-your-cultivation-facility-with-smart-planning/

DAG CEO Mark Gemignani and Director of Architecture and Engineering Jeff Lair attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting event for the facility, which is ready to begin operations.

After verifying the building’s suitability (it was previously a warehouse), DAG gutted and renovated the entire space for optimal configuration to allow the production of high-quality craft Cannabis. DAG led execution of design and construction and integration of all specialty vendors, consultants, and subcontractors.

DAG commenced the project in May 2022 with a preliminary high-level schematic design providing 4,496 square feet of canopy, including a seamless flow between mother, clone, propagation, vegetation, and flower rooms and appropriately sized rooms for harvest activities (dry, trim, cure) and post-harvest activities (packaging and vault). The company also designed and constructed a headhouse (water room), electrical room, IT room, areas for shipping and receiving, storage rooms, and ancillary spaces, including offices, locker rooms, and restrooms.

Hamilton Farms CEO and COO and longtime friends Rahul Patel and Kunal Lodaya submitted their initial application for a New Jersey Cannabis business license in December 2021, after the February passing of adult-use Cannabis reform bills into law. They were among the first applicants to be approved for a conditional license and one of the first operations to be approved for conversion into a full annual license.

“DAG was with us from step one to build out an initial concept. We looked at many sites, and DAG’s insight was invaluable. Once we locked in our lease, DAG was integral in envisioning the design and layout; its team members were always available,” said Patel. “Their breadth of knowledge in CEA and planning, design, and construction of Cannabis facilities is incredible.”

“When we began this journey, we were new to the Cannabis industry and chose DAG because we could trust their guidance in helping us to make decisions. Their team is honest, and we value their opinion. They continue to be a part of many decisions we make day in and day out,” said Lodaya.

“Throughout foundational planning, design, pre-construction and construction, and even now during post-construction, we are pleased to have guided and worked with Hamilton Farms to create an efficient and effective facility that will help them run a profitable Cannabis operation,” said Gemignani. “We helped them to be practical, thoughtful, and economical, so their processes beyond growing can be seamless.”

“We look at each project individually as to the goals of the company, what needs to be grown, and how much yield is required. From there, with our clients, we discuss the facility itself, the needs of the site, the types of equipment, and help our clients make good decisions along the entire path,” says Todd Friedman, Director of Strategic Partnerships for DAG, an American constructor of CEA facilities.

Dominion Builders started building its first agriculture project in 2015 with a Deep Water Culture facility for BrightFarms. Shortly thereafter, the company had two more facilities to build and was hooked. As Todd explains, the company developed a streamlined way of designing and building CEA facilities for its clients and learned a lot from that first project. Shortly after that, Dominion-AG, the agriculture division, was created in 2016. In 2020, that was shortened to DAG.

From lettuce to cannabis
DAG is rather equipment agnostic, looking for the best specific solutions for its clients. “We work with them in the vetting process, so everything is transparent and above board. We focus on cost-effective solutions to assure long-term success for growers throughout North America,” Todd adds.

DAG handles the planning, design, and construction of CEA facilities for the food crops and Cannabis industries. DAG, The Grow Facility Company, takes a project from concept to harvest with a full suite of services, including foundational planning, integrated preconstruction services, which include full design of the facility and procurement of all equipment, and finally, construction and commissioning.

Expectations for 2024
As Todd explains, CEA is still an emerging industry, and there is a major desire to find ways to grow successfully indoors and create competitive unit costs. Innovation, energy usage and government subsidies will help support this essential industry continue to develop. “There is a bright future, but it won’t be without some growing pains.”

How is DAG involved in the vertical farming space? Although the bulk of its projects are greenhouse, hybrid, and warehouse projects, DAG has bid on vertical farms and worked with vertical farming companies previously. “We are looking forward to more vertical farm opportunities and believe them to be an important part of our repertoire. We are passionate about the agriculture industry and love being a part of it – so we are all in,” Todd affirms.