The Power of ESOPs in the Cannabis Industry

Rebecca Hawkinson is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Sharp Capital Advisors, bringing deep expertise in real estate investment and development. Her background spans financial analysis, capital structuring, site selection, and strategic relationship-building across diverse markets. Drawing on her experience as a national commercial landlord, Rebecca advises clients on navigating real estate complexities in emerging sectors like cannabis. As a serial entrepreneur and founding partner of two development startups, she offers firsthand insight into growth-stage company challenges. Since launching Sharp Capital Advisors in 2020, Rebecca has guided several best-in-class cannabis clients through strategic transactions and capital raises.

In 2007, Steve co-founded and was Managing Partner of Livingstone's US operations until 2022, where he led strategic growth initiatives and helped expand the firm internationally. Over 25 years, Steve has guided clients through 100+ M&A transactions and capital raises across various sectors. In 2020, he merged his investment banking experience with his interest in cannabis to co-found Sharp Capital Advisors, a boutique advisory firm serving the cannabis sector. Prior to Sharp and Livingstone, Steve was a Managing Director at M&A firms Brown Gibbons Lang & Co. and Lazard. He sits on the board for BUILD, a Chicago gang intervention and youth development organization, and commits a portion of Sharp's annual profit to the organization.

Jason Luter provides direct counsel on employee benefits, executive compensation, and transactional matters for Fortune 500 companies, private equity groups, and emerging growth companies. He specializes in employee benefit plan design, deferred compensation, incentive plans, and ESOP transactions including leveraged and non-leveraged buyouts. Jason guides clients through ESOP implementation and provides ongoing counsel to ESOP-owned companies, also representing independent fiduciaries in ESOP transactions. He counsels clients on fiduciary governance under ERISA and federal laws affecting compensation and benefit plans. Jason is ranked by Chambers USA, with sources praising his knowledge and expertise in the ESOP space.

Kevin Slaughter leads the Corporate Practice Group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions particularly in the food and beverage industry. He represents buyers, sellers, and investors in complex manufacturing and service sector deals, while also advising on commercial agreements including supplier and distribution contracts. Kevin has developed a strong reputation in the cannabis industry, advising on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and license applications. His pragmatic approach allows him to anticipate issues and deliver clear, strategic solutions. What sets Kevin apart is his collaborative style and ability to remain composed in high-pressure deal environments. He builds trust efficiently and brings both expertise and perspective to intense negotiations.