A Proposal for The Plantologist Dispensary 11.17.25
Proposal for New York Retail Expansion Services Prepared for: The Plantologist Dispensary Prepared by: Tenax Strategies November 19, 2025
This proposal contains trade secrets and information that is sensitive, proprietary, and confidential, the disclosure of which would provide a competitive advantage to others As a result, this proposal shall not be disclosed, used or duplicated, in whole or in part, for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. This proposal constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and no amendment, modification, or addition hereto, or waiver hereof, shall be effective unless in writing, specifying such amendment, modification, addition or waiver, and signed by the party sought to be bound thereby. This proposal may not be reproduced or disclosed to any third party This restriction does not limit the rights of the recipient to use information contained in the data if it is rightfully obtained from another source without restriction.
ABOUT THE FIRM
For 10 years, Tenax Strategies has provided end-to-end project management for clients to establish licensed cannabis businesses in several states, including in some of the most heavily-regulated and challenging municipalities and locations. We take cannabis businesses from concept to commence operations, managing projects and cutting through the red tape so cultivators, retailers, manufacturers and others can focus on getting their doors open and join this exciting and growing industry.
Unlike many cannabis consultants, we actually perform the work. We don’t just create a plan and advise clients on what to do. We execute that plan, including taking on the often labor-intensive tasks and managing the project from idea to opening. We handle the license application process, sort through state and local laws and permitting regulations, build coalitions of support in local communities, manage site selection, assist on compliance for state and local matters when businesses merge or are acquired and more.
Our experience and track record has prepared us for success in even the most challenging business or regulatory climates. We customize campaigns that work and have the know-how to remove barriers to entry so responsible operators can thrive in the exciting cannabis industry.
PETER D'AGOSTINO, PARTNER OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
A proven leader, Peter has extensive experience implementing and executing government relations and public policy strategies for private and publicly traded companies, Fortune 500 companies, corporations, partnerships, investors and individuals.
Peter has unique expertise in helping companies negotiate all levels of municipal and state government as they seek approval of projects related to state and municipal licensing, land use entitlements, zoning changes as well as other state or municipal pprovals. He regularly represents clients before Select Boards, City Councils, Planning Boards, Boards of Health, Zoning Boards of Appeal, Regulatory Authorities and other state and local agencies. Peter works to achieve successful outcomes for both his clients and the municipalities.
Well versed in the regulatory and legislative challenges of emerging industries and real estate development, Peter has developed a reputation as one of the leading strategists in state and municipal licensing, land use entitlements and zoning throughout the country. He is skilled at illustrating for communities the many benefits of emerging industries and real estate development.
In highly regulated industries, such as cannabis, Peter has established himself as a national leader. Since 2012, Peter and the Tenax team have been representing cannabis operators to help them get licensed and get open. Peter assists clients with site selection, building municipal support, land use approvals, permitting, community outreach, cannabis licensing, general cannabis business consulting and post operational compliance support He also specializes in locating zoning compliant sites and assisting operators through the permitting process, including negotiating fair host community agreements or local resolutions. Peter provides a comprehensive project management approach, often taking companies, investors or individuals from concept to commence operations
Peter served for 11 years in the United States Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot. During his time in the Army, Peter focused on program and training development for the U.S. and allied personnel. He represented the United States for government aviation operations with several nations, including Mexico, England, Germany, Turkey, Poland, South Korea, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq.
GREG D'AGOSTINO, PARTNER
With over 20 years of experience in public affairs, Greg is a highly-skilled strategist that has managed campaigns for a wide spectrum of highly-regulated industries and complex legislative and regulatory issues.
He leveraged his decades of public affairs experience to spearhead Tenax's multi-state expansion of the cannabis practice, providing cannabis consulting and project management services to clients in emerging and legal markets across the country.
Greg's top priority is delivering value to clients by helping new operators get started in the industry, assisting existing operators to enter new markets, and expanding their portfolio of assets. Greg is driven to protect he position of his clients in the marketplace to deliver clients a return on investment.
Greg is a creative problem solver and a passionate advocate for his clients, leveraging his extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry to develop innovative solutions that drive success. He is an experienced strategist and negotiator, adept at navigating the ever-changing landscape of the cannabis industry to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients and is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations.
Before Greg acquired Tenax Strategies, he served as COO of one of Boston’s most successful communications and public affairs firms. Greg’s top goals were to protect his client’s business interests, grow their businesses, or create new opportunities for them in their respective industries. Early in his career, Greg worked with many of Massachusetts’ top elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Plantologist Dispensary is nearing the opening of its first New York location in New Rochelle. Your team has put in the work to reach this stage and is well-positioned for what comes next.
For 2026, your focus is on securing a second retail location, with a third remaining part of your longer-term plan. Tenax Strategies is prepared to support this expansion. Our team has worked with more than a dozen operators across New York, including many we have supported from concept to municipal approvals to opening their doors. Operators work with us because we help move projects forward with structure, consistency, and a process that reduces delays and strengthens their ability to compete and capture market share.
For The Plantologist, we will operate as an extension of your team. Our work includes managing the siting and entitlement process, supporting property negotiations, coordinating with municipalities, and guiding preoperational planning. We will align our work with your priorities at each stage of the project.
OUR APPROACH
Tenax Strategies brings a disciplined project management structure to cannabis retail development. We coordinate internal and external stakeholders, track timelines, manage communication with municipalities, and keep all project components aligned. land use strategy, as well as data driven locations with the strongest path to approv approach allows operators to move efficient needs of their business while reducing the r and missteps that slow the progress of expa
Scope of Services
1. Site Identification and Selection
Tenax will manage a full siting process to identify viable locations for your next store.
Services include:
Identification of eligible and strategic retail properties
Zoning and buffer analysis
Coordination with brokers, landlords, and property owners
Review of neighborhood factors and municipal climate
Weekly curated site lists and site summaries
2. Property Negotiation and Acquisition Support
Tenax will guide the client through securing property control.
Services include:
LOI drafting and redline guidance
Support during lease negotiations with cannabis specific considerations
Coordination with legal counsel, architects, and engineers
Ensuring property control aligns with OCM and municipal timelines
3. Municipal Notification and Determination Letter
Tenax will manage the required municipal notice process for each prospective location.
Services include:
Preparation and submission of the municipal notice
Coordination with municipal attorneys and planning personnel
Responses to municipal questions or requests, including any necessary presentations or hearings before a municipal body or board
Securing the official letter of determination confirming site eligibility
4. Land Use, Zoning, and Entitlement Approvals
Some municipalities require additional land use approvals. Tenax will manage this process from start to finish.
Services include:
Preparing and submitting required applications
Drafting operational plans, narratives, and supporting documents
Coordination with planning and zoning departments
Meeting attendance, client preparation, and hearing participation
Full management through the final approval of all municipal entitlements
5. Pre-Operational Project Management
Tenax will support your team as the project moves from property control into construction, pre operations, and inspection readiness.
Services include:
SOP revisions and preparation of operational documentation
Coordination with architects, general contractors, security, and technology vendors
Pre inspection readiness planning and mock inspections
Oversight of remaining municipal and OCM requirements
Scheduling and coordination across all project stakeholders
6. Fractional Chief Compliance Officer Support
Tenax provides ongoing compliance support throughout the duration of the project. You can use us at any time for compliance related questions, regulatory interpretation, or operational readiness needs. This includes communication with the Office of Cannabis M t d municipalities on all compliance matters.
Post operationally, Tenax can support a wide r functions. The most relevant services include guidance, incident reporting and creation of c SOP development or updates.
Project Management Role
Tenax will serve as the central coordinator for:
Attorneys
Architects
Engineers
General contractors
Security and technology vendors
Municipal officials
Our responsibilities include:
Managing timelines
Running coordination calls
Tracking deliverables
Maintaining communication across all stakeholders
Ensuring alignment between municipal, OCM, and construction requirements
Client Interaction & Collaboration
Tenax works closely with clients throughout the lifecycle of each project. Our process is structured, interactive, and designed to support timely decision-making.
We hold a standing one-hour meeting each week to keep teams aligned. During these meetings, Tenax presents what we have learned that week, outlines the decisions that need to be made, and consults with The Plantologist on next steps, strategy, and relevant due dates or deliverables. This cadence ensures that information flows clearly, priorities stay organized, and no part of the project loses momentum. Other vendors might join our meeting at this time, depending on the stage of the project and scope of work.
There are also times when communication ramps up depending on what is happening in the project. You may meet with Tenax a few times in a week to finalize terms for an LOI, prepare for a hearing, understand a pro forma, or talk through decisions that need to be made. And you can always reach out to us when something crosses your mind, whether it is a question about shifting regulations, ideas for store opening, or just wanting to talk something through.
We recognize the responsibility that comes with partnering on a project like this and we build the kind of communication that reflects that responsibility.
Fee Structure
Monthly Retainer: $7,500
Next Steps
We welcome the opportunity to review this proposal together. A followup discussion can help ensure alignment on scope, timelines, and next priorities. Detailed bios on our New York team are included on the next page.
Contact Jacob Hicks Vice President
Greg D’Agostino Partner
greg@tenaxstrategies.com 617.388.6477
With over 20 years of experience in public affairs, Greg is a highly-skilled strategist that has managed campaigns for a wide spectrum of highly-regulated industries and complex legislative and regulatory issues.
He leveraged his decades of public affairs experience to spearhead Tenax's multi-state expansion of the cannabis practice, providing cannabis consulting and project management services to clients in emerging and legal markets across the country.
Greg's top priority is delivering value to clients by helping new operators get started in the industry, assisting existing operators to enter new markets, and expanding their portfolio of assets. Greg is driven to protect he position of his clients in the marketplace to deliver clients a return on investment.
Greg is a creative problem solver and a passionate advocate for his clients, leveraging his extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry to develop innovative solutions that drive success. He is an experienced strategist and negotiator, adept at navigating the everchanging landscape of the cannabis industry to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients and is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations.
Before Greg acquired Tenax Strategies, he served as COO of one of Boston’s most successful communications and public affairs firms. Greg’s top goals were to protect his client’s business interests, grow their businesses, or create new opportunities for them in their respective industries. Early in his career, Greg worked with many of Massachusetts’ top elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.
The three words that describe Greg are dedicated, determined, and disciplined. They also align with the Tenax tagline, and that’s no accident. When Greg is out of the office, you'll find him doing CrossFit, spending time with his wife and two daughters, and supporting food and housing security charities in his hometown of Natick
Kerrie Larson Senior Account Executive
kerrie@tenaxstrategies.com
617.306.2415
Kerrie helps in guiding clients through the complexities of land use, zoning, and cannabis regulatory frameworks in both emerging and established markets. She specializes in site selection, permitting, municipal engagement, and licensing strategy ensuring clients can secure, launch, and operate compliant cannabis businesses with confidence
Kerrie leads the development of customized standard operating procedures for dispensaries and cannabis operations, translating evolving state regulations into clear, actionable steps for daily business. She is relied upon for her ability to interpret complex cannabis laws and align operational practices with compliance requirements, from packaging and advertising to waste disposal, recordkeeping, and employee training
Her proactive approach includes continuous monitoring of state and municipal regulatory updates, advising clients on operational adjustments, and preparing them for inspections, audits, and enforcement actions Kerrie’s expertise extends to ownership structures, vendor management, proximity protections, and inventory controls helping clients avoid costly missteps while advancing their business goals.
Three words that describe Kerrie: Strategic Reliable Tenacious
Will Clarke Account Executive
Will is a Senior Account Executive at Tenax Strategies, recognized for his drive and tenacity in navigating complex zoning and regulatory challenges for cannabis clients. He graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University and brings experience from HUD and Goodwin Procter LLP, where he honed his expertise in real estate and regulatory compliance.
At Tenax, Will specializes in identifying compliant real estate for cannabis retail, guiding clients through intricate municipal and state regulations, and managing the permitting process from start to finish He is known for his mastery of zoning rules, GIS analysis, and clear communication skills that consistently deliver fast, compliant solutions.
Will’s determination sets him apart Early in his Tenax career, he challenged a misinterpretation of zoning by a municipal planner, persistently advocating for the client’s interests until the issue was resolved in their favor This tenacity safeguards clients’ time and resources and exemplifies the Tenax commitment to results
Outside of work, Will is dedicated to zoning reform and increasing housing supply. On Sundays, you’ll find him at church or reciting Tennyson’s "Ulysses."
Three words that describe Will: Driven Stubborn Aplomb
