Since the first iHemp Michigan event on January 26, 2019, Dave was hooked on the hemp community. He brought his graphic design, website development, and technical skills to begin what became a rapid series of events through 2019 and the execution of the Midwest’s first Industrial Hemp Expo – 2020 Midwest iHemp Expo, January 10-11, 2020. Dave owns Eclectic Sales & Creative Marketing, LLC a marketing agency, Great Lakes State Hosting, LLC a website hosting company,  and is the commissioner of the Eclectic Hockey League and active ice hockey player. He grew an acre of hemp in 2019. In 2021 he formed iHemp Manufacturing, LLC with Anthony Solano and began producing hemp plastic Frisbees as well as other hemp durable goods.

Blain is one of the founding members of iHemp Michigan. Blain was a County Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency for 27 years, administering Government Farm Programs to farmers. After retiring in 2011 from USDA, he formed Down On The Farm, a consulting service to assist farmers through the maze of government paperwork with the goal of receiving program benefits. Blain helps farmers meet compliance with the new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and third-party audits required by buyers of fruit and vegetables.

 Blain manufacturers Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Protein Flour, Hemp Protein Cake and Hemp Hearts. He also is a seed dealer for fiber and grain genetics and offers a decortication service, including CBD stalks.

Jen Nelson currently works at Mid Michigan Hemp Supply, a “Soil-to-Oil” vertically integrated business concept. She is the company’s Executive Assistant, Lead Farm Consultant, Head of Research and Development, growing and supplying hemp genetics, products and services our industry can count on. Jen is also a CBD product consultant for MMD Holistic Medicine CBD Superstore, a subsidiary company to Mid Michigan Hemp Supply. Jen’s goal is to educate, cultivate and bring hemp products and services to life with easy access for all who dream the dream of a better future, both environmentally and medicinally.

With over 17 years of marketing management experience, Cristina brings a dynamic perspective in how to reach people and cultivate brand relationships. Her ability to help plan innovative communications strategies helps activate the consumer journey, leading to achieving consistent and aggressive business goals. Cristina has extensive experience in the automotive, financial, hemp and government categories across disciplines from Branding, Digital, CRM, Social, Content, TV, Events, Retail, etc.

Becky spent 44 years in the legal field as a legal assistant/paralegal, retiring in 2020. Currently, she spends time assisting her husband, Blain Becktold, with his consulting business Down On The Farm, and assists iHemp Michigan with membership as well as serving as its Board Secretary.

Becky enjoys reading, spending time with their 7 grandchildren and keeping the family organized.

Dr. Fabio Rodi is widely respected in both Michigan and Vermont with over 20 years experience in the medical field, CBD, cannabis and hemp industry. His passion for the democratization of the healing powers of CBD have made his products and processing highly sought after from consumers, farmers and distributors. He founded ICON Processors in 2018, leveraging the success he had in his ICON Building business which has been in existence since 2009.

Captain Michaud retired from the Michigan State Police as the Director of Forensic Science in 2016. He now is the CEO and founder of two cannabis testing laboratories in Michigan, providing analytical testing services for the majority of the licensed hemp farmers and marijuana growers in the State of Michigan. He serves as a voting member on the ASTM D37 Committee on Cannabis.

John is a Marine with a vision. His committment and dedication to creating an industrial hemp industry for Michigan is second to none. A Vietnam War Veteran, John worked in a variety of capcities in the City of Flint, most involved in environmental issues. He is retired and enjoys travel.