ABOUT US
Bringing together the right team, delivering exceptional client service
and ensuring sustainable business outcomes.
OUR
STORY
The founding members of Sugars Canna Co are pioneers in the Michigan medical marijuana industry - spearheading a legislative ballot initiative that culminated in the passage of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in 2008.
(Under the 2008 Act, possession, use and cultivation of marijuana for medical reasons became legal in the State of Michigan. )
Their continuing advocacy led to the signing of legislation in 2016 which created the framework for the safe commercial growing, distribution and sale of medical marijuana.
Afterward, they co-lead another ballot initiative to place the question of legal recreational marijuana on the November 2018 ballot.
Currently, Sugars Canna Co has a team in place covering all aspects of the marijuana industry - allowing for a vertically integrated operation.
From custom plant genetics to high volume outdoor cultivation and extraction - we have the experience and institutional knowledge to ensure success.
Sugars Farms currently has an outdoor cultivation footprint of nearly 200 acres and operates a state-of-the-art extraction and manufacturing facility, Sugars Refinery, in Western Michigan.
OUR TEAM
Bobby Bidawid
Co-Founder & Director of Operations
Bobby Bidawid is a co-founder of Sugars Canna Co. Bidawid is a pioneer in the Michigan medical marijuana industry. Bidawid has been studying the cultivation of marijuana for 20 years and in that time has become an expert cultivator and a recognized leader in the medical marijuana industry.
In 2006, Bidawid spearheaded a legislative ballot initiative that culminated in the passage of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in 2008. Under the Act, possession, use and cultivation of marijuana for medical reasons became legal in the State of Michigan. Bidawid’s continuing advocacy led to the signing of legislation in 2016 which created the framework for the safe commercial growing, distribution and sale of medical marijuana. Afterward, he co-led another ballot initiative to place the question of legal recreational marijuana on the November 2018 ballot.
As a preeminent expert in the field, Bidawid is regularly sought out as a consultant. He has been a consultant and advisor to 44 medical marijuana facilities either currently open or awaiting state approvals. He has been involved in the planning and development of over 50 medical marijuana companies ranging from cultivation, manufacturing, processing, product development, marketing, distribution and sales. He is also a founding member of the National Patient’s Rights Association and the Detroit Cannabis Guild.
Steven Audish
Co-Founder & COO
Steven has been an industry leader in the Michigan medical and recreational marijuana industry for more than 20 years. Steven has been a long-time advocate for
marijuana, which led to him lobbying to create the framework that became Michigan’s medical marijuana program. Steven is one of the founding members of the team that helped pass the legislation for medical use in the State of Michigan. Steven co-led the initiatives leading to the current legislation for recreational use that passed in November 2018.
Steven currently is the Chief Revenue Officer for OWC, with the responsibility for vendor partnerships, sales, corporate development, community development, marketing, pricing, and revenue management.
Steven is a native of Detroit and lives in Sterling Heights with his wife.
Frank DiDario
CEO
Frank DiDario found his passion to be an entrepreneur when his father began a small construction company in the mid 1980’s. Working alongside his father, Frank gained the hands-on experience and knowledge of installing infrastructure, civil engineering, architecture, and the overall development of commercial and residential real estate. During this time, Frank also acquired an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Henry Ford Community College. Upon completion of his associate’s degree, Frank entertained the idea of continuing his education; however an opportunity to follow his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur presented itself.
In 1992 Frank became a partner of Metro Power Sports (a motorcycle dealership). In the first year of business the company produced $6.5 million in sales. By 1996, Metro Power Sports was the largest single Honda Motorcycle Dealership in the Midwest. Through the experience of building a successful business with Metro Power Sports, Frank realized the importance of building relationships, managing people, and understanding the
intricacies of an industry. Coupled with his knowledge of land development, Frank set out to become a successful real estate developer.
By 1999, he had developed over 100 acres in projects and built 175,000 square feet of commercial and industrial real estate. Frank proceeded to pursue more land development projects over the years. By 2006, he developed over 300 residential lots and became directly involved in the addition of sewer and water treatment facilities for Lyon Township in Michigan. In addition, he
has been involved with over 20 syndications totaling over 75 million dollars. As the real estate and banking industries began to change however, it was apparent to Frank due to the dependency on the auto industry Michigan’s economy was going to struggle. As a result, he had already begun to diversify into purchasing/developing income producing properties in Oklahoma, Texas, and Pittsburgh which were more stable markets.
Joshua Colton
Chief Legal Officer / Chief Compliance Officer
Joshua Colton is a Michigan licensed attorney, who has been involved in the Michigan medical marijuana industry since its inception in 2008. During that time Joshua has been involved in the representation of clients and their businesses in all aspects of the laws as they impact the framework of the cannabis industry as it stands today. Since the passage of Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) Joshua has assisted in all aspects of the regulatory process, using his creativity and problem solving skills, to assist both his clients and the governing regulatory agencies in standardizing a new developing industry. Joshua currently represents a number of large corporate operators within the state of Michigan, who both are active participants as well as ancillary service providers. Josh’s expertise and commitment led him to open his own firm J Colton Legal to provide top notch legal and compliance services to his clients. Josh’s expertise and success within the space has led to him being asked to sit on a number of expert panels and has frequently led to news publications asking for his input on pressing cannabis related issues. In addition to his time spent on involved with the Marijuana program in Michigan, Josh has worked extensively within the Hemp industry, representing every aspect of the industry, consulting on everything from large scale cultivations, to processing facilities, to retail and marketing strategies, all focused on state and federal compliance with all applicable agencies. Josh has provided services to clients working across the U.S. and internationally at certain points in time to handle different regulatory issues in the new and developing industry. Josh has helped develop successful hemp companies from the ground up in every aspect form formation, to business plan, compliance, and capital raising. Josh’s unique blend of state, federal, and international experience working on complex and ever-changing legal developments has positioned him as one of the forthright experts in the Cannabis/Hemp industries.
