Jacob is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a passion for helping others. He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston College, where he also received advanced certificates in child welfare and public policy. He earned his undergraduate degree from Lesley University, where he studied international relations and social work.

As an outpatient therapist for adults with mental health disorders, Jacob quickly realized that many of his patients’ issues were deeply rooted in systemic problems that would not be solved through therapy alone. This is where his career shifted. He began focusing on public policy and working at a public policy think tank focused on child welfare. There, Jacob honed his skills in researching and writing public policy briefs, analyzing government and regulatory documents, and advocating for change on behalf of vulnerable populations. He then moved on to a lobbying and public affairs firm in Boston, where he worked directly with clients to achieve their legislative and funding goals through government channels.

Jacob’s expertise in navigating the complex world of government-business interactions was particularly valuable during the height of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. During this challenging time, he and his team secured over $25 million in funding for their clients.

Today, Jacob brings his wealth of experience and dedication to the team at Tenax Strategies, where he continues to work tirelessly to impact the world around him positively.

Jacob’s Work at Tenax Strategies

Despite Jacob’s untraditional path to entry into the cannabis industry, his unwavering enthusiasm for the field proves that it was meant to be. Initially hired for his expertise in government affairs at Tenax Strategies, Jacob gradually found himself drawn into the complex world of cannabis. With his love of puzzles and a talent for solving complex issues, Jacob quickly thrived in the competitive cannabis industry.

What sets Jacob apart is his desire to see things grow from start to finish. He manages the many stakeholders involved in getting a cannabis business up and running, from architects and engineers to legal aid and administrative staff. Together with the Tenax team, he has helped numerous clients take their cannabis business ideas from conception to fruition. Whether it’s navigating complex regulations, securing funding, or building a successful brand, Jacob is committed to delivering results that exceed his client’s expectations.

Jacob’s competitive spirit and dedication to helping others make him a valuable asset in the cannabis industry. He is passionate about using his skills and experience to help his clients succeed. Jacob is a skilled project manager and client representative at Tenax Strategies, where he brings his diverse expertise to bear on behalf of clients in the cannabis industry.

What sets Jacob apart is his ability to build strong relationships with officials and government bodies, which helps to ensure that Tenax clients are seen in a favorable light when applying for a cannabis license. In addition, his background in social work and relationship-building skills allow him to excel in challenging communications and to help clients achieve their goals within the complex world of government affairs and cannabis regulation. Finally, his ability to interface with regulators is unparalleled.

Jacob’s value to the Tenax team and clients is exemplified by his determination, resourcefulness, and expertise in navigating complex situations. In one particular anecdote, Jacob and his team faced a challenging situation with a client in New Jersey, where the municipal process was particularly political and difficult to navigate. Yet, despite the odds, Jacob and the team were able to secure a favorable outcome for the client, leveraging their extensive network of relationships and expertise in the industry.

Jacob Hicks

Jacob Hicks

Vice-President

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