Andrea Unsworth, MBA

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Andrea Unsworth is a leading cannabis business consultant specializing in licensing, compliance, and social equity programs. After working as a bond analyst at Moody’s, she launched StashTwist, a Prop 215 delivery dispensary, in 2014. She co-founded Supernova Women in 2015 to advocate for entrepreneurs impacted by the War on Drugs and played a key role in developing Oakland’s cannabis equity program, reviewing applications for its first round of funding.

As the founder of Tulip & Oak, Andrea has helped secure licenses, funding, and grants for social equity operators across California, including Oakland, San Francisco Los Angeles, and Modesto. She provides technical assistance, grant writing, and business development support to ensure long-term success for small cannabis businesses. She has also testified before the State of California on cannabis policy and frequently speaks at industry conferences.

Andrea holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from UCLA and an MBA in Corporate Finance from USC.

Blake Hoffmann

PARTNER, PROJECT MANAGER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Blake Hoffmann is a Project Manager at Tulip & Oak, specializing in technical support for clients in high-compliance industries. His expertise spans manufacturing protocols, packaging and labeling compliance, operational management, and creative direction.

Blake Has played a key role in transforming The Cave, a Bay Area smoke shop, into an industry leader. Over ten years, he expanded its retail and eCommerce presence, growing its social media following to 150,000+ and managing Shopify’s largest inventory site. As Creative Director and Project Manager, he organized events, led staff training, and oversaw major business expansions.

In 2020, he became a partner at Tulip & Oak, providing cannabis operators with permit applications, branding, packaging design, regulatory compliance, and operational training. He has authored and updated SOPs, batch production records, and manufacturing protocols while ensuring final compliance checks on packaging and premises drawings.

Blake is highly skilled in cannabis manufacturing, from packaged flower and prerolls to water extraction and cartridge filling. He trains clients on regulatory requirements, documentation, and procedures to ensure long-term success.

Reese Benton

PROJECT MANAGER

Reese Benton is a pioneering entrepreneur and founder of Posh Green Cannabis Boutique, the first Black woman-owned dispensary in San Francisco. With a background in health and wellness, she previously worked at the Department of Public Health and UCSF, providing patient support and community outreach. Her experience shaped her commitment to quality care and accessibility.

Passionate about workforce development, Reese launched the Career Preparation Program at Job Corps – Treasure Island, helping students build academic and career readiness. In 2016, she combined her expertise in health and mentorship with the cannabis industry, founding Posh Green as a delivery service before expanding into a storefront.

Reese navigated a complex two-year approval process with San Francisco’s Planning Department, overcoming regulatory hurdles, financial barriers, and public opposition. In June 2020, she successfully opened her dispensary, creating a welcoming space focused on high-quality products and cannabis education. Through Posh Green, she continues to advocate for equity, wellness, and opportunities for marginalized communities, cementing her influence in the industry.

Patrick Finnegan, CPA

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Patrick Finnegan transitioned from a 30-year government career to the private sector, where he now represents businesses and individuals facing tax audits from agencies like the IRS, FTB, CDTFA, and local excise tax authorities. He specializes in EDD payroll audits and business formation, offering guidance to entrepreneurs navigating complex tax regulations.

As a Senior Tax Auditor with the California Board of Equalization for 20 years, Patrick later joined the Office of the Inspector General overseeing the California Department of Corrections. Since then, he has focused on helping small businesses and cannabis equity entrepreneurs manage audits, tax filings, and compliance challenges.

Through his CPA firm, Patrick Finnegan CPA, he provides tax preparation services for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and individuals, with a specialization in cannabis taxation and 280E compliance. He ensures businesses understand their reporting obligations and deductions, reducing tax liabilities while maximizing compliance.

Patrick regularly meets with clients across the Bay Area, working closely with Oakland and San Francisco’s equity programs to support entrepreneurs from underserved communities. All of his clients are verified equity applicants, giving him deep insight into the unique financial challenges and opportunities they face.