David Ovelman
Chief Operating Officer
Dave serves as a strategic consultant and leader of CannCount, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AAFCPAs, where he leverages his extensive experience and hands-on approach to guide operators in making well-informed business decisions rooted in precise data. His expertise in converting data into practical operational strategies has consistently driven bottom-line results for cultivators, significantly boosting profitability and positioning operators for success in the highly nuanced and competitive cannabis market.
Dave started his career in cannabis as a Cultivation Operations Manager back in 2010 in Denver, Colorado. Since then, he’s held positions ranging from Head Grower to Chief Strategy Officer, responsible for overall business strategy and driving profitable growth for a leading U.S. multi-state operator with 5 cultivation sites, 4 manufacturing spaces, and 53 retail locations. Dave’s vast expertise has earned him an international reputation, positioning him as a trusted advisor to cannabis shareholders and C-level executives across the U.S., Canada, Colombia, and Australia.
Fueling his impact, Dave helps operators develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and industry benchmarks for all segments of the business, from cultivation, extraction/distillation, manufacturing, and retail. He oversees the extraction, inspection, cleansing, and modeling of data related to finances, retail operations, and the business’s unique competitive landscape, helping operators understand who they are in the market and reset their overall business strategy. He serves as an interpreter, breaking down silos between finance, growers, data teams, and shareholders—getting everyone speaking the same language based on clean and accurate data, informing a clear and smart strategic plan.
Fun facts: Prior to his extensive career in cannabis, Dave was a Tornado Chaser, Forest Fire Fighter, and a Carpenter/Framer. In his free time, he enjoys body surfing, skiing, and Mother Nature in all her splendor. He also has three very active kids, and volunteers for their scout troops and sports teams.
Education
- University of Northern Colorado – Bachelors, Environmental Science