About the Author
Neil Demers serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Frost Exotic Cannabis. A visionary in cannabis retail, cultivation, and production, he has been a pivotal figure in shaping the industry landscape. On top of his comprehensive expertise in the cannabis industry, Demers holds a Masters of Science in Finance from the University of Denver, coupled with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Economics from Colorado State University.
Neil’s Journey
Since embarking on his cannabis industry journey in 2010, Demers has been instrumental in the development, growth, and compliance of cannabis retail stores, commercial grow warehouses, and large-scale edible and concentrate companies. His forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of business and finance have positioned him as a leading figure in navigating the evolving cannabis market.
Under his leadership, Frost Exotic Cannabis has garnered multiple accolades, reflecting his commitment to excellence. Some of which include:
Cannabis Business Awards’ 2017 Cannabis Executive of the Year
MVP award at the 2020 Cannabis Business Awards
Best Dispensary/Center – Cannabis Business Awards (2020)
Recognition by Westword Reader’s Choice and Forbes for various accolades from 2017 to 2020
Additional Cannabis Awards
Cannabis Business Awards – 2017 Retail Dispensary of the Year
Cannabis Business Awards – 2017 Executive of the Year: Neil Demers – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Cannabis Business Awards – 2017 Manager of the Year: Nick Jack – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Cannabis Business Awards – 2017 Budtender of the Year: Gladys Solis – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Cannabis Business Awards – 2018 Retail Dispensary of the Year – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Cannabis Business Awards – 2018 Most Valuable Brand of the Year – Diego Pellicer
Cannabis Business Awards – 2019 International Cannabis Business of the Year – Diego Pellicer
Cannabis Business Awards – 2020 Best Dispensary/Center Medical or Recreational – Diego
Pellicer – Colorado
Cannabis Business Awards – 2020 MVP: Nick Jack – Frost Exotic Cannabis
Cannabis Business Awards – 2020 MVP: Neil Demers – Frost Exotic Cannabis
Cannabis Business Awards – 2020 Best Flower: Cookies – Gary Payton
Cannabis Business Awards – 2020 Best Edible: Dialed In… Gummies
Westword’s Best of Denver 2018 – Best Dispensary for a Newcomer – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Westword’s Best of Denver 2019 – Best Dispensary for a Light Weight – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Westword’s Best of Denver 2019 – Best Selection of Concentrates – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Westword’s Best of Denver 2019 – Best Selection of Flower – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Westword’s Best of Denver 2020 – Best Dispensary for a Light Weight – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Westword’s Best of Denver 2020 – Best Selection at a Dispensary – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Westword’s Best of Denver 2020 – Best Dispensary for a Tourist – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Westword’s Best of Denver 2021 – Best Dispensary Mural – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Westword’s Best of Denver 2021 – Best New Colorado Strain – Cookies – Cereal Milk
Westword’s Best of Denver 2021 – Best New Dispensary – Cookies – Broadway
Westword’s Best of Denver 2021 – Best Celebrity Weed Brand – Cookies
Westword’s Best of Denver 2022 – Best New Dispensary – Frost Exotic Cannabis
Westword’s Best of Denver 2022 – Best Dispensary Waiting Room – Frost Exotic Cannabis
Rooster’s THC Classic: Top Choice 2018 – Cannagars
Architect Digest: 7 of the Best-Designed Marijuana Shops Across America – Diego Pellicer –
Colorado
Leafbuyer’s 2017 Best of the Best – Best Designed Dispensary – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Leafbuyer’s 10 Most Eye-Catching Dispensaries – Diego Pellicer – Colorado
Neil Demers’ expertise spans across retail operations, commercial cultivation, and production in the cannabis industry. His strategic planning foresaw the growth of the cannabis market in Colorado and across the United States, guiding his successful ventures in the sector. Additionally, he plays a vital role on the board of directors for Clover Leaf University, the first nationally accredited cannabis university.
Demers is known for his strategic negotiation skills, having successfully licensed and launched the first Cookies cannabis retail store in Colorado. He also served as the Chief Operations Officer for multiple retail and grow operations, as well as a leading edible company before his current role.
