James Tundidor Jr.
From a young age, the son of blue-collar Cuban and Dominican immigrant families, James had ingrained in him the importance of an honest day’s work, dedication to family, and giving to those less fortunate. Shortly before graduating from the University of South Carolina, James founded Uncle Sam Trading Inc, a logistics company focusing on importing products to Guadalupe from Miami, China, and worldwide. James, his father Jim, and compounding pharmacist Laura Fuentes co-founded Green Roads, a producer of pharmaceutical-grade CBD wellness products. He currently holds a New Jersey Class V Cannabis Retail license in Elizabeth, NJ under Budzooka Dispensary which has quickly become among the top 3 dispensaries.
James has helped several businesses across all phases of the business life cycle, from startup to scaling to M&A. He has worked across a diverse spectrum of international industries. Throughout his career, James has gained a wealth of experience in business and operating plan development, real estate acquisition, funding, investor relations, banking, accounting and tax compliance, HR, staffing, payroll, and vendor and partner relations. Real estate acquisition, capital raises, employee management, and turnover are three of the most common issues the cannabis industry faces today. James has extensive experience starting, operating, and growing successful businesses in highly regulated industries, including pharmaceutical-quality CBD manufacturing and retail, real estate, hospitality, international shipping and logistics, and liquor control.
As part of his experience in workforce development and job creation plans, James appreciates the dynamics of employee morale and the importance of company culture. As the son of two immigrant parents, having heard stories of the struggles that his family has endured from racism and poverty, James has always placed a high priority on diversity and inclusion in his businesses.
He is committed to including individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged communities, those with prior offenses in the criminal justice or juvenile justice system, and those with disabilities. James has also insisted on the inclusion of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBC), and Veteran Owned Business (VOB). James also brings experience in rules and regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and he works with labor organizations and unions, collective bargaining agreements, and labor peace agreements. James and his family value each employee’s safety, security, and overall well-being, developing a culture that maintains the small-business mentality of knowing your team. James firmly believes that a company’s culture will ultimately lead to its success. Throughout his career, James has earned several licenses and certifications, including:
• New Jersey Class V Cannabis Retail License
• Sonoco Lean Six Sigma Green-Belt;
• Florida 4COP Dual License, Tobacco & Retailer of Alcoholic Beverages
• Florida Permanent Seating Food Service License
• Florida Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate, number SL3405782; and
• Real Estate Negotiation Expert.
Through his role in operating the Tundidor family real estate company, James has dedicated his time, skills, and knowledge to developing affordable housing for struggling families and prime commercial retail and industrial space for minority-owned small businesses. In operating a real estate development company and working as a licensed real estate agent, James has gained a wealth of experience in maintaining compliance with local fire, building, and environmental codes. He has worked with dozens of industry vendors, from architects and contractors to light fixture providers.
