# MBO Ventures Case Study | Green Lane Communication

URL: https://www.greenlanecommunication.com/case-studies/mbo-ventures.html
Author: Mike Mejer, Founder and Principal, Green Lane Communication
Last updated: 2026-11-06

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# How MBO Ventures became a trusted name in cannabis ESOPs.
MBO Ventures is the cannabis industry's investment bank for Employee Stock Ownership Plans. Green Lane secured 40+ podcast and media placements, including Forbes, and 1.4M coverage views.
By Mike Mejer
Founder and Principal · Published November 6, 2026

1.4M Coverage views 40+ Podcast and media placements 38.9K Coverage views on social See how we count
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## About MBO Ventures
MBO Ventures is an investment bank dedicated to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) for cannabis companies, a structure that helps owners address the tax burden of Section 280E.

## The challenge
Darren Gleeman, Managing Partner, had tried pitching journalists and podcasts himself, but running an investment bank left no time for proper media outreach. “I wanted someone with a network larger than mine, someone who could get me on podcasts, in publications, and beyond,” he said.
He compared several firms. His concern with a larger agency was being handed to a junior associate. With Green Lane, he knew the most experienced person would work directly on his account.

## What Green Lane did
Green Lane took over the time-intensive work of pitching so Gleeman and his team could focus on the business. The program secured podcast appearances, publication features and other media placements that positioned Gleeman as the expert voice on cannabis ESOPs.
Detailed monthly coverage reports showed the media impact clearly. Gleeman first committed to three months and extended the engagement because he saw the value in continuous visibility.

“The work we've done with Green Lane has laid a strong foundation for my brand, and I'm confident it will continue to pay off in the long term as people recognize my name and associate it with expertise.”

Darren Gleeman, Managing Partner, MBO Ventures

## The results
The placements exceeded Gleeman's expectations. Referral partners, such as attorneys, now introduce him to people who already recognize his name, and that recognition reinforces trust before the first conversation.
“The earned media Green Lane has generated for me and MBO Ventures has definitely enhanced my brand. It's built credibility, trust, and awareness within the industry.”
Darren Gleeman, Managing Partner, MBO Ventures

Client
MBO Ventures
Category
Investment bank focused on employee ownership
Sector
ESOP advisors and investment bank
Program
Ongoing earned media, now offered as Press Engine

What we did
Podcast bookings
Publication features
Executive positioning
Monthly coverage reporting
More client results
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LeafyPack: 14.9M coverage views

RollPros: 4.6M coverage views

All client results

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