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Part 4: Berner: I Dodged Diddy Business Meeting for 1 Year, He Wanted to Take 10% of My Company
Part 2: Berner on Cookies Becoming a $1 Billion Brand, Gary Payton Strain Biggest in North America
Part 1: Berner on How He Flipped His Mom's $19K Inheritance into $1M a Year Business
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Berner, the entrepreneur behind the prominent cannabis brand Cookies, reveals the harrowing struggle he faced fighting a hostile takeover attempt on his company while simultaneously battling colon cancer. Diagnosed at just 38—the same disease that took his mother’s life at 54—Berner underwent extensive treatment including surgery and six months of grueling chemotherapy. Despite these personal hardships, he continued to lead his business through a turbulent legal battle, spending around $20 million on legal fees over three years fighting to retain control of Cookies.
Berner describes the cannabis industry as oversaturated and competitive, with brands battling to emerge as the dominant player. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality and brand integrity rather than succumbing to market pressures to sell cheaper product. Amidst confronting both cancer and corporate threats, Berner released his best-selling album *Gotti*, underscoring his resilience and determination to leave a lasting mark.
