“I’m an Upbeat, Energetic Person Committed to Building Lasting Impact.”
Richard H. Drennen is a seasoned executive, industry pioneer, and entrepreneurial leader whose career reflects four decades of transformative growth, bold innovation, and enduring influence across multiple sectors. With a foundation rooted in commercial real estate and construction, Richard’s professional journey is defined by an unwavering drive to elevate organizations, empower people, and forge strategic partnerships that create lasting value. His deep operational insight and creative approach to leadership have propelled him through a diverse and impactful career that continues to evolve.
Born with a natural instinct for building—not only physical infrastructure, but also organizations, teams, and visions—Richard began his career in the 1980s in Nashville’s thriving commercial real estate development sector. As a young professional navigating one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, he quickly gained a reputation for being a tenacious strategist and an exceptional promoter. These early years laid the foundation for his future success in managing complex projects, identifying growth opportunities, and creating dynamic business ecosystems.
In the 1990s, Richard joined his oldest brother’s 700-person general contracting firm, where he played a pivotal role in regional business development. Over nearly a decade, he sharpened his leadership capabilities and expanded his operational perspective, becoming instrumental in driving the company’s expansion across the Southeast. His intuitive understanding of people, coupled with his construction knowledge, helped him become a trusted advisor and a well-respected figure in the commercial construction space.
Richard’s entrepreneurial spirit found full expression in the 2000s when he acquired Superior Mechanical, a commercial plumbing contracting business. Under his leadership for 14 years, the company flourished into one of the ten largest plumbing subcontractors in the South-Central United States. He introduced lean construction principles and prefabrication strategies, creating operational efficiencies that elevated the firm’s reputation for innovation and reliability. His tenure was marked not just by revenue growth, but by cultural transformation—Richard built a values-driven organization where quality, precision, and partnership were paramount.
After exiting his construction business, Richard transitioned into the energy sector, where he played an integral role in expanding a friend’s company from a single client to a robust portfolio spanning 22 states. Through this role, he gained access to over 8,000 hospitals and demonstrated his signature ability to scale organizations efficiently and ethically. He leveraged his sales acumen, industry credibility, and forward-thinking approach to deliver results that exceeded expectations.
In 2015, Richard joined GenCanna Global, a vertically-integrated hemp and CBD production company, during its formative years. As Director of Administration and Chief Operating Officer, he guided the company through complex challenges involving construction, finance, and risk mitigation. Richard’s leadership was instrumental in securing millions in incentives, equity, and loans. He helped organize a major financial restructuring, negotiate with creditors, and manage investor relations with tact and transparency. His work exemplified the rare ability to lead through turbulence with confidence and clarity.
Today, Richard serves as a Business Development Officer at Shield Compliance, a leading SaaS provider in the cannabis banking space. In a market often misunderstood and underserved, he brings both subject-matter expertise and a passion for educating financial institutions on risk, compliance, and opportunity. Having spoken at numerous banking conferences and engaged with thousands of financial institutions, Richard is a vital voice in shaping the future of cannabis finance in the United States.
Throughout his career, Richard has never been content with status quo thinking. He is a prolific speaker, published contributor, and influential advocate for smart policy and progressive industry standards. His leadership ethos is grounded in curiosity and an unwavering belief in the power of innovation to solve real-world problems. Whether guiding construction firms or advising fintech disruptors, Richard brings the same focus: to build better systems that serve clients more effectively.
Beyond the boardroom, Richard’s life is marked by civic engagement and spiritual leadership. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, led small groups within his church community, and contributed as a mentor, trainer, and volunteer in organizations from the United Way to the Parkinson Association of Alabama. His legacy is not just professional—it’s personal, relational, and deeply rooted in service.
Now, as he seeks to share his knowledge and leadership experience through board participation, Richard sees his role not simply as a consultant or advisor, but as a catalyst. Having witnessed firsthand the difference a thoughtful mentor can make, he is committed to bringing his multi-industry wisdom to companies seeking to scale, evolve, and win in good faith.
Character:
Richard is grounded in integrity, energy, and a deep commitment to service, both professionally and civically. His leadership style reflects humility, resilience, and a values-driven approach that inspires trust and loyalty from colleagues and partners alike.
Knowledge:
With over 40 years of cross-sector experience, Richard possesses expert-level insight into construction, real estate, and cannabis banking. His knowledge spans operational execution, financial structuring, and organizational leadership.
Strategic:
Richard has consistently identified growth opportunities and led organizations through complex transitions, scaling businesses while maintaining operational discipline. His strategic thinking is forward-looking, entrepreneurial, and deeply attuned to market dynamics and stakeholder needs.
Communication:
A confident and persuasive speaker, Richard connects with audiences from the boardroom to the conference stage through clear, engaging, and mission-driven messaging. His ability to simplify complexity and build consensus has made him a trusted advisor and influential thought leader.
