Sean Carriger is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive leader, and board director recognized for building and scaling high-growth organizations in some of the world’s most complex and highly regulated industries. With more than eighteen years of professional experience spanning cannabis, agri-tech, healthcare, biotechnology, energy, and advanced manufacturing, Sean has built a reputation as a pragmatic strategist and operator who understands how to transform ambitious ideas into scalable, profitable enterprises. His career is defined by an ability to navigate regulatory complexity, secure institutional capital, and guide companies through transformational growth and successful exits.
As President of Agri-Genesis, a vertically integrated cannabis enterprise in Missouri generating more than $50 million in annual revenue, Sean leads a workforce of more than 220 employees across multiple licensed facilities. In this role, he oversees operational strategy, regulatory compliance, capital formation, and technological transformation initiatives that position the company for long-term success. Under his leadership, Agri-Genesis has experienced rapid expansion and operational efficiency improvements, including a significant increase in retail revenue following the transition from medical to recreational cannabis markets. His focus on disciplined financial management and operational optimization has strengthened EBITDA performance while preparing the organization for a strategic exit planned for 2026.
Sean’s entrepreneurial journey began with a deep understanding of operational leadership developed during his early career in the energy sector. Working with global organizations including Chevron, KBR, and BP, he gained firsthand experience managing complex logistics operations, multimillion-dollar projects, and high-performance teams in demanding environments across the United States and internationally. While working for BP, Sean managed contract negotiations valued at more than $350 million annually with major service providers and later supervised drilling and completion operations, coordinating teams of up to 100 personnel while managing daily operational budgets exceeding $150,000. These formative experiences instilled the operational discipline and strategic thinking that would later define his leadership style as an entrepreneur.
Driven by a passion for innovation and problem-solving, Sean transitioned from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship. He founded Mobile Safety Solutions, a company focused on developing patent-pending mobile emergency response systems designed to address environmental hazards and safety challenges. The company’s solutions were adopted by all branches of the United States military, as well as agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and the Secret Service. Sean successfully sold the company’s intellectual property and assets to a major defense contractor, marking the first of several successful exits in his career.
Sean continued to expand his entrepreneurial footprint with the founding of Mana Holdings, a vertically integrated cannabis enterprise operating across Colorado and Oregon. At a time when the cannabis industry faced intense regulatory uncertainty and competitive market dynamics, Sean successfully raised capital, scaled operations, and structured a strategic merger that ultimately led to a profitable exit. His work during this period established him as a respected leader within the emerging cannabis sector and positioned him as a trusted advisor for entrepreneurs navigating regulatory markets.
Building on this momentum, Sean later joined Show Me Alternatives as Chief Operating Officer, where he led the design and construction of Missouri’s first cGMP-certified cannabis manufacturing facility. During the challenging COVID-19 period, he oversaw the launch of multiple retail and manufacturing operations, bringing projects online under budget and ahead of schedule despite supply chain disruptions. His leadership contributed to substantial early revenue performance, exceeding projections and driving millions in additional revenue for the organization during its first year of operations. Sean also played a key role in raising $6 million in capital and facilitating two successful license exits valued at more than $21 million.
Beyond his executive leadership roles, Sean is an active board member and advisor dedicated to shaping the future of emerging industries. He serves on the board of Start Healthcare, a healthcare education and technology company based in India, where he contributes strategic guidance on digital transformation and international expansion. Additionally, he has held advisory roles with organizations such as the Missouri Independent Medical Cannabis Association and MoCann Trade, where he worked closely with regulators and policymakers to establish responsible industry frameworks and compliance standards.
Sean’s influence extends into academia and global policy initiatives. He has advised Kansas State University on hemp genetics research and supported Truman State University in developing cannabis-focused curriculum and internship programs designed to prepare the next generation of industry professionals. Internationally, Sean has collaborated with government leaders in Belize, presenting policy and program development strategies to national leadership, and has participated in advisory initiatives related to cannabis regulation in Colombia. He is also involved in healthcare initiatives in India, reflecting his commitment to global collaboration and innovation.
A forward-thinking leader, Sean actively integrates artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies into modern business operations. He holds multiple certifications across leading AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, DeepSeek, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Jasper AI. By combining technological fluency with operational experience, he helps organizations modernize processes, unlock data-driven insights, and position themselves for competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets.
Throughout his career, Sean has successfully raised institutional and private capital, guided organizations through mergers and acquisitions, and delivered more than $92 million in enterprise value through strategic transactions. His experience working with founders, executive teams, and investors has made him a sought-after advisor for companies entering critical growth phases. Having personally experienced the pressures of building and scaling companies, Sean is particularly passionate about helping entrepreneurs navigate complex decisions while building sustainable, mission-driven organizations.
Sean holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, which he completed while working full-time, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Texas A&M University. He was honored with the Silver Chaparral Award, a distinction awarded by his peers to the student most likely to advance the goals of their profession. This early recognition reflects the leadership potential that continues to shape his career today.
At his core, Sean Carriger is a builder—of companies, teams, and transformative ideas. His leadership is grounded in operational excellence, strategic vision, and a deep respect for the challenges entrepreneurs face while growing organizations in evolving markets. As he continues to serve as an executive leader and board advisor, Sean remains committed to supporting innovative companies that seek to create meaningful impact while navigating the complexities of modern business.
Character:
Sean Carriger demonstrates strong character through his commitment to integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership across every organization he has led. Throughout his career, he has consistently taken on complex challenges in highly regulated industries, maintaining a reputation for ethical decision-making and operational discipline. His willingness to mentor founders and guide emerging leaders reflects a genuine commitment to helping others succeed while building sustainable businesses.
Knowledge:
His knowledge is rooted in nearly two decades of experience operating at the intersection of entrepreneurship, regulation, and technology. He possesses deep expertise in capital markets, regulatory compliance, operational scaling, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. His ability to translate complex industry dynamics into practical strategies allows organizations to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities for growth.
Strategic:
Strategic thinking has been a defining element of Sean’s leadership throughout his career. From structuring capital raises and mergers to preparing companies for successful exits, he consistently focuses on long-term value creation and disciplined execution. His ability to anticipate market shifts and design scalable systems enables companies to grow responsibly while maintaining strong financial performance.
Communication:
A clear and confident communicator who regularly engages with investors, policymakers, executive teams, and industry stakeholders. His experience presenting to government leaders, advising boards, and participating in media and podcast discussions demonstrates his ability to convey complex ideas in a thoughtful and persuasive manner. By fostering transparent dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, he builds alignment across diverse teams and leadership groups.
