Join us at the C4 Lab in Chico, California, with Founder and CEO Dave Petersen and Co-Founder and CFO Curtis Bortle to see how they use robotics to drive their operations while training and educating their team to prepare them for careers in the ever-changing automation and manufacturing industry.
Meet the C4 Cannabis Company: A Thriving Veteran-Owned Operation
Founded by CEO Dave Petersen and Curtis Bortle, both military veterans, the C4 cannabis company was born in the Northern California Sierra Nevada region.
Petersen’s journey into cannabis began upon his return from a deployment overseas. Like many veterans, he dealt with PTSD and sought various therapies to help treat it. Petersen–a decorated combat soldier and a disabled veteran from injuries sustained during combat missions–was not interested in treating his PTSD opioids. He found relief in the cannabis plants he tended to while developing his passion for gardening. Petersen set out to create a company that would share the healing properties of cannabis with others facing similar struggles.
“One of my long-term goals for this company is to be one of the first, if not the first, company that supports veterans with a cannabis product,” Petersen explains, “I’d like to be part of the journey and provide a cannabis product for veterans that experience PTSD.”
Bortle, who served 14 years with tours in Jordan and Iraq, is also a disabled combat veteran. After his time in the military, Bortle became dedicated to understanding the legality of cannabis in California.
Subsequently, he joined forces with Petersen as a co-founder of the C4 cannabis company.
“Given the parameters that cannabis has–that it’s at least as safe if not safer than alcohol, and it has a large enough use case–the safest thing to do to solve issues is to legalize it,” Bortle notes.
In 2021, Petersen retired from the U.S. Military as a Chief Warrant Officer of the Army Special Forces. After 14 years in the army with tours in Iraq and Jordan, Bortle retired from the U.S. Military as a Staff Sergeant. Petersen and his team continue the fight for military veterans and those in need to have supported access to well-tested, high-quality, and affordable cannabis products.
Giving Back to the Local Community
Beyond its role and dedication to serving the veteran community, the C4 cannabis company is committed to giving back to its local community’s youth. Petersen and Bortle focus on teaching them valuable skills and a strong work ethic that can be applied in their future careers. Many of these young workers operate the advanced automation systems in the facility, learning the ins and outs of the cannabis industry while contributing to the company’s growth.
Integrating Xylem Robotics into C4’s production line has further boosted efficiency, helping streamline operations and meet growing demand. By combining technology with a commitment to healing and community development, the C4 cannabis company is a true testament to the positive impact of veteran-owned businesses in the cannabis space.
Learn more about Chico Cannabis Company at chicocannabiscompany.com.
To speak with a representative at Xylem Robotics and explore how automation can transform your manufacturing, please contact the Xylem Robotics Team.
