Full Name
Lucas Nelson
Job Title
Group President
Company
Bud & Mary's
Speaker Bio
Lucas Nelson is the Group President of Bud & Mary’s, a multigenerational family-owned company named after his grandparents, R.W. “Bud” and Mary Nelson. Serving in this role since 2022, Lucas leads the company’s strategic vision, oversees all state operations, and spearheads state and national lobbying efforts.
Under his leadership, Bud & Mary’s has expanded into two new states, significantly increased topline revenue, and successfully merged two separate businesses in Iowa and Colorado into the company. He played a pivotal role in rebranding the company, assembling a team of vice presidents to help drive business growth, and overseeing a research division that has secured multiple patents and grants. He was also instrumental in helping achieve the passage of legislation to dramatically improve Iowa’s medical marijuana program, furthering Bud & Mary’s commitment to cannabis accessibility.
Before becoming Group President of Bud & Mary’s, Lucas served as General Manager of MedPharm Iowa, leading the application writing and startup of the company’s Iowa business. MedPharm Iowa rebranded to Bud & Mary’s Cannabis in 2022, honoring his grandparent's legacy and reflecting the company’s growth beyond Iowa.
Earlier in his career, Lucas practiced law at Stites & Harbison in Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked on large-scale real estate transactions, assisting in closing deals worth several hundred million dollars.
Beyond his professional work, Lucas is deeply engaged in community service. He serves on the board for Easterseals Iowa, which recognized him as Board Volunteer of the Year, and he and his wife are major supporters of Des Moine nonprofit, By Degrees, which partners with schools to increase high school graduation and college readiness rates.
In his free time, Lucas enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, golfing, traveling, and trying new foods – especially anything spicy. A passionate sports fan, especially of the St. Louis Cardinals, Lucas is close to achieving his goal of visiting every Major League Baseball Park.
Lucas holds an accounting degree from James Madison University and a law degree from Indiana University.
Under his leadership, Bud & Mary’s has expanded into two new states, significantly increased topline revenue, and successfully merged two separate businesses in Iowa and Colorado into the company. He played a pivotal role in rebranding the company, assembling a team of vice presidents to help drive business growth, and overseeing a research division that has secured multiple patents and grants. He was also instrumental in helping achieve the passage of legislation to dramatically improve Iowa’s medical marijuana program, furthering Bud & Mary’s commitment to cannabis accessibility.
Before becoming Group President of Bud & Mary’s, Lucas served as General Manager of MedPharm Iowa, leading the application writing and startup of the company’s Iowa business. MedPharm Iowa rebranded to Bud & Mary’s Cannabis in 2022, honoring his grandparent's legacy and reflecting the company’s growth beyond Iowa.
Earlier in his career, Lucas practiced law at Stites & Harbison in Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked on large-scale real estate transactions, assisting in closing deals worth several hundred million dollars.
Beyond his professional work, Lucas is deeply engaged in community service. He serves on the board for Easterseals Iowa, which recognized him as Board Volunteer of the Year, and he and his wife are major supporters of Des Moine nonprofit, By Degrees, which partners with schools to increase high school graduation and college readiness rates.
In his free time, Lucas enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, golfing, traveling, and trying new foods – especially anything spicy. A passionate sports fan, especially of the St. Louis Cardinals, Lucas is close to achieving his goal of visiting every Major League Baseball Park.
Lucas holds an accounting degree from James Madison University and a law degree from Indiana University.
Speaking At
