Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 Source: Guelph Mercury (CN ON) Copyright: 2014 Metroland Media Group Ltd. Contact: http://www.guelphmercury.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1418 SALUTING THE RESILIENCE OF RADE KOVACEVIC A bookie would have given long odds to anyone seeking a wager in August 2010 that Rade Kovacevic would in a short time be a darling of the local business community and a key player in a burgeoning research-linked firm spotlighted for its innovation. After all, in August 2010, Kovacevic was a principal in a local cannabis club that had just been raided by the Guelph Police Service, and he and other stakeholders with the organization were facing multiple charges. He and the others charged vigorously asserted their innocence, claimed that the investigation against them was improper and vowed that they would not be found guilty. But isn't that the usual line from suspects - particularly ones with a somewhat prominent profile in the community? The thing is, as Kovacevic et al. had predicted, the case against them fell apart and was pulled by the Crown. And, fast forward to June 27, 2014 and there is Kovacevic being hailed, with his new firm MedCannAccess, as the winner of the innovation award at the annual Guelph Awards of Excellence. That journey was influenced by a host of things. Among them was an evolution of policies and regulations related to the use and provision of medical marijuana in Canada. But also central to this narrative is Kovacevic's resolve, passion and resilience as a person and entrepreneur. Today, he's a leader in a firm worth an estimated $23 million that employs 13 people and poised to grow - quickly - both in terms of staff size and in the number of locations it will be operating. Kovacevic's story of personal and professional redemption is a remarkable one. It also gives ample reason to think this inspiring chronicle will yet grow substantially. From suspected drug dealer to business visionary and biopharmaceutical industry deal-maker, we look forward to what's to come for Rade Kovacevic. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D