The Philosophy Behind Freshly Baked NYC

Our mission is to deliver superior, safe, tested, responsibly sourced, value-priced cannabis products that New Yorkers deserve and demand.

We are building a neighborhood-first dispensary where guidance is personal, education is practical, and every customer can find a trusted path that fits their needs.

Meet The Founders

Portrait of co-founder David Nicponski
David Nicponski

Co-founder David Nicponski is a software engineer with a lifelong interest in startup companies that transform established industries. Since New York legalization, he has focused on building a compliant cannabis business that serves the community and creates local economic opportunity. David has been a Board member of the New York Cannabis Retail Association since 2024.

Portrait of co-founder Pamela Nicponski
Pamela Nicponski

Co-founder Pamela Nicponski comes from a CPA background and has led regulatory and licensing readiness since New York's adult-use cannabis framework launched. She applies financial and operational discipline to improve profitability, reliability, and customer trust.

Portrait of co-founder John Nicponski
John Nicponski

Co-founder John Nicponski has a mathematics and computer science background and joined Freshly Baked NYC in April 2023. He supports planning, analysis, and systems design while adapting workflows to the operational demands of licensed cannabis retail.

Meet The Leaders

Portrait of Karon Thompson, General Manager of Freshly Baked NYC Bronx
Karon Thompson

Karon Thompson, a lifelong NYC resident with background in political science and public policy, joined Freshly Baked in 2024 and rapidly worked his way up the ranks. The lifelong New Yorker was ecstatic to see NYC move towards legalization, opening up new opportunities in the industry that he vigorously pursues. Karon serves as General Manager of the OG Bronx location.

Portrait of Nicolas Amores, General Manager of Freshly Baked NYC Midtown
Nicolas Amores

Nicolas Amores brings more than 20 years of international management experience, along with an MBA and a strong background in team leadership, commercial development, and operational processes. After working overseas in different managerial roles, Nicolas joined Freshly Baked NYC with the goal of helping the team grow, improving daily operations, and creating a professional, welcoming experience for every customer. He is excited to be part of New York’s growing legal cannabis industry and to contribute to Freshly Baked NYC’s success as General Manager of the flagship Midtown location.

The Beginning

Starting our cannabis business was a complex journey. We began with self-guided research as New York legalization unfolded, then expanded through conferences, seminars, hands-on industry learning, and endless self-study and continual monitoring of industry and regulatory changes.

Team brainstorming around laptops during early planning
Founders resting in front of a city-view window with planning and idea  post-its stuck everywhere to the windows after a brainstoming session
Conference attendee portrait documenting the startup journey
Founders signing first store lease paperwork at closing