DTC Podcast Ep 551: Tesla to THC: How WYNK Engineered Explosive Growth in a Regulated Environment
Oct 13, 2025
Angus Rittenburg, cofounder of WYNK and former Tesla engineer, delves into revolutionizing the THC beverage market. He discusses the innovative mobile canning system that granted WYNK early access to the market and the regulatory navigation required for distribution. Angus highlights creative marketing strategies to convert alcohol drinkers and shares insights on leveraging QR codes for retail conversions. With a keen eye on future opportunities, he also touches on the increasing interest from big alcohol companies in the THC space.
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Mobile Canning Trailer Launch
- Angus designed and built a 53-foot mobile canning trailer to solve state-by-state production limits in 2021.
- He used the trailer to partner with licensed facilities and produce THC seltzers on site across states.
State Fragmentation Blocked National Rollouts
- U.S. cannabis rules forced beverage producers to build licensed facilities in each state, blocking national rollouts.
- That fragmentation made single-state beverage brands common and created an opening for mobile and distributed manufacturing.
Minnesota Opened A New Retail Path
- Minnesota allowed hemp-derived THC to be sold outside dispensaries, creating a new alcohol-like retail route.
- That decision unlocked liquor-store and on-premise distribution and accelerated category growth nationwide.