BUDDY BUCKNER
General Counsel- National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Age: 39 First Industry Job: My first full-time job was helping to fill the pick rack in the warehouse. I wasn ' t old enough to drive the forklifts at the time, but I could throw cases. Favorite Drink: Depending on the time of day, either coffee or wine
Buddy Buckner comes from a family with a legacy in the beverage alcohol industry.“ My family spent three generations in the wine wholesale business,” he says.“ As with most families, the expectation was to work if you weren ' t in school or practice.”
“ Family businesses teach unique lessons, especially in a space as politically active as beverage alcohol,” he adds.“ In politics, the first campaign I managed for Dave Albo taught me a different side of regulated markets. And in law, I ' ve been fortunate to learn from our CEO, Neal Insley, who practiced for many years prior to leading NABCA.”
Today, Buckner is“ privileged to serve as General Counsel for NABCA. At a national level, it is always fascinating to watch both the industry and law evolve in real time.”
For young professionals considering a career in the alcohol industry, he gives this advice:“ In an industry that must necessarily think in terms of decades, it isn ' t too surprising it takes time to establish credibility; often more time than you think it should,” he says.“ And in some cases, you ' re absolutely correct. But those two statements aren ' t as far apart as they may seem. Keep doing the work and research. Don ' t chase every trend. And always show up as honesty and consistency will take you far.”
“ The beverage alcohol industry affords professionals a wide array of opportunities,” he adds.“ From logistics to chemistry, there are roles that demand unique skill sets and expertise all while operating within a regulated market. While the compliance demands may seem daunting at first, the skills you develop by managing these competing forces will make you a well-rounded leader capable of succeeding in any sector.” Buckner never loses sight of what’ s most important.“ Everything I do, I base on the best interests of my family,” he says.“ In doing so, it reminds me to take a step back when things get difficult and reframe what truly matters. And often times, that simple acknowledgment that there are things bigger than myself is all that ' s required to push through.”
“ I try to lead by example,” he continues.“ Our industry is great, but it also entails significant risks. Responsibility and decency should always be at the forefront of people ' s minds when making decisions.”
Buckner embodies those two important, commendable traits when working with his staff, or taking leadership roles elsewhere in life.
“ I ' ve always found the most joy in seeing my team advance,” he says.“ Whether it ' s coaching football or professionals, seeing teammates develop and succeed is the ultimate signal you ' re doing something right in life.”
ANGUS RITTENBURG
CEO, Wynk
Age: 34 First industry job: Wynk Favorite drink: Wynk Strawberry Lemonade!
Cannabis-infused beverages are making their way into liquor stores in legal states across the country. And with a plethora of brands fighting for shelf space, Angus Rittenburg has managed to get his brand to stand out among the rest. As the founder of THC-infused beverage brand Wynk, he has successfully scaled a category-defining product while building partnerships with distributors and expanding retail presence across multiple states.
“ When we started this company, we were laughed out of rooms across the country for trying to sell low-dose THC beverages,” Rittenburg reminisces.“ We were told it made up just 1 % of sales. We were told people wanted 10x the dose. We were told the economics didn’ t work and the regulations made it impossible.”
But Rittenburg believed in low-dose THC beverages, and so he and his team kept investing in production technology, market expansion, educational marketing and product innovation.
“ Fast forward to today, and it’ s clear that we were right,” Rittenburg says.“ THC beverages are making headlines for being the fastest-growing adult beverage category in the U. S. My biggest achievement is helping to create one of the companies that pioneered a path for this entire category.”
Not only has Rittenburg managed to create a successful brand in a still stigmatized category, but he’ s also led extensive regulatory work, educating policymakers and creating pathways for low-dose hemp beverages at a time when consumer preferences are rapidly evolving.
By advocating for clarity and responsible standards, he has helped ensure that innovative products can reach consumers safely and sustainably.
Rittenburg says he hopes to continue advocating for this industry and increase Wynk’ s visibility.
“ Our goal is simple: get Wynk into every retailer that carries White Claw and High Noon,” he says.“ Once that’ s done, place Wynk in more!”
12 2026 BEVERAGE INFORMATION GROUP 40 UNDER 40