The BUDEGA NYC Team:
Alex Norman is a first-generation Cuban-American entrepreneur with a dynamic career spanning finance, media, and digital marketing. Raised in NYC and a Bed-Stuy resident for over 20 years, he became a New York State CAURD license holder in 2023, positioning him to lead a community-focused cannabis dispensary. His professional journey began as a financial advisor managing significant assets, followed by founding a cultural hub in Brooklyn, and later excelling in digital marketing for e-commerce startups. With deep ties to Brooklyn and a commitment to innovation, integrity, and community, Norman is poised to be a transformative leader in the cannabis industry.
Louis W. Colon III, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Owner of Budega NYC, is a Bed-Stuy native with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of culture, commerce, and creativity. Inspired by his Puerto Rican grandparents’ entrepreneurial legacy in Brooklyn, Colon’s career highlights include founding Kicksclusive Magazine and Laces, the world’s first women’s-only sneaker boutique, as well as leadership roles at iconic brands and retailers in the Footwear and Fashion industry. With expertise in storytelling, experiential retail, and cultural marketing, Colon draws on his deep BK roots and industry knowledge to transform Budega NYC into a cannabis destination that blends innovation, community, and authentic cultural experiences.