About WABD Agency Inc.
WABD Agency Inc., also known as We Are Built Different, is a California company that specializes in providing services and strategies for brands, dispensaries, and manufacturers in the global cannabis industry. The agency was founded with the purpose of implementing innovative approaches that can help establish the reputation and success of its clients within the cannabis ecosystem.
The agency specializes in kingmaking practices, which refers to the ability to elevate brands and businesses to a prominent position within the cannabis market. This can involve various strategies such as sales, marketing, branding, distribution, and strategic partnerships. By leveraging their knowledge and connections within the industry, WABD Agency aims to help their clients succeed and thrive in the competitive cannabis industry.
With a team boasting a collective experience of over 10 years in the legal cannabis industry across dispensary management, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, packaging and procurement. WABD Agency Inc. possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving sector. The team members have gained hands-on experience by working closely with key players in the cannabis industry, enabling them to understand the nuances and intricacies of the market.
By leveraging their industry intelligence and insights, WABD Agency Inc. aims to provide strategic guidance, marketing solutions, and other specialized services to their clients. These offerings are designed to help cannabis brands, dispensaries, and manufacturers establish their presence, build their reputation, and achieve success in a highly competitive and regulated industry.
Overall, WABD Agency Inc. is dedicated to supporting and empowering businesses operating within the cannabis industry, utilizing their expertise to enable clients to thrive and stand out in the global cannabis ecosphere.
WABD Agency Inc.
Executive Team Bios
Danny Keith, CEO
Danny Keith is an experienced entrepreneur with a diverse background in various industries, including cannabis, radio, brand licensing, sports, mobile app development, non-profit, e-commerce, retail, and social media.
Danny has over 25 years of experience in the cannabis industry involved in the early stage prop 215 era working with master growers, multi-state cultivators, distributors, and brands. In 2015, he founded Cannabis Club TV (billed as the Netflix of Cannabis by the LA Times), a dispensary television/menu network that eventually sold to Weedmaps. He also founded Cheech and Chong Cannabis Company in 2020 with the intent of immortalizing the cannabis icons and has worked with numerous other brands and celebrities within the cannabis industry.
In addition to his work in cannabis, Danny Keith has also had a successful career in terrestrial radio (iHeartRadio), brand licensing, action sports, NBA (Golden State Warriors 2015 Champions), mobile app development, non-profit, internet e-commerce, retail, and social media-based businesses. His sales and fundraising activities have resulted in over $100 million in revenue over the past 3 decades. Danny has been a serial entrepreneur his whole life creating and selling businesses successfully.
Danny is married with two children, loves to surf and enjoys his free time coaching and watching basketball.
Larissa Shorr, President
Larissa Shorr is an accomplished executive with 25 years of administrative experience, specializing in event organization, publicity, and marketing for celebrity branding in the cannabis industry. She has spent the last 5 years utilizing her skills and expertise in this field. Larissa's dedication and professionalism make her an invaluable asset for busy executives, as she is committed to making their lives easier and more efficient.
During her time at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Larissa had the opportunity to interact with celebrities and their management teams. This experience allowed her to develop a deep understanding of how to maximize their potential. She coordinated high-profile events, managed complex schedules, and handled sensitive information with discretion. Larissa's background in working with celebrities makes her well-versed in the unique demands and expectations that come with managing their professional affairs.
In addition to her professional achievements, Larissa has a passion for live music, sailing, and travel. These personal interests contribute to her well-rounded perspective and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Overall, Larissa Shorr's extensive experience, professional approach, and understanding of the cannabis industry and celebrity branding make her an asset to the WABD Agency.
Kenneth Ingber, CLO
Kenneth Ingber is a highly experienced attorney with over 25 years of experience in representing businesses in entertainment, cannabis, and commercial transactions. He is recognized as an expert in emerging regulatory markets, including cannabis, digital currency, and blockchain-based technology. Kenneth has been an advocate for investors and businesses in these verticals and has represented investors, operators, and cultivators in the cannabis industry since its adoption in California.
Kenneth's diverse experience includes business, entertainment, and labor laws. He has been recognized by his peers with the Super Lawyer designation for more than a decade. He has tried dozens of entertainment-related and fraud cases to verdict, including matters relating to trademark, copyright, and licensing/distribution rights.
In addition to his legal work, Kenneth also serves as an advisor and board member to startups and production studios. Prior to owning his own law firm, Kenneth practiced law at several of the nation's most prominent law firms and served as General Counsel and Vice President for Business Affairs for an independent publicly-traded record label.
Outside of his work as an attorney, Kenneth enjoys mountain biking on nature trails and is a Grateful Dead fan. He is married and has two children.
Matthew Bramlett, CSO
Matthew Bramlett is a seasoned industry professional with a wealth of experience in the cannabis sector. Over the course of 10 years, he has amassed extensive knowledge and expertise, working with some of the most iconic brands in the industry. Throughout his career, Matthew has been involved with renowned names such as Cheech and Chong, Master P, Honeydew Farms, and The Emerald Cup.
His experience working with prominent brands has provided him with valuable insights into the cannabis industry's nuances and trends. His expertise in product development ensures that he can create compelling offerings that resonate with and meet market demands. Additionally, his brand management skills enable him to craft strong and authentic identities for cannabis brands, establishing their unique positions in the market.
Matthew's impressive track record, coupled with his passion for the cannabis industry, positions him as a valuable asset in any cannabis-related venture. His combination of industry knowledge, expertise in product development and brand management, and skillful resource placement make him a highly trusted and sought-after professional in the field.
Charley Hesse, COO
Charley Hesse is a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, showcasing over a decade of relentless dedication and expertise. From cultivation to retail as well as consulting, his visionary leadership has yielded exceptional results, propelling a single retail cannabis operation to generate an annual revenue of over four million dollars. With astute focus on brand management, working with Bela, TREEZ, Kanha, ROVE, and Platinum, and innovative marketing strategies, Charley orchestrated unforgettable events and crafted promotional products that perfectly complement the cannabis experience while driving revenue. As the Executive and General Manager of HomeGrown Holistic, Inc., he flawlessly oversaw all aspects of the multi-million dollar retail and distribution cannabis corporation.
Charley Hesse's additional expertise includes project management of multimillion-dollar construction projects for the state of California, financial oversight of funds surpassing $1.3 billion from the Federal Highway and the Federal Transportation Administrations, and development of state regulations. As a marketing and promotional consultant, he has established a stellar reputation over the years by collaborating with entities such as PAC-12 and Fanatics.
Charley is an academic in business management and a life-long martial artist. He loves spending time with his family and has enjoyed many years as a high school football coach.
William Morris, CPO
William Morris is a powerhouse in the cannabis industry, leveraging his six years of experience as the owner of a successful manufacturing and cultivation business. Currently William is managing relationships with 5 different cultivation facilities in California, Arizona, Missouri, Mississippi and Oklahoma.
His ability to juggle responsibilities in a fast-paced environment is evident through his expertise in operations management, compliance, sales, business development, and distribution. Additionally, William is an advisor in the cannabis industry throughout the U.S. and provides value with his industry knowledge.
As CPO, William executes the company's strategic vision and oversees all operational departments. He enforces strict compliance with state and local laws, maintains a clean and efficient facility, and manages buildout projects. Through continual implementation of best practices in tracking supply chain and industry trends, he consistently enhances production, yield, and profitability.
William's leadership cultivates key relationships with B2B clientele and expands the customer base across state borders. He conducts regular meetings with upper management to review KPIs, host inspections with government officials and regulators to ensure seamless compliance.
With a B.B.A. in Marketing from The University of Texas at San Antonio, William's educational background complements his industry prowess. His key skills encompass business and operations management, team leadership, and METRC supply chain tracking proficiency. He excels in coordinating workflow, drives sales, develops and implements SOPs.