The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 60: Sasha Nutgent, Housing Works Cannabis Co.
The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast Episode 60: Sasha Nutgent, Housing Works Cannabis Co.
Equity in Action: Building New York’s First Adult Use Dispensary
In this episode of The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast, Michael Zaytsev (aka Professor Z) speaks with Sasha Nugent, Vice President of Retail for Housing Works Cannabis Co. (HWCC)—the first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary to open in New York State.
With over 20 years of retail experience and a decade-long tenure at Housing Works, Sasha shares the behind-the-scenes story of launching and scaling HWCC’s dispensary operations from the ground up. Their conversation covers hiring, procurement, regulation, and how to lead with mission in a competitive and volatile industry.
More than a cannabis retailer, Housing Works channels 100% of dispensary proceeds into its social enterprise mission—supporting housing, healthcare, job training, and harm reduction services for vulnerable New Yorkers. This episode offers a rare and inspiring look at what it takes to build an equitable cannabis business that’s truly community-driven.
Topics Discussed:
🌆 From Thrift to THC: Sasha’s journey from Housing Works thrift stores to VP of Retail for the first legal dispensary in NY
📈 Scaling with Purpose: How HWCC grew from opening-day lines around the block to $20M+ in annual sales
🛍️ Customer Experience as Strategy: Why HWCC achieves a 60% return rate—and what that means for retention
📦 Procurement with Intention: How Sasha’s team curates inventory across 1,000+ SKUs while supporting diverse, local brands
🤝 Reentry & Equity in Hiring: Partnering with NYC’s C.R.E.A.T.E. reentry program to develop a mission-aligned workforce
📉 Lessons from the Frontlines: How to adapt when regulations shift—like having to tear down thousands of dollars in marketing vinyl overnight
Noteworthy Quotes:
“We are the only dispensary in the city, that I know of, where 100% of the proceeds go back into a mission.”
“I always look for people with retail experience first. The cannabis knowledge we can train, but customer service is key.”
“We saw over a thousand people a day in our first few months. Even on Black Friday in traditional retail, I’d never seen crowds like that.”
“We have a 60% return rate. That speaks to the connection between our budtenders and our customers.”
“If you’re shopping with Housing Works, you’re supporting healthcare, housing, and harm reduction programs in New York City.”
About Sasha Nugent:
Sasha Nugent is the Vice President of Retail for Housing Works Cannabis Co., overseeing all aspects of dispensary operations—from hiring and training to inventory management, compliance, and customer experience. With 20+ years in retail and deep roots in the Housing Works organization, Sasha brings both operational excellence and a fierce commitment to social equity. She’s a proud advocate for cannabis justice, HIV/AIDS awareness, and housing access, and a respected leader in NYC’s emerging cannabis retail landscape.
Additional Resources:
🌿 Housing Works Cannabis Co. - Visit Housing Works and shop for Cannabis products while supporting a great cause!
📚 Michael Zaytsev’s The Cannabis Business Book
🏫 LIM College: Business of Cannabis Degree Programs
This episode is a must-listen for cannabis operators, retail professionals, mission-driven entrepreneurs, and anyone building businesses at the intersection of equity, community, and cannabis commerce.