Black Buffalo Co-Founder and President Mark Hanson has been recognized by Goldman Sachs as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2025 at its Builders and Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, Calif.
Goldman Sachs selected leaders from multiple industries for the two-day event focused on building enduring companies and advancing innovation. Hanson’s selection follows Black Buffalo’s recent milestones, including expanded national retail distribution, continued growth of its Herd Rewards loyalty program and sustained investment in R&D and compliance to serve age 21-plus adult consumers of nicotine and tobacco.
“We are pleased to recognize Mark as one of the most exceptional entrepreneurs of 2025,” said David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, “Under Mark’s leadership, the Black Buffalo team has not only built a successful enterprise, they are redefining industry paradigms. This year’s Summit has brought together many of the best business minds to talk about building the next generation of businesses.”
“I am deeply honored to be named among Goldman Sachs’ Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs,” said Hanson, “This award is a reflection of the Black Buffalo team’s tireless dedication to excellence, foundational commitment to compliance and relentless pursuit to deliver innovative products to our adult consumers.”
Now in its 14th year, the Builders and Innovators Summit is a gathering for founders and CEOs of growing companies. Previous honorees have gone on to lead multi-billion dollar companies, both in the private and public markets. In addition to honoring the most exceptional entrepreneurs each year, the Summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders as well as resident scholars.
Founded in 2015, Black Buffalo has created America’s leading smokeless tobacco alternative products, backed by over 25,000 hours of research and development. The company is a four-time recipient of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America award (most recently in 2025).
