Iron Heart Canning’s Path from Craft Beer to Cannabis Beverages

In this edition of the Creator Spotlight, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Donna VanGlad and Keegan Sellers from Iron Heart Canning. Iron Heart has become a recognizable name in the mobile canning industry, supporting everything from craft breweries to the emerging cannabis beverage market. Here, Donna and Keegan share their insights on what fuels their passion, how they got here, and how Iron Heart is positioned to make a mark on the cannabis-infused beverage industry.

A Strong Foundation in Craft Beer

Iron Heart’s story starts with craft beer, where their canning services became a lifeline for breweries looking to scale their packaging. According to Keegan, Iron Heart has built its reputation by supporting craft breweries, offering them the tools to grow without compromising quality. This foundation allowed Iron Heart to branch out, bringing their experience and quality-driven approach to new sectors.

Keegan explains: “We were born out of partnerships in craft beer. Helping breweries scale was our bread and butter. Over the last decade, we’ve developed a model focused on collaboration and scalability, which we’re now applying to cannabis beverages.” By carrying over the practices honed in craft beer, Iron Heart is well-equipped to support the unique demands of cannabis beverage brands.

Donna’s Journey: From Brewery Life to Iron Heart

Donna’s story with Iron Heart started long before she officially joined the team. With over 14 years of experience working alongside her husband in the brewing industry, she’s no stranger to the world of beverages. When Iron Heart opened a marketing role, she knew it was a perfect fit. “When Iron Heart expanded to Minnesota, we were there to witness the beverage boom. It was thrilling to be on the front lines, helping brands package their ideas into cans,” Donna shares.

Donna’s journey highlights the close-knit and passionate nature of the Iron Heart team. This collective experience is something they bring forward as they help cannabis brands navigate the complexities of canning and compliance.

Entering the Cannabis Space

While Iron Heart’s foundation is in craft beer, Keegan brings years of experience in cannabis, from cultivation to retail. His passion for cannabis goes back 15 years, and he’s excited to see how cannabis-infused beverages are carving out a niche in the market. “Cannabis beverages represent the next stage of growth. We’re seeing the industry shift from medical markets to adult use, and hemp-derived THC is gaining momentum. Being part of this journey is incredibly rewarding,” Keegan says.

Keegan’s extensive background allows him to help Iron Heart strategically position itself to support cannabis brands. By focusing on both hemp-derived and adult-use THC beverages, Iron Heart aims to bridge the gap between two evolving markets, offering scalability and expertise to cannabis operators across multiple states.

Quality and Compliance: At the Heart of Iron Heart

When asked how Iron Heart ensures quality, Donna and Keegan both agree that quality speaks for itself. In an industry where any packaging failure can be catastrophic, Iron Heart’s commitment to quality is unwavering. “Our clients need reliability,” Donna emphasizes. “A great example is when one client reported zero failures out of thousands of cans after pasteurizing, which is rare. That kind of reliability isn’t just good for us—it’s good for our clients and their reputation.”

This focus on quality is backed by a robust network of co-packers and industry partners, along with Iron Heart’s in-house engineers and lab facilities. These resources ensure that every can meets the standards necessary to build long-term partnerships with brands. Keegan adds, “Our experience packaging over 480 million cans means we’ve seen it all. We bring consistency, reliability, and a deep knowledge of the industry’s nuances.”

Navigating Compliance in a Multi-State Industry

Operating in 27 states brings unique challenges, especially in cannabis, where compliance varies by state. Keegan explains that Iron Heart has built a strong network that allows them to navigate each state’s regulations effectively. “Managing compliance across states can be complex. Each has its own regulations. Our network ensures we can handle these challenges and support our clients regardless of the state they operate in,” he says.

Iron Heart has also developed relationships with co-manufacturers and cannabis operators across states like Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois, helping brands enter markets without the typical compliance-related headaches. This multi-state approach is key as cannabis moves toward nationwide acceptance, making Iron Heart a valuable partner for brands looking to grow.

A Growth-Focused Future with Cannabis Beverages

While Iron Heart continues to support craft breweries, their focus on cannabis beverages is a major part of their growth strategy. Donna points out that demand is rising, especially among Gen Z, who are choosing cannabis beverages over traditional alcohol options. “Gen Z wants something different, and cannabis beverages fit that demand perfectly. We’re excited to be part of a trend that’s only gaining momentum,” Donna explains.

Keegan and Donna both see the potential for cannabis beverages to become a staple, just like craft beer. With states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and others eyeing adult-use legalization, Iron Heart’s presence across these regions positions them to lead the charge. They hope to expand their network, supporting cannabis brands as they move into new markets and gain traction.

How You Can Support Iron Heart Canning

Iron Heart’s mission to bring quality canning solutions to the cannabis beverage industry is fueled by a passion for innovation and quality. If you know a THC brand looking to enter the market, Iron Heart is open to connecting. For those curious about what they offer, check out their THC beverage canning services at ironheartcanning.com/THC-beverage-canning.

As Keegan shares, Iron Heart attends various events throughout the year, including MJ BizCon, the Chicago Drinks Expo, and Boston’s NECANN. “We’re always looking to connect with new brands and industry players,” he says. For those attending these events, be sure to stop by Iron Heart’s booth to learn more about their vision and how they’re driving quality in cannabis beverages.

With a strong foundation in craft beer and an ambitious path forward in cannabis, Iron Heart Canning is positioned to be a leader in this fast-growing space. From scalability to quality, Iron Heart’s mission is clear: they’re here to can your vision, one beverage at a time. Cheers to that!