Fowler Entrepreneurship Grad Launches a New Kind of Soda Company
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Vinny Wilson (’22, Management/Entrepreneurship) always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur.
“In elementary school, I got in trouble for selling my Pokémon Gameboy games for cash,” Wilson recalled. “In middle school, I started a sticker business and after high school, I developed a patent-pending solar panel for electric vehicles. No matter what phase of life I was in, I always knew I wanted to run my own business,”
In July 2024 — shortly before his 26th birthday — Wilson followed through on his entrepreneurial ambitions when he and his father, Sam, launched No Cap! Soda Pop. Their product is a unique no-calorie, no-sugar and no-caffeine soda with flavors such as Sour Watermelon, Strawberry Dream and Bussin’ Berry.
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Soft Skills and Course Work Set the Tone
No Cap! was the culmination of Wilson’s entrepreneurial drive, his previous experience in the beverage industry (including roles at Congo Brands and Yerba Mate Clean Cause), and the lessons he learned as a student at San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business.
“I came to SDSU because it had everything I was looking for, but specifically, I wanted to pursue a management degree with a specialization in entrepreneurship,” said Wilson. “I wanted to be surrounded by entrepreneurial-minded people, and the Fowler College of Business provided that environment.”
While his coursework helped him understand the complexities of running a business, Wilson said it was the soft skills he learned at SDSU that best prepared him to launch his own enterprise.
“Being surrounded by driven, like-minded individuals pushed me to get better by learning how to manage my time, stay focused, and balance my work, study, and personal life,” he said. “The entrepreneurship program also gave me confidence. Being around others who were equally driven to start their own businesses made my goals feel more achievable.”
Runs in the Family
Wilson’s father had built a 26-year career in the beverage industry, so the combination of both men’s experience and Vinny Wilson’s entrepreneurial drive led them to launch No Cap! near their home in Corona, California. “I grew up watching my dad in store aisles stocking the shelves with certain brands,” said Vinny Wilson. “Since we had been side-by-side for so long, it only made sense to bet on ourselves and do this together.”
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“What are You Going to do About It?”
For those wanting to follow their entrepreneurial dream, Wilson offers a simple, yet powerful piece of advice:
“When it comes to pursuing your own business venture, ask yourself two questions: Do you think about it 24/7? What are you going to do about it? The answers will tell you if it’s just an idea or something worth chasing.”
Note: NoCap! Soda is currently available in retailers throughout Southern California and nationally through Amazon.
