We Are Midwest Barrel Co.
PUT A FACE TO THE NAME!
We think it’s nice to know who’s on the other end of the phone calls, emails and happy hour invites, so take a chance to get to know us here – or stop by our shop if you’re in the neighborhood!
We’re a team of entrepreneurs, crafters, makers and innovators. Each of us brings a unique set of knowledge and skills with one common interest: the barrel.
Slingin’ barrels might look easy but it’s all in the details. That’s right, not all barrels are created equal and there’s A LOT to know. Meet our team of barrel experts.
CORE VALUES
CHEERS TO FAMILY
More than just a team, we’re family. Always willing to lend a helping hand, statements like it’s not my job don’t exist. We bring our very best, every time, and celebrate the impact on our products, people and planet. Happy hour anyone?
IMPROVE THE WEATHER
We are a team through and through. And part of pulling our weight is bringing more than a positive attitude. Drama, toxic behavior and politicking are not welcome here. We like to improve the weather by keeping it real. We treat each other with respect, inclusion and transparency.
ACT LIKE AN OWNER
As a team of creators & makers, we take pride in what we do. Hard work, responsibility and quality are the standard, not the exception. Whenever possible, we ACT. Don’t know? ASK. Mistakes happen. OWN IT. We empower our self motivated team to have an entrepreneurial mindset.
CHEERS TO FAMILY
IMPROVE THE WEATHER
ACT LIKE AN OWNER
As a team of creators & makers, we take pride in what we do. Hard work, responsibility and quality are the standard, not the exception. Whenever possible, we ACT. Don’t know? ASK. Mistakes happen. OWN IT. We empower our self motivated team to have an entrepreneurial mindset.
MEET THE TEAM
BEN LOSEKE
FOUNDER
Ben Loseke
Founder & CEO
There are many sides to Ben. A Ph.D. in Horticulture. A nose for a good deal. Allergies to long meetings. And the ability to build a business with $50 and a dream. But like the barrels he loves so much, Ben is more than the sum of his parts. He’s Barrel Ben. The guy that started it all.
Ben’s happy places include dusty auction barns, vineyards, distilleries, breweries and barrel warehouses - and anywhere with Jess and the boys.
JESS LOSEKE
FOUNDER & CEO
Jess Loseke
Co-Founder
When Jess married Ben, she didn’t realize that most of the rings in her future would be around barrels. Still, she wouldn’t change a thing. She’s always got a new idea and isn’t afraid to mix things up. That’s how she grew a hobby into the country’s leading barrel broker. And she’s not done yet.
Jess balances it all with being the mom of two boys and two pups. She’s fueled by coffee and daily planks. Not sure how she does it, but we’re glad she does.
JUSTIN SCHILTZ
VP of IT & Marketing
Justin Schiltz
VP of IT & Marketing
Justin’s quest? Navigating the twisted realm of "beeps" and "boops" while charting our strategic marketing course. Though the digital seas be rough, he thrives in the tidal waves of complexity. His affinity for problem-solving & analytics is matched only by his dedication to his most vital duty: unraveling Jess's laptop snags.
Fostering camaraderie and spirited debates, Justin infuses the office with positivity and movie quotes aplenty. After hours, he’s an avid cook, gamer, and outdoorsman. Despite his neverending interests, Justin's heart belongs to his furry companion and fellow adventurer: Meli.
ETHAN SCHULENBERG
VP OF SALES
Ethan Schulenberg
VP of Sales
If you’re a brewer, you’ve probably spent time chatting with Ethan. More than just a sales guy, he genuinely cares about our customers and takes pride in helping them be successful in whatever barrel project they’re embarking on.
If Ethan’s not here, he’s outside, enjoying some fresh air, a little exercise, and all that the wide world has to offer. What he’s not doing right now? Sleeping. As a proud dad of a new daughter, Ethan stays busy 24/7.
MITCH BELINA
Engraving Production supervisor
Mitch Belina
Engraving Production Supervisor
Of all our Midwest Barrel Co. employees, Mitch has been with us the longest. You could say that he didn't just get in on the ground floor, he helped us pave it. Making cool stuff is his passion - both on and off the clock. He calls it tinkering - we call it artistry. If you're ogling cool barrel merch on our website, it's probably Mitch's brainchild you're admiring.
If you can't find Mitch at our warehouse, he's outside enjoying nature, rain or shine, and dreaming up new ideas for his next project.
NOAH FORKNER
Warehouse Supervisor
Noah Forkner
Warehouse Supervisor
Meet Noah, the Swiss army knife of the warehouse team and our new Warehouse Supervisor, born and raised in Owingsville, KY. He came up slingin' BBQ smoking wood and knew the product cold. Now he runs the floor. Noah moves from job to job without missing a beat, keeps the crew sharp, and makes the whole warehouse better for it.
Outside of work, Noah forages Morel mushrooms and is an avid angler, with sights set on reeling in the Kentucky state record fish. Most days, you’ll find him hanging with his beloved husky, Astro, intensely rooting for the Bengals, or whipping up a new recipe. Noah's secret sauce? Passion, straight up.
WILLETT
BARREL INSPECTOR
Willett
Barrel Inspector
Shop dog, sidekick, supervisor, director of morale… Willett has many titles at Midwest Barrel Co. From greeting people at the door, to chipper morning hellos, to constant toy squeaking during meetings, Willett’s always ready to lend a helping paw.
This little Parti Yorkie is named after Willett Distillery, whose bourbon and rye whiskey barrels are only available through Midwest Barrel Co. No matter how your day has gone, Willett can put a smile on your face with a lick or excited tail wag. Stop by and say hi!