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 & PRESIDENT
Ben Loseke
Founder
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
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Jess Loseke
Founder & CEO
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 Peloton rides. Not sure how she does it, but we’re glad she does.
JOSH HOEFLER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Josh Hoefler
Chief Financial Officer
Josh’s job description? Budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring the numbers add up. And, of course, finding a few nickels to fund each Friday’s happy hour. No wonder he’s so popular.
Josh’s also been known to jump in and sling a few barrels when the need arises. It gets him out from behind his desk and helps him keep up with three active kids. It’s also a good excuse for a hazy IPA at day's end. Well deserved, Josh.
KYLE ALVEY
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Kyle Alvey
Chief Operations Officer
Bio coming soon!
DIA THOMPSON
CHIEF OF STAFF
Dia Thompson
Chief of Staff
Bio coming soon!
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.
JUSTIN SCHILTZ
VP of IT & Marketing
Justin Schiltz
VP of IT & Marketing
Bio coming soon!
TIM QUINN
WAREHOUSE DIRECTOR
Tim Quinn
Warehouse Director
Embark on a journey to barrel wonderland led by Tim, our self-proclaimed “Warehouse Guru and Organizational master.” Go ahead and brag, Tim – we fully agree! His inventory management know-how ensures our operations run smoother than a well-aged whiskey. He fosters a collaborative environment and leads his team to crush any challenge.
Beyond the barrels, Tim's adventurous spirit beckons, leading him and his wife on epic journeys camping and hiking across the country in over 30 National Parks! With bourbon in his veins and kindness in his heart, Tim brings a unique blend of warmth and industry insight to Midwest Barrel Co., making him an indispensable cornerstone of our family.
MITCH BELINA
PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
Mitch Belina
Production Specialist
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.
ASHLEE COONEY
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT and Culture & Community Lead
Ashlee Cooney
Executive Assistant and Culture & Community Lead
Ashlee is the Mary Poppins of Midwest Barrel Co. Not in the flying umbrella sense, rather the fact that she has everything anyone would ever need in her bag. And we’re thankful for that.
She’s also a pro at scheduling, communicating and organizing. Her title may be Executive Assistant, but the entire office would be lost without her!
When Ashlee’s not drinking water out of one of her many Stanley cups, she’s proudly partaking in happy hour. She’s always upbeat, bubbly and focusing on her favorite part of the day, which makes every day a good day.
CIERRA DECK
HR BUSINESS PARTNER
Cierra Deck
HR Business Partner
Bio coming soon!
DAN BELL
LOGISTICS COORDINATOR
Dan Bell
Logistics Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
LEE DREW STIVERS
BARREL QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST
Lee Drew Stivers
Barrel Quality Assurance Specialist
Bio coming soon!
JESSICA ANN ZIMLICH
Senior Barrel Specialist & Strategic Partnerships Manager
Jessica Ann Zimlich
Senior Barrel Specialist & Strategic Partnerships Manager
Bio coming soon!
Charrisse Del Prado
Amazon Account Manager
Charrisse Del Prado
Amazon Account Manager
ETHAN SHORT
Business Development Representative
Ethan Short
Business Development Representative
Bio coming soon!
DANIEL KIBILOSKI
Parcel Shipping Specialist
Daniel Kibiloski
Parcel Shipping Specialist
Bio coming soon!
COREY PALMER
Bulk Shipping and Receiving Specialist
Corey Palmer
Bulk Shipping and Receiving Specialist
Bio coming soon!
NOAH FORKNER
BBQ SMOKING WOOD PRODUCTION SPECIALIST and Safety Representative
Noah Forkner
BBQ Smoking Wood Production Specialist and Safety Representative
Bio coming soon!
DEVIN JOHNSON
BRAND MANAGER
Devin Johnson
Brand Manager
Bio coming soon!
MATT BARLOW
DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER
Matt Barlow
Digital Strategy Manager
Bio coming soon!
AARON MIVELAZ
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Aaron Mivelaz
Graphic Designer
Bio coming soon!
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!