What began as an antiquing hobby has morphed into a full-fledged business endeavor for entrepreneurs Ben and Jess Loseke, who co-founded Midwest Barrel Co. The husband and wife duo officially launched the company in 2015, combining Ben’s background and connections in the viticulture industry with Jess’ background in business to hone in on reselling wine barrels.
“We started selling wine barrels for decor purposes and then learned that breweries were using them to age beer,” Jess Loseke said. “Over the next couple of years, we transitioned to selling more to breweries, which is now our primary market.”
Today, Midwest Barrel Co. sells to customers internationally and continues to expand its offerings. Recently, the business introduced a line of BBQ smoking wood made from barrels that previously held spirits. This new product was inspired by the company’s goal to be as close to zero waste as possible.
“We are always looking to add innovation to an older industry and we try to make doing business as easy as possible by removing any barriers,” Jess Loseke said.
In 2020 when the pandemic hit and some businesses were scaling back, Jess Loseke saw an opportunity to hit the gas pedal. The company grew quickly and she found herself trying to lead through situations that she had never been through. This feeling of loneliness pushed her to join EO Nebraska.
“I realized EO was exactly what I needed so that I could learn from other entrepreneurs who were going through the same challenges without having to recreate the wheel myself,” Loseke said. “It’s a very safe place to learn and it’s not a place of competition. Instead, it’s a place of lifting one another up.”
As a growth-minded individual, Loseke has big plans for the future. For right now, she is most excited to continue interacting with new customers in new industries.
“My role as the leader of the company is curator of stories,” Loseke said. “Every person has a story and the product that we sell is being used to help tell their story, whether it’s through craft beer or a BBQ experience.”
EO Nebraska Celebrates Its Strategic Alliance Partners
EO Nebraska proudly celebrates our Strategic Alliance Partners for their contributions to our chapter. Their partnerships are imperative to the success and future of our chapter. The evening will be highlighted with a keynote from Organizational Psychologist, Ryan Avery: Go from A to The®.
Organizational Psychologist, Ryan Avery has spent the last decade researching, implementing, and answering the question, “What are the differences between being A vs THE at what we do?”.
Ryan’s research has taken him to keynote at more than 1,000 events in 33+ countries, break 7 world records and write two best-selling books translated in seven languages. Ryan is known for his relatable stories, relevant business insights and real-life takeaways we can use instantly to be THE at what we do.
Thank you to all of our Strategic Alliance Partners.
Interested in becoming a Strategic Alliance Partner for EO Nebraska. Schedule a intro call by emailing Sarah Cano at sarah@rooforia.com
March 30, 2023 • 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
At the View at West Shores
For all EO Nebraska Members & SAPs.
Email: PO BOX 540815 Omaha NE 68154
Website: hub.eonetwork.org
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
