Jessica Loseke
Midwest Barrel Company
If you’d told Jess 10 years ago that her life would revolve around barrels, she would have laughed. Yet here she is, the co-founder & CEO of Midwest Barrel Co., a leading international barrel provider. She turned an unlikely path into a bold enterprise, fueled by her passion for shaking up the status quo, finding creative solutions, and driving meaningful change.
As an Enneagram 8, Jess brings energy and innovation to everything she does, from building connections with people to advocating for sustainable practices in the bourbon industry. Her background in human potential and leadership guides how she approaches these connections and the impact she strives to make. Jess is married to co-founder Ben and is the proud mom of two boys, Theo and Brooks. Life is a balancing act with two young ones, a thriving business, and the shop dog Willett, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
What is a personal piece of advice (business advice/saying/quote) that you lean on and could pass on to others?
"Potential is nothing without execution. Start doing what others are still thinking about."
This advice has been a guiding principle for me. It’s easy to get caught up in ideas, but the real magic happens when you take action—long before anyone else does.
Best business book you’ve ever read?
I don’t believe there’s a single “best” business book—different books resonate at different times. That said, a few have profoundly shaped my journey, including Traction, Scaling Up, Rocket Fuel, 10X Is Easier Than 2X, and The One Thing. These books have been pivotal in helping me navigate key moments in my entrepreneurial career.
One misstep you took in your business that you could caution others about?
Invest in the expensive professionals early on.
Whether it’s accounting, finance, legal, or insurance, you can’t afford to get these areas wrong. I’ve had moments where I almost cut corners, but every time I made the leap to hire the right experts, it paid off exponentially. Delaying profits in favor of expertise is a decision I’ll never regret.
How do you de-stress after a particularly hard day?
I’ll admit—this is a constant challenge for me! One habit I’ve committed to is planking for five minutes every day. It’s quick, effective, and surprisingly tough—even after doing it consistently. It’s my way of ensuring I get some physical activity no matter how chaotic the day gets.
What’s something about you that would surprise everyone reading this?
I think most people would be surprised to know that I live in Louisville, KY and relocated two years ago from Lincoln, Nebraska. I landed in the Nashville Chapter as Louisville still needs to get one going!
What part of EO are you most looking forward to this year?
I’ve been part of EO for five years, and every year, my business has transformed in ways I never imagined. What excites me most this year is meeting new members who will spark fresh ideas and inspire innovation that I didn’t even know I needed. The connections in EO never fail to push me to the next level.
Any exciting plans for 2025?
2025 is going to be an incredible year for growth. I have a full travel calendar as I focus on expanding my business globally. I’m also looking forward to integrating EO into my strategy, leveraging the network and people I meet to take both my personal and professional goals to new heights.
