Meet Our
Leadership Team.
Jason Barrett
Founder & Master Distiller
The Strategic Sourcing Hub is led by Founder and Master Distiller Jason Barrett who offers over 12 years of experience in the spirits industry. With contacts that range across North America and Europe, Jason travels regularly throughout the distilling world to meet with clients, suppliers, and producers to secure new relationships and sources for the finest whiskey, gin, brandy and rum available.
Jason is passionate and creative about sourcing and procuring interesting and unique spirits. His drive to find out how those spirits can be blended into wonderful new products greatly benefits Strategic Sourcing Hub clients.
In 2012, Jason founded Black Button Distilling, Rochester New York’s first grain-to-glass distillery since prohibition. In the last few years, Jason has taken Black Button from a start-up distillery to a globally recognized force in the industry.
In 2021, Jason was recognized in Fast Company’s 5th Annual World Changing Ideas for his supplying hand sanitizer to New York State healthcare organizations during the Covid-19 panademic. Inc. Magazine listed Black Button Distilling as one of New York’s Fastest Growing Companies. The Wine Spirits and Education Trust has recognized Jason for being a key global influencer in the beverage industry, and in 2017, Jason was the fourth American to be inducted in the prestigious UK Gin Guild.
Abigail Alexander
Strategic Sourcing Consultant
Abby specializes in international shipping and technical packaging sales & purchasing, which makes her a valuable asset to The Hub team. Her marketing and networking experience benefit The Strategic Sourcing Hub’s client partners as they grow their businesses. Abby has been with the Hub for almost 2 years and is WSET Level 1 Certified.
ZACH KOONIN
Strategic Sourcing Consultant
PAUL MARTIN
Strategic Sourcing Consultant
LEAH SHAMMAH
Strategic Sourcing Consultant
Leah brings to the Hub team bookkeeping and sales support. Leah is a detail focused project manager who works closely with the Hub Consultants to ensure the highest quality of customer care. She has experience in analyzing cost control, overseeing financial data, developing customer relationships, and beverage distribution across the greater Rochester area.
Heather Thurman
Strategic Sourcing Consultant
Heather specializes in client acquisition and marketing for The Hub. Heather is a business strategist with experience in marketing, buying, planning, and business development across multiple industries, and was previously a Key Account Manager for Black Button Distilling.