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 strategic sourcing hub

ZACH KOONIN

Strategic Sourcing Consultant

Zach specializes in bottling projects and co-packing for The Hub. He has a diversified background – working for both start-ups and established companies within the liquor industry. In his role at The Hub, Zach leverages his extensive industry knowledge and experience to streamline production processes and ensure the highest quality standards are met.

PAUL MARTIN

Strategic Sourcing Consultant

Paul is our new West Coast Operations Consultant located in Reno, Nevada. He has been in the craft distillery industry for 14 years and has worked with distilleries all over the country. Paul has worked in production, wholesale, events, brand management, consulting, distillery tours, tasting rooms, and cocktail education. He came into the Strategic Sourcing Hub from the Black Button Branded side where he was the Key Account Manager for the Capital District.

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.

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International Brands and Industry Partners.

Work with a comprehensive creative solutions partner to the beverage alcohol industry.