Meet Our Leadership Team
Behind the Bernick’s Blue
Our leadership team has decades of combined experience within Bernick’s and each of them influences our entire organization and culture within. Our reputation begins with our team members, is carried out each and every day, and is always focused on serving and supporting people.

Dean Bernick
Board Chairman
Dean Bernick
Board Chairman
Grew up in the business. Started doing odd jobs like mowing the grass, trimming trees, sweeping, sorting bottles, etc. Worked summers in high school and college—running routes, being a helper, cleaning lines and delivering vending machines. After college I helped with resets and did vacation routes, worked into the Hutchinson route and then became a supervisor. Long story short, the years have flown by.
Fun fact few people know about me: I had long, wild hair and a beard in high school… I can get you a picture.
The strangest phobia I have is: Being in a lake and having my leg bump into something unseen.
Something I’ve done, but will never do again: We grew up on a quarry and we jumped off our rock pile that was over 150 feet high with 15 feet of rock to clear below you… gotta be young and dumb.

Jason Hinnenkamp
CEO
Jason Hinnenkamp
CEO
Attended St. Cloud State University. Joined Bernick’s in 2002 as a business analyst, developing into the VP of Finance role, then VP of Operations, and eventually into my current role as CEO.
If I were in a different profession, it would be: Running a cattle ranch.
Something I’ve done, but will never do again: Skydive.
If I could only have one thing on a deserted island, it would be: My baseball cap.

Mike Bamonti
VP of Market Strategy
Mike Bamonti
VP of Market Strategy
I started in the beer business as a janitor and have since worked in every function of the business. The most valuable lesson to me is to never forget where I started.
My hidden talent: Cooking (and eating).
First job: Washing dishes at my family's restaurant.
A song title that sums up my life: Tubthumping by Chumbawamba.

Leah Bernick
Foodservices Sales Manager
Leah Bernick
Foodservices Sales Manager
I graduated from St. Cloud State University and have worked in many departments at Bernick’s including accounting, marketing and sales. I am active on the Central MN Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund Advisory Board and local Dancing with our Stars planning committee.
Fun fact very few people know about me: I am an avid yogi.
First job: Working at the drive thru of a fast food restaurant.
Favorite beverage: Bubbl'r, of course!

Ryan Dale
VP of Vending
Ryan Dale
VP of Vending
Graduated from St. Cloud State University where I met my wife, Jenny. I've been in operations and the food service industry since 2004. I enjoy golfing, cooking, grocery shopping, and chasing our three boys around.
First job: Washing dishes at a golf course.
I support our community by: Volunteering as a coach for the Sartell Baseball Association.
Proudest personal achievement: Raising our boys Robert, Rory and Rocco.

Jill Kampa
VP of Beer Sales
Jill Kampa
VP of Beer Sales
Graduated from the College of St. Scholastica. Serve as the St. Cloud Area YMCA Promenade Marketing Chair, St. Cloud Christian School Marketing Chair, and Place of Hope Volunteer.
If I were in a different profession, it would be: An Interior Designer/Stager. I have a passion for decorating.
My bucket list includes: European Family Vacation (think National Lampoon).
A song title that sums up my life: Run the World by Beyonce.

Leanne Schansberg
Sr. Director of Operations
Leanne Schansberg
Sr. Director of Operations
I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. I joined Bernick's in 2016 as the Supply Chain Manager at the Duluth location. I enjoy being outdoors, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family.
My hidden talent: I've been known to rip a phone book or two in half.
First job: Washing dishes and buttering toast at my parents' restaurant.
If I were in a different profession, it would be: Horticulturist. Playing in the dirt is my happy place.

Brent Schmitt
VP of Finance & IT
Brent Schmitt
VP of Finance & IT
Graduated from Saint John’s University. Joined Bernick’s in 1994 as an accountant. Currently serve on both the Financial Review Committee and Community Solutions Team for the United Way.
First job: Working on a horse ranch.
Fun fact few people know about me: I can pickles and make maple syrup.
Proudest personal achievement: Raising my respectful and sweet two daughters with my wife.

Kelly Walz
VP of Human Resources
Kelly Walz
VP of Human Resources
Helping deliver the fun since 2010. I strive for excellence through implementing strategically aligned talent solutions while delivering measurable results and a positive culture.
If I were in a different profession, it would be: Kids’ Birthday Party Planner.
My bucket list includes: Seeing the northern lights from an igloo in Iceland.
The strangest phobia I have is: Fear of home intruders—people or critters.

Kathie Winscher
Sr. Director of Soft Drink Sales
Kathie Winscher
Sr. Director of Soft Drink Sales
Graduated from SCSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I have worked over 30 years for a variety of companies in the St. Cloud community. I volunteer for a number of events and programs in my home town and the St. Cloud area.
My proudest personal achievement is: Being the only female in a house of my husband and three sons.
Fun fact: I have lived in rural Minnesota towns, with populations less than 350, my entire life.
The nerdiest thing I do: I air-type words as I speak them.

Kerri Winter
Executive Administrative Assistant
Kerri Winter
Executive Administrative Assistant
I’ve been a part of the Leadership Team since 2008. I enjoy working with all the team members and being a part of a company that supports the local communities we serve.
If I were in a different profession, it would be: A wedding planner/party planner. I love helping people celebrate!
My bucket list includes: Taking a vacation to Yellowstone Ranch.
A song title that sums up my life: Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi