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, working in the Hutchinson route and then became a supervisor.
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 won't do again: We grew up in the 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
Attending 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, what would it 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
Leah Bernick Sutherland
Director of Marketing
I graduated from St. Cloud State University and have worked in many departments at Bernick's including accounting, sales, vending, and marketing. 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-through at a fast-food restaurant.
Favorite beverage: Bubbl'r, of course!
Ted Larson
VP of Beer Sales
I graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor's degree in Interdepartmental Speech Communications with a Business minor. I joined Bernick's in 2024 as the VP of Beer Sales and have been in the beer business in some capacity since 2009.
A fun fact very few know about me: I tried out for the Tampa Bay Bucks, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Miami Dolphins in the NFL as a punter.
Something I've done, but will never do again: Bungee jumped from a crane over a lake in Perham, MN.
My proudest personal achievement: Raised three hard-working kids with my wife of 25 years.
Leanne Talcott
VP 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 Scmitt
CFO
Graduated from Saint John's University. Joined Bernick's in 1994 as an accountant. Currently serve on both the Financial Review Committee and the Community Solutions Team at 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.
Kathie Winscher
VP of Soft Drink Sales
Graduated from SCSU with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. I have worked for 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: Being the only female in a house of my husband and three boys.
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 when I speak them.
Nick Yogerst
VP of Vending
I attended St. Cloud Technical & Community College and have spent 25 years in the DSD industry. I joined Bernick’s in 2017 as the St. Cloud Soft Drink Account Rep Supervisor.
The nerdiest thing I do in my spare time: I hand-clean every vinyl record I buy before it ever hits the turntable.
My favorite beverage: Mug Zero Sugar Root Beer. I have one every morning.
Something I’ve done, but will never do again: Go on a cruise. I tried it once, and it definitely wasn’t for me!