RED BOOT BEVERAGE - Key Persons
Ann Baldwin serves as Red Boot Beverage's Production Support. Day to day, you can find Ann managing production data, keeping track of daily production, outbound purchase orders, and invoicing, as well as working with the Red Boot team to quickly problem-solve any production-related issues that might arise.
Ann proudly builds great working relationships with our customers. When asked why Red Boot is a great place to work, she says, "We produce great products, and we work with amazing customers."
An Iowa native, Ann holds a Bachelor of Science - HRIM from Iowa State University. Outside of work, she is a Cyclone fan, and enjoys watching Iowa State Athletics.
As Production Support, Ann Baldwin is integral to Red Boot's daily operations. Her responsibilities include managing production data, overseeing daily production, handling outbound purchase orders and invoicing, and collaborating with the Red Boot team to swiftly address any production-related challenges.
Job Titles:
- PRESIDENT / Business Administration Degree from Saginaw Valley State University
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of SALES
- As Red Boot Beverage 's Director of Sales
As Red Boot Beverage's Director of Sales, Chris Slanga is responsible for developing and growing the company's client portfolio. With over 15 years of beverage industry experience spanning both the supplier and distribution sides, Chris is passionate about helping beverage brands find a manufacturing partner they can rely on for the long term.
Job Titles:
- Client Success Manager
- MANAGER of CLIENT SUCCESS
As the Client Success Manager, Gabby Solomon serves as the vital link between customers and team members at Red Boot.
Though she originally hails from the New York City Metropolitan area, Gabby has been a Midwesterner for many years, settling in Des Moines over 25 years ago. She earned her B.S. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and has amassed valuable customer service experience in diverse industries such as property management, retail sales, non-profit development, and leadership in community volunteering.
Gabby joined the Red Boot team in November 2023, and emphasizes that each day at Red Boot presents new challenges and exciting rewards. She feels fortunate to be a member of the Red Boot team: "It is a special place where you can work hard, learn, grow, and have fun."
Job Titles:
- VICE PRESIDENT of PRODUCTION
As Red Boot Beverage's Vice President of Production, Jeramie McElderry plays a critical role in making sure our production lines run smoothly, efficiently, and with the highest level of quality every single day. He brings over 15 years of experience in manufacturing and production management, with a deep understanding of how to lead teams, optimize processes, and deliver results in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Jeramie oversees all aspects of daily production, working closely with operations, quality, and engineering teams to ensure we not only meet our targets but consistently exceed client expectations. His leadership style is hands-on, solutions-driven, and rooted in a strong belief in the power of teamwork.
When asked what makes Red Boot an exceptional place to work, Jeramie points to two key ingredients: "The TEAM and our customers." His passion for people - and for helping brands grow - shows in everything he does, from refining production strategies to mentoring the next generation of beverage professionals. Jeramie's commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence makes him an essential part of Red Boot's leadership team and long-term success.
Job Titles:
- Red Boot 's Vice President of Manufacturing
- VICE PRESIDENT of MANUFACTURING
Jim Kuhr is Red Boot's Vice President of Manufacturing. He is responsible for planning, implementing, and directing manufacturing operations. Jim works with our team daily to review the status of our daily production and schedule, helping us achieve our manufacturing requirements and improving upon our production goals. He is excited to help Red Boot take our canning operations to the next level, implementing best-in-class processes to provide the best finished products for our customers. Jim enjoys being part of the team at our fast-growing and versatile beverage company and supporting our growth vision.
Jim comes to Red Boot with 38 years of beverage industry experience, including roles in quality, brewing, packaging, and facility management. His work includes positions directly in manufacturing as well as in trade organizations and educational services. Previously he held the roles of Director of Operations and Brewmaster at The Matt Brewing Company in Utica, New York, and Director of Co-Packer Development at BevSource in St. Paul, Minnesota. What drew Jim to Red Boot was the people and the process at our distillery. He appreciates the relaxed and respectful nature of our work environment and customer service. Additionally, Jim enjoys the professional challenge of managing the variety of products manufactured at Red Boot.
Having grown up in Michigan and spending most of his career in Upstate New York, Jim moved to Iowa to be closer to family. When he is not working at Red Boot, he enjoys bicycling, fishing, woodworking, and exploring the regional craft beverage scene with his wife.
Job Titles:
- Quality Manager
- MANAGER of QUALITY
Kelsey Vodenik is Quality Manager on Red Boot's Production and Quality Control team, monitoring front-end quality control and maintaining records for customers and our research and development team. Kelsey leads quality testing products, record keeping, production setup, and handles laboratory administration.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of PRODUCTION
- Director of Production at Red Boot
Meet Alec Rickabaugh, Director of Production at Red Boot. Alec designs, develops, and implements processes to accurately and efficiently manufacture our products, while always ensuring we maintain the highest level of quality standards. Alec is poised to increase our product manufacturing capacity and provide insight on automating and expediting all things blending.
Alec says there is no typical day at Red Boot. Every day is a new adventure! He focuses on all areas from manufacturing to getting products ready for packaging. Alec aims to improve our production processes - from raw material handling to blending ingredients to product transfer for packaging.
Red Boot aligns with some of Alec's previous work experience, but what really stood out for him was the people and the desire for advancement within the production plant. Alec says Red Boot is an awesome workplace because of the laid-back atmosphere, the challenge of continuous improvement, and the employees always embracing new proposals.
Alec holds a degree in chemistry from Northwestern College and is also a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. In previous roles, he tackled a multitude of product and process improvement initiatives as an Associate Scientist in manufacturing, quality control, and research and development. Alec focused on quality control and leading production personnel to maintain extremely high yield quality metrics, implementing ways to decrease plant waste, and discovering product or process improvements for new and existing products.
In addition to the alignment with his previous blending experience, Alec was drawn to Red Boot with a desire to broaden his understanding of beverage manufacturing. He enjoys the laid-back atmosphere and the teamwork that is evident when you arrive at the facility.
Outside of work, Alec enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and dog, discovering and listening to new music, and cheering for his favorite sports teams.
10+ years experience in the food and beverage industry
Biochemistry degree from Central College
Native of Perry, IA
Job Titles:
- Red Boot 's Vice President of Supply Chain
- VICE PRESIDENT of SUPPLY CHAIN
Nick McEachron is Red Boot's Vice President of Supply Chain, tasked with ensuring efficient and effective supply chain processes to support our production. Nick reviews recent production performance and ensures our planned schedule remains executable and on-track to meet monthly goals.
With a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management from Iowa State University and over a decade in supply chain and manufacturing environments, Nick brings a wealth of experience to Red Boot. He enjoys working with the team, and each individual's ability to focus on growth while keeping customers the highest priority.