WE* Talks: Janet Johanson

Join us for WE* Talks, a new series that highlights successful women entrepreneurs from Minnesota by providing a platform to share their entrepreneurial journey. Our first WE* Talks event will feature Janet Johanson of BevSource, an integrated provider of beverage development, production, sourcing, and logistics solutions to new and established beverage companies. Janet will share lessons learned and insights over a 15 year career of building her own company in an industry where women are the exception not the rule.

AGENDA:
5:30 PM Registration / Networking
6:00 PM Presentation from Janet Johanson
6:15 PM Q & A
6:30 PM Networking resumes
7:00 PM Event Concludes

This event targets women entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, investors and innovators from Minnesota. It's an excellent opportunity for students and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with women entrepreneurs.

Meet Janet

As an owner of BevSource, I enjoy bringing the benefit of my 18 years of expertise and combining it with unmatched dedication to help clients realize the goals they have for their beverage concepts. Myself and the entire team act as a client advocate throughout the entire beverage production process by becoming a client’s Supply Chain and Operations department. We provide insightful consultation and effective solutions to manufacturing plants, beverage entrepreneurs and brand owners of all beverage types. Our expertise includes production, packaging, sourcing, compliance, supply chain management, logistics and other critical services.

In addition to my passion to drive the dreams of beverage entrepreneurs, I find significance in mentoring others in business – especially in youth-focused organizations. This has led to substantial involvement with Junior Achievement, an organization focused on inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in the global economy. In addition, I am on the board of directors for Give Us Wings, an organization that transforms communities in Kenya and Uganda by providing financial assistance and empowering people through training that leads to economic self-sufficiency.

As a life-long learner, I continually seek out opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills that help me tackle the next challenge. My husband Shawn and I enjoy real estate, and we started investing in residential housing several years ago. Our success in real estate led to our creation of Sona Investments, an innovative real estate investment firm that focuses on creating value and maximizing profitability while minimizing risks. Our current holdings include 29,000 square foot office building in St. Paul, MN, and 3 retail centers in WI & MN.

About WE*

WE* was founded in 2015 by a group of dedicated and passionate women entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders to support women developing scalable ideas and startups in Minnesota. WE* is based out of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Minnesota.