Jake Weien - From Design to Distilling

As a young boy, Jake Weien dreamed of being a football player, but life had different plans. His path wound through engineering and computer-aided drafting before he discovered his true passion in graphic design. This creative foundation would later become instrumental in building something far more meaningful than he could have imagined. The catalyst for Jake's entrepreneurial journey came through an unexpected connection – his wife's colleague was married to a retiring Marine Corps veteran who needed design work for a new distillery concept.

The brand concept immediately resonated with Jake, whose family had deep military connections: an Air Force father who served 25 years, an Army veteran brother, and in-laws who served in the Navy. The concept behind 1350 Distilling – representing the 13 stripes and 50 stars of the American flag – spoke to Jake's desire to honor service members' sacrifices. What began as a design project evolved into a partnership that would allow him to blend his creative talents with a meaningful mission. Jake's earlier experience as a freelance designer, sparked by his brother's battle with a brain tumor, had taught him the value of entrepreneurial flexibility and family-first priorities.

This perspective shaped his approach to building 1350 Distilling, where success would be measured not just in profits but in community impact. The dream transformed from creating beautiful designs to crafting a business that celebrates service, builds community connections, and creates positive change. Through 1350 Distilling, Jake found a way to honor both his family's military legacy and his own creative spirit while serving a greater purpose.