Joel Vandenbrink is a longtime Washington State business executive with a sustainability focus. After he founded Two Beers Brewing Company in 2007 and expanded it rapidly, he launched the Seattle Cider Company in 2013. Joel Vandenbrink engineered the 2016 sale of both companies to the farmer-owned Agrial Co-op and maintained the CEO position until 2019.

In crafting a gluten-free, small-batch cider, Mr. Vandenbrink strove to bridge the wine and beer gap. He created dry and semisweet products that were distinct from the overly sweet mass-market offerings. His transformational approach emphasized genuine, locally sourced ingredients, including Washington apples.

He also introduced popular canned products in collaboration with Wild Goose. These included ciders and Sound Craft Seltzer.

Mr. Vandenbrink holds a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. While completing his master of divinity at the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, he held the position of facilities manager. Passionate about the outdoors, Joel Vandenbrink is a supporter of the Washington National Park Fund and a board member of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.