DANA J. BUSCH

PRESIDENT & CEO

Dana J. Busch is President of Behrens Manufacturing, providing the growth, vision, and leadership for sales, and plans to grow Behrens into an internationally recognized consumer brand that sets the standard for all metal container manufacturing companies.

Busch believes the growth opportunity at Behrens is undeniable; the story of steel products over plastic is compelling now more than ever to consumers. He looks forward to harnessing this growth potential, by leading the development and implementation of strategic and tactical plans, through expansion of existing business and new business development. He is excited to lead the team that helps Behrens become a well-recognized household brand, and one that is synonymous with steel consumer products.

Previously the Vice President of Retail at Rockler Companies, Busch oversaw sales and operations for the retail channel. He also held the role of VP of Merchandising at Rockler directing all merchandising and inventory management activities for direct and retail channels. He also served as the Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Golf Galaxy.

Busch holds a B.S. degree from Bemidji State University.

He has served on the Project Fine Board of Directors supporting their mission to create an inclusive community by serving refugees and immigrants and building connections across cultures.

PAMELA HUSMAN

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

As Chief Financial Officer at Behrens Manufacturing, Pam Husman is responsible for the organization’s financial planning and accounting practices. Collaborating with the Vice President of Operations, Husman plans and implements a successful physical inventory throughout the year.

Husman shares Behrens’ core values of integrity, excellence and innovation, and she is proud to work at a metalware company that creates recyclable products. She is  energized by Behrens’ expanding product offering, new sourcing opportunities, and its growing brand awareness.

Bringing more than 30 plus years in Manufacturing, and 20 plus years in steel related industry to Behrens, Husman previously served as Controller at Peerless Chain Co. and as Assistant Controller at RTP Co. As part of the senior management team of Peerless Chain, she contributed to a sales volume increase of $80 million in 10 years through strategic acquisitions and organic growth.

Husman holds a B.S. in Accounting from Upper Iowa University.

She previously served on boards for Winona Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way., and chaired committees for Winona Chamber of Commerce (Economic Development Committee) and Cotter Schools.

BRENT BANICKI

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

As Vice President of Operations at Behrens Manufacturing, Banicki is a key executive responsible for overseeing and optimizing the daily activities of Behrens operations. From raw material sourcing to on time distribution, Banicki oversees the entire manufacturing process from start to finish.

Banicki joined the Behrens’ family in 2010. He began as a temporary employee in the shipping department and moved quickly to Shipping Lead, Production Supervisor, Scheduler, Production Manager, Director of Manufacturing and then into his current role as the Vice President of Operations. With experience and passion for each area of the business, he knows the strategies to move Behrens forward.

With a background in Lean Manufacturing and a focus on creative and innovative mechanical solutions in manufacturing, Banicki has helped introduce Red Zone, increased efficiency throughout the plant, and worked tirelessly to find safer ways of doing business.

JENNIFER WILLIAMSON

VICE PRESIDENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

As Vice President of Organizational Development, Jennifer leads initiatives that enhance Behrens’ talent, culture, structure and overall performance.  This role encompasses strategic planning for leadership development, employee engagement, organizational design and the alignment of Behrens workforce capabilities and business goals. With ten years of small business ownership, and 10 years of curriculum development and university teaching, Williamson shares that People are our greatest asset by investing time and energy into each employee’s growth and success.

Williamson holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and an M.A. in Organizational Communication from Marquette University.

She currently serves on the Winona County Workforce Development Board and has previously worked on committees with Habitat for Humanity, Bluffview Montessori, Cotter Schools and Winona State University.

MIKE DIETER

VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Mike Dieter joined Behrens as the Director of Business Development in November of 2024.  He was promoted to Vice President of Business Development shortly after, and is focused on growing the business through multiple initiatives.  He oversees all sales, marketing and customer service functions and has five direct reports.  Dieter prides himself on helping his teams unlock their full potential and removing barriers to ensure their success.

Prior to his time at Behrens, he was the General Manager of Express Employment Professionals in Winona from 2018-2024.  During this time, he helped provide hundreds of local businesses with workforce solutions. From 2016 to 2018 Dieter was a Program Manager for Tharp Cabinet company in Loveland CO.  His focus was on supporting large home builders with their portfolio of custom cabinet packages. Dieter also spent time working in the energy sector and managed several high-end restaurants after graduating from college.

Dieter holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.

He has previously served on the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Winona County Workforce Development Board, and is the current Chair of the Economic Development Committee (through the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce).

ERIC RITTER

SR. DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

As Senior Director of Business Development at Behrens Manufacturing, Eric Ritter oversees strategic growth and business development within multiple retail channels. Ritter’s efforts ensure that Behrens continues growing its Brand presence across the United States & Canada. With an emphasis on adding new business and expanding placement within existing retail partners, Ritter prioritizes steel’s superior quality and sustainability versus plastic and other inferior materials.

Ritter strongly believes that Behrens will continue to be the consumer’s choice for steel containers throughout North America and eventually Worldwide.  Providing a longer-lasting, more durable, sustainable and multi-functional option versus plastic.

Armed with more than a decade of industry experience placing consumer packaged goods (CPG) within retail partners, Ritter brings his knowledge to the winning Team at Behrens.

Prior to Behrens, he worked at WinCraft®, where he held a variety of Sales roles; most recently as West Coast Regional Sales Manager. He also served as WinCraft’s League Champion, handling new product development and licensing activities directly with the NBA Players Association.

Ritter holds a double major B.S. degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

RACHEL STEINFELDT

DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

As Director of Customer Service at Behrens Manufacturing, Rachel Steinfeldt is responsible for all customer relations, education, and development along with growing sales for both existing and new accounts including ecommerce through brand awareness and promotions.

Steinfeldt shares Behrens’ core values of integrity and excellence and is proud to be part of a winning team that produces high quality heritage products that are functional, decorative, and kinder to the planet.

A native of Houston, MN, Steinfeldt joined Behrens in 1987 with a high focus on customer service excellence.

Steinfeldt earned her degree at Minnesota State College Southeast, Winona, MN.

BRYCE TSCHUMPER

DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE & RELIABILITY SYSTEMS

Bryce Tschumper joined Behrens in 2014 as a general laborer on our manufacturing team. His skills and dedication to the company moved him quickly through multiple roles.

Following his position in production, Tschumper moved into the management role of shift lead. By 2019 he was the 2nd/ 3rd shift Production Supervisor. Shortly after assuming the role as Production Supervisor, it was obvious that Tschumper had a passion for the maintenance side of his role. By the end of 2019 he moved into the role of Maintenance Supervisor. This new role allowed for Tschumper’s background in production to meet his passion for innovation.

Tschumper is now responsible for overseeing the maintenance and reliability functions of Behrens equipment, machinery, and infrastructure as the Director of Maintenance and Reliability Systems. He has implemented cycle-based preventative maintenance & entry-level predictive maintenance & technology to the Maintenance team. Along with these improvements he has helped implement Red Zone throughout the production plant, allowing multiple maintenance problems to be avoided.

In this role, Tschumper ensures that systems are running efficiently, minimizing downtime and optimizing asset performance.

He holds an AAS from Winona State University and along with an Advanced Mechatronics Certificate from Minnesota State College Southeast.