ABOUT

American Made

Cold Zero’s founders are gun-toting, proud-to-be-American veterans from the Special Operations community who were tired of drinking Russian vodka. That’s why we distill and bottle our premium spirits with Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, Iowa, one of the nation’s finest purveyors of spirits.

Our Mission

Founded by Patriots. Enjoyed by all.

Whether you’re a civilian, soldier, sailor, airman, or marine; a SEAL or Green Beret, Cold Zero is for you. We want to showcase the hard work of the Midwest nationwide, bringing our whiskey into the spotlight and building a reputation for our premier vodka. A portion of our profits goes to organizations that enrich the lives of active-duty service members, their families, and the veteran community.

In partnership with our nation's heroes

Cold Zero’s founders are passionate about helping veterans thrive after transitioning to civilian life, which is why we partner with nonprofits like Warrior Rising to get them on their feet and making the most of the freedom they fought for.
Casey Maxted

Casey Maxted

Founder / CEO

Casey was a member of the US Army Special Forces before retiring…

Chad Williams

Founder / COO

Chad has more than 25 years on Active Duty Service, with the majority of that time spent in the Special…

Leroy Petry

Founder / National Director of Military Relations

Leroy Petry is a retired Airborne Ranger, and the second living recipient of The Medal of Honor…

Benjamin BUnn

Founder / VP of Marketing and Business Development

Ben joined the Army in 2000, deployed in the initial invasion to Iraq in 2003…

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Jeff Quint

Founder / Owner
Cedar Ridge Distillery

Jeff and Murphy Quint

Murphy Quint

Head Distiller / Director of Operations
Cedar Ridge Distillery

Jeff Quint

Founder / Owner
Cedar Ridge Distillery

Murphy Quint

Head Distiller / Director of Operations
Cedar Ridge Distillery

Jeff and Murphy Quint

In 2005, Jeff Quint founded Cedar Ridge Distillery because he believed it was time for Iowa—the number one corn-producing state in the U.S.—to share its homegrown bourbon whiskey with the world.

Today, as Iowa’s oldest distillery, Cedar Ridge provides premium Midwest whiskey from America’s grain belt, managing every step of production while allowing nature be the ultimate guide. Influenced by a heritage of wine making and roots in agriculture, Cedar Ridge consistently produces high-quality award-winning products.

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Casey Maxted
Casey Maxted
Casey Maxted

Founder / CEO

RANK: SSG
CONFLICT / ERA: WAR ON TERRORISM
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
Years of service: 18

Casey was a member of the US Army Special Forces before retiring to start Cold Zero Spirits in his home state of Iowa.

Chad Williams
Chad Williams

Founder / COO

RANK: Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3)
CONFLICT / ERA: WAR ON TERRORISM
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
Years of service: 25

Chad has more than 25 years on Active Duty Service, with the majority of that time spent in the Special Forces. Chad still works closely with the military, and is an advocate for veteran suicide prevention.

Leroy Petry
Leroy Petry
Leroy Petry

Founder / National Director of Military Relations

RANK: MASTER SERGEANT
CONFLICT / ERA: WAR ON TERRORISM
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
Years of service: 15

Leroy Petry is a retired Airborne Ranger, and the second living recipient of The Medal of Honor awarded for valorous service/action in Afghanistan. He currently serves as President of the Medal of Honor Society.

Benjamin Bunn

Founder / VP of Marketing and Business Development

RANK: CAPTAIN
CONFLICT / ERA: GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
Years of service: 17

Ben served as a Green Beret and Infantry Officer in Iraq and Afghanistan for 17 years before starting his own CrossFit gym. He currently consults for several mid-sized businesses and veteran non-profits.