Born in the Austrian Netherlands, Beelen-Berfholf began his diplomatic career in 1748 as secretary to Prince Wenzel Anton von Kaunitz, Chancellor of Austria.
Employed by the Empress Maria Theresa, he remained Kaunitz’s secretary when the Prince served as Ambassador to France, after which point Beelen-Berfholf acquired a series other diplomatic offices.
In 1780, after the Maria Theresa's death, he found favor with the newly ascended Emperor Joseph II, who sought to expand Austrian trade abroad.
Beelen-Berfholf began sending reports back home detailing everything from the American socio-economic landscape to the latest fashion trends, alongside lists of merchants and records of their trading.
The family fortunes rose again when, growing rich from his endeavours, he purchased large amounts of land in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky.