Ever since I was a kid, I've always been a lover of all things beef jerky. Eating it, making it, learning about it, just everything.

Making homemade beef jerky with my Dad in our kitchen is one of my fondest memories growing up. The marinating process, the tantalizing aroma that filled the house while dehydrating, the quality time spent with my dad and ultimately the payoff of a delicious snack - I could never seem to get quite enough.

We made a couple batches of jerky together each year and these were my absolute favorite times. Friends and family would grab a sample here and there and always seem to enjoy it as well. I continued to make and thoroughly enjoy this homemade jerky on an occasional basis for many years.

One weekday afternoon when crafting jerky marinades in our kitchen, my ever-wise wife asked me a question that would change my life forever (although I didn't know it at the time)...

"You seem to be making a lot of jerky lately, have you ever considered selling it?"

Truth is, I had not. I'd been a Sales Professional for over 12 years at that point and NOT EVEN ONCE has this crossed my mind! This was the spark that ignited the fire that is MMJ!

I've been researching all things making jerky, experimenting with new jerky flavors, honing my craft, investing in equipment and growing this dream since that very day.

I'm seeking to grow this venture into something larger so I can spread more joy and more jerky with even more people!

Aside from being able to eat delicious jerky all the time and customers sharing positive feedback, my favorite part is getting to share this with my girls! They have both helped with packaging/labeling and tell me all the time how they wants to work for Mike's Meaty Jerky when they grow up!

Thank you to all of my friends, family, customers, suppliers and partners who have supported my jerky eating (and making) habit over the past couple of years and hope I get to do this for a least a couple dozen more years.

Mike