Jack Link and His Son Revive a Failing Wisconsin Business into a $1.6 Billion Jerky Empire
In 1978, Jack Link purchased a slaughterhouse from his family but faced bankruptcy seven years later. Inspired by beef jerky brought back by his son Troy after a hunting trip, he began developing an affordable alternative that would become the foundation of their business turnaround. Jack Link's jerky quickly gained traction and became profitable in local stores. The company expanded through acquisitions and benefited from growing consumer interest in high-protein foods like those promoted during the Atkins Diet era. By 2003, annual sales reached $300 million. Jack now serves as chairman while Troy leads as CEO. Under Troy's leadership, Link Snacks has continued to grow with strategic moves such as acquiring Unilever’s meat snack business and opening a new manufacturing facility in Georgia. The company is expanding internationally despite rising beef prices, aiming for significant growth over the next decade.