Today we’d like to introduce you to Quentin Crawford.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Quentin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up in Texas, one thing I was taught to love at an early age was some good ol’ Texas chili and barbecue. As I grew older, I realized that the addictive taste of red meat was just a cover for some of the critical indispositions that stem from eating it. With a history of diseases running in my family, I figured I should make a conscious effort to reduce the probability of me and my wife developing one. Eventually, we tried to become vegetarians. This led me to feeling better overall, but I was losing weight and always hungry. Even after eating all day, the vegetables were just not filling. I decided to add fish to my diet as well and it helped satisfy my hunger (not to mention seafood is also my favorite). I never knew about the health benefits from various fish, including benefits for the heart that help combat heart disease. I actually felt better than just being a vegetarian.
A couple of weeks after the change, I had a co-worker come up to me around lunch and request me to start heating up my food on another floor. I guess not everyone enjoys the smell of seafood like me. I began contemplating on ways to enjoy the fish without the perpetuating smell. My mind immediately went to dried fish, aka jerky. I ordered a dehydrator and tried the first thing I could get my hands on, salmon. Months and months of trial and error has allowed me to create succulent and tender fish jerky. Hope you all enjoy and I hope this gets you one step closer to living a long, good life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building the business has been tough since I also have a full-time job. The main obstacle is generating buzz over a new food that many have never tried before, or much less heard of. Fish jerky is not a popular dish in the south but there is a natural affinity to the idea of it in the fitness and wellness communities. The concept is picking up throughout North Texas. The hope is to have a firmly established brand next year and be able to grow throughout Texas.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Good Jerky – what should we know?
My company focuses on providing fish in a ready-to-eat snack form. Our current focus is on salmon jerky with the plan of expanding to other fish in the near future. We are still a small company but the most proud moment for me was to get into a store after only selling at events for four months. It’s a great feeling when you see your hard work pay off.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Persistence, persistence, persistence. I do not believe that I am the best businessman, accountant, or chef, but I pride myself on being one of the hardest workers in the room. Raw talent, intellect and skill are all great qualities to have but can quickly be wasted without the perseverance to push until the goal is achieved.
Pricing:
- Sweet N Smoky Salmon Jerky – $9.99
- Spicy BBQ Salmon Jerky – $9.99
- Sweet Honey Teriyaki Salmon Jerky – $9.99
Contact Info:
- Website: thegoodjerky.com
- Phone: 7133066773
- Email: info@thegoodjerky.com
- Instagram: @thegoodjerky
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGoodJerky
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