Behind the beef: our origin story

Big Jerks was born from humble beginnings and a commitment to doing things right. 

It started back in 2015 as a side job in a small smokehouse while I was studying for my nutrition diploma. It wasn’t a lifelong dream - just one of many side hustles that fit my chaotic schedule. For a few years, I juggled bartending shifts, personal training clients, coursework, and early mornings making beef jerky, slowly learning the ins and outs of the business and the industry.

By the time I graduated in 2018, that small operation had grown and I was faced with a choice: keep studying or take a chance at building something bigger.

I chose the smokehouse; I rolled up my sleeves and traded textbooks for butcher knives. I focused on making a great product even better and learned some painful lessons about business ownership along the way. The following years were dedicated to refining and transitioning our recipes to gluten and MSG free, expanding the flavour line and improving production efficiency.

In 2022, I became a mom, and the purpose behind the work changed. The simple vision of running a business became a mission to create a legacy. 

After a few challenging years and major changes, Big Jerks is rebuilding. We’re expanding into retail, growing our team, and once again bringing Alberta’s favourite beef jerky straight to your door.

It’s been seven years - my sleeves are still rolled and one thing is still true: every bag is packed with real beef, no bull, and proof that hard work tastes better.