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How It Started
If you had told me back in 2010, while I was working long shifts as a Detention Officer and snacking on gas-station jerky, that I’d one day run a full-blown beef jerky company… well, I probably would’ve laughed, coughed on a disappointing piece of jerky, and told you there’s no way.
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But that’s exactly how The Jerky Workshop began: with nothing more than a stubborn craving for better jerky and a few days off to experiment. Turns out, there’s a little more to the craft than tossing some meat and seasonings together. My first batch tasted like an under-salted dog treat, but things improved quickly. Before long, friends and family were asking for more, especially my Black Pepper recipe, which still stands proudly as one of our flagship flavors today.
About Us
Built Boldly in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Meet the Team
(And The Real Bosses)
My name is Mike Knotek. I am the owner of The Jerky Workshop. As proud as I am to say that, nothing will ever compare to the joy I get from being a husband and a father. My wife, Jill, and our twins, Brody and Eliza, have been with me through every single step of this journey. You’ll even catch them handing out samples or selling jerky from “The Beef Wagon” at local events.
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Every bag we make is a reminder of how grateful I am for them and for every customer who lets us be part of their snack drawer, glovebox stash, road-trip fuel, or “Don’t touch this, it’s mine!!!” pantry shelf.
To Bob
Robert "Bob" Popek was my Father-in-Law and a huge mentor for me as I prepared to step into this new chapter in my life. He always asked the tough questions and made me think about every aspect of owning a business, as he was a small business owner himself. I remember sitting down with him and trying to calculate exactly how much power my dehydrators used, depending on the thickness of meat. I wasn't thrilled about it!
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There is not a lot that I can say about Bob that hasn't already been said by all the ones that miss him the most, but I truly valued him in my life and without his guidance and the encouragement of his wife (Candace) and daughter (Jillian), none of this would have happened. Thank you, Bob.
Our Story
THE BEEF WAGON
A Life-Changing Detour
I spent years perfecting recipes, experimenting with smoke levels, dialing in textures, and occasionally setting off the “what is that smell?” alarm in my own kitchen. People kept asking to buy the stuff, but I never had the courage to turn my hobby into more.
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Then came February 2017...
At 31 years old, I suffered a heart attack, an experience that nearly cut off the jerky supply to everyone who depended on it. That wake-up call changed everything. With a new outlook on life and the unwavering encouragement of my wife, Jill, I prepared to take the biggest leap of my life.
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A couple more years experimenting and crunching the numbers passed. Then, in the summer of 2020, I left my 13 year career as a Detention Officer and officially opened The Jerky Workshop. The Beef Wagon was born, and my jerky finally hit local and distant events alike. I had no idea what kind of ride I was in for… but I still haven’t looked back.
What We Believe Great Jerky Should Be
I'm a firm believer that jerky should be bold, tender, a little dry, and never slimy. When you pull it apart, you should see the fibers. When you take a bite, you should taste actual flavor, not mystery sweetness and artificial smoke.
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We start with high-quality cuts of Midwest beef: grass-fed, farm-raised, and locally sourced. Then we build flavor from the ground up using craftsmanship, creativity, and occasionally way too many ingredients (in the best way). Then it's all hickory smoked to perfection! What we don’t use: MSG, nitrates, or nitrites. Ever.
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Some flavors push boundaries. Some push the Scoville scale, but every bag is made with intention and a whole lot of passion.
What Makes Us Different
Most jerky brands settle for “good enough"... We don’t. We focus on flavor and texture above all else. We test, tweak, adjust, and experiment to see just how much flavor a cut of beef can actually hold. Sweet? Sure! Savory? Absolutely! Nuclear? …well, if you’ve ever tried Lethal Dose, you already know the answer. (Watching someone take their first bite of Lethal Dose might secretly be one of my favorite parts of the job.)
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Always be on the lookout for the Limited Edition flavors! This is where the experimentation comes in. These flavors typically include ingredients from other local small businesses, they're made in very small batches, and they sell out quick!​
Where We're Headed
The Jerky Workshop is already becoming a well-known local brand, but we’re just getting started. Whether you’re here for bold flavor, a spicy challenge, or just a better alternative to gas-station jerky, we’re grateful for you! This is a big country, and we plan on being a bold snack option in all of it. More flavors. More creativity. More heat… probably way too much heat, if we’re being honest.
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Our tagline says it best:
Built Boldly
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Or, when things get a bit wild:
The Nuclear Fusion of Flavor and Heat
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Either way, you’re in for a snack worth talking about!
Thanks for being here,
Mike Knotek
Owner & Flavor Creator
The Jerky Workshop | Council Bluffs, Iowa
