JCEL

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Brandon Long and Julia Williams

University Jerky Logo

Contact Info

University Jerky, LLC is the creation of Brandon Long ‘07 from Lebanon, Pa. and Julia Williams ‘07 from Bedford, Pa. Brandon and Julia put their creative tastes together to form the unique beef jerky flavors that are the distinguishing characteristics of University Jerky.

Brandon and Julia

University Jerky targets university students by creating a “be-true-to-your-school” brand loyalty that will be packaged according to the school colors. Brandon came up with this business idea though Juniata's entrepreneurial business curriculum, particularly, the college's Hands-on Entrepreneurial Leadership Lab, a course designed to introduce students to entrepreneurialism. He refined the business plan in the college's two upper-level small business courses, New Venture Creation and New Venture Startup. “I enjoy the challenge of starting and running my own business,” Long said. “With University Jerky, I have the opportunity to put my vast amounts of creative energy to work.”

Julia joined him during the New Venture Creation course. As an accountant who had worked at JCEL since her sophomore year, Julia wanted to go through a start-up process of her own. Julia and Brandon joined forces to promote their unique flavored jerky. The company is currently making two flavors: “Enfuego” a spicy, hickory flavor and “Hala-kahiki” which uses pineapple as a flavoring to give the jerky sweetness.

"I enjoy the challenge of starting and running my own business,” Long said. “With University Jerky, I have the opportunity to put my vast amounts of creative energy to work."

Initially launched in November 2006, University Jerky started their business by distributing their product at a few locations on Juniata's campus, including the college bookstore and several locations around Huntingdon County. The packaging for this particular Juniata College University Jerky is blue and gold, mirroring the school colors.

Brandon graduated from Juniata in the spring of 2007 with a B.A. in Studies in Entrepreneurship. He now works part-time for Graphics & Design in State College and will continue to accompany the Juniata College Concert Choir as well as handling the assistant coaching duties for the Juniata tennis program this fall. Julia graduated from Juniata in the spring of 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She now works for the PA Department of Revenue. Both Brandon and Julia work for University Jerky at night and during the weekends.