Tim Goldsmid On Jack Link’s Protein Snacks’ Long-Term Partnership With Team Rubicon
Jack Link’s Protein Snacks is an American snack company founded over 30 years ago in Minong, Wisconsin. Initially based upon the beef jerky recipe of founder John “Jack” Link’s great-grandfather, Jack Link’s has expanded in recent years to also produce bacon jerky. But unlike other manufacturers of jerky, Jack Link’s is both for its interesting partnerships — the Seattle Mariners and NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns are among its celebrity endorsers — and funny commercials.
But Jack Link’s also ought to be known for going distance with humanitarian efforts. For National Jerky Day earlier this month, the company joined Team Rubicon to help rebuild 100 homes affected by Hurricane Harvey. In addition, last year Jack Link’s launched the company-wide initiative Fueling The Front Lines — again with Team Rubicon — to raise capital and awareness for first responders.
I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Tim Goldsmid, the Vice President of Marketing for Jack Link’s Protein Snacks. More on Fueling The Front Lines can be found at www.jacklinks.com/ourcause, while Team Rubicon keeps a home online at www.teamrubiconusa.org.
Jack Link’s seems to have a sense of humor to the brand, which most meat-related companies do not. Is that a conscious move, or something that happened naturally?
Tim Goldsmid: It happened naturally over time. Our fans love it and it just fits the personality of our company and the great people that work here.
Away from the humor, Jack Link’s worked with Team Rubicon on the Fueling the Front Lines Campaign. How did that collaboration come about?
Tim Goldsmid: Team Rubicon shares Jack Link’s bias for action and do whatever-it-takes mindset. As we learned more about their organization, it quickly became clear that Jack Link’s and Team Rubicon share many of the same values. We are inspired by Team Rubicon’s mission and excited to join forces to rebuild strength and restore communities affected by natural disasters.
That project coincided with National Jerky Day. What did you do to celebrate that holiday?
Tim Goldsmid: We focused our company’s efforts surrounding National Jerky Day to help fuel a more meaningful cause: fueling the front lines of disaster relief. I spent the day working away with Team Rubicon in Houston. We were priming one of the homes they are helping to save, and had some jerky for fuel along on the way to keep me going!
Do you have a favorite of the Jack Link’s products available?
Tim Goldsmid: So hard to choose, but I love our Jalapeno Jerky!
What is coming up for Jack Link’s in the coming months?
Tim Goldsmid: Summer fun, because summer is prime time for jerky and meat snacks. This summer we are pumped to partner with Tough Mudder as part of the launch of our new Steak Strips. The bars are sure to be hit as they taste awesome, are packed with meat protein, and fit perfectly into your pack anywhere you are planning to go this summer!
When not busy with Jack Link’s, how do you like to spend your free time?
Tim Goldsmid: Hanging with my kids or biking, swimming and running in preparation for my next triathlon.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Tim Goldsmid: Last week I saw Shawn Colvin at local jazz club here. Prior to that it was Wilco.
Finally, Tim, any last words for the kids?
Tim Goldsmid: Feed your wild side!
About the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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