Gourmet Jerky Since 1977
Chapter One: Charlie Does Jerky
In 1977, a butcher and artisan named Celestino “Charlie” Mirarchi started making jerky. Charlie was definitely a doer. In fact, he was so busy making jerky that he couldn’t devote much time to selling it. So, his snacks remained a hidden gem—until Eugene and Susan Kang discovered it at a roadside stand on a trip to the Grand Canyon. They loved the jerky so much they decided to track down the maker. Soon, the trio went into business together—with a mission to share their meaty secret with the world.
Chapter Two: Doing Things the Right Way
Slowly but surely, more and more people found Country Archer jerky, and our snacks found their way into specialty grocers and other outlets. Fans started asking for variety, and so we channeled our passion into new recipes. And while we could have taken shortcuts, we chose to go with what we know. True to Charlie’s tradition, we still craft each batch with grass-fed beef, cage-free turkey, and quality pork.
Chapter Three: Let’s Do This
Today, we’re putting on our big-kid pants and taking our not-so-secret story nationwide. There’s still just one kitchen, although it’s quite a bit bigger now. And for doers who want to do more—and do it well—there are lots more ways to enjoy Country Archer meat snacks, and lots more places to find them. Heck, you can even order a box of bars, sticks, or jerky packs right here online. We think Charlie would be proud.
How It’s Made
1
Grass-fed beef and turkey raised with no antibiotics.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
2
Lean cuts for maximum protein.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
3
Simple, honest organic ingredients.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
4
Extended marinating. Zero shortcuts.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
5
Slow cooked for maximum noms.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
6
Direct shipping to your store or face.
Our fearless leader never has a problem keeping busy. Ironically, this avid outdoorsmen can be found most often in the test kitchen dreaming up new flavors, products and who knows what else. A recent convert to CrossFit, Eugene's love-hate relationship with burpees is ever evolving. Foodie, meat monger, serial entrepreneur... he wears many hats.
Eugene Kang
Co-Founder
Susan hates waste. Whether that be food, money, or time, she cannot stand it. This translates over to her hobbies. As an avid gardener, she gives high praise to her compost bin. In her eyes, why waste precious resources when they could be turned into black gold!
Susan Kang
Co-Founder
An unapologetically carnivorous nerd, Jeremy has long sought to merge his two greatest passions of meat snacks and business optimization. His love of jerky – “freedom meats” as they are known at his house – is surpassed only by his love of financial models and lean manufacturing. When not at work, Jeremy is often a character actor for the Disney scenes his daughters recreate at home.
Jeremy White
COO/CFO
Tim lives, breathes, and eats meat snacks. At 40+ years of age, he’s still hitting PRs on the regular and giving his younger counterparts a run for their money at his local Cross Fit. Burpees, double-unders, thrusters…he eats them for breakfast.
Tim Bateman
VP Of Sales
Eric Glenn
Controller
Francis Suh
Director of Finance
Brandon’s job is simple: “put meat on the table”. Whether it be in the boardroom or out hunting, the appetite for new business and organic proteins (aka wild animals) is his game!
Brandon Bayman
Director of Sales East - Grocery
Gary's motto is "If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right"…one of the reasons Country Archer is a perfect fit for this c-store guru. Gary has been "working on his fitness" and is now running circles around the competition. Our grass-fed, high-protein products boost his focus…whether he’s “escaping a room” or competing at billiards!
Gary Hedges
Director of Sales - West
Ryan Ivkovich
Director of Field Marketing
A master in the art of people watching and hitting at the batting cages, Cameron used to think he could be a professional athlete; Those hopes faded when his sisters beat him at everything. He loves food and thinks that nothing is better than a good burger or thick pancakes. He wins at buffets. Looking at him, you’d never know that he buys all of his clothes from Costco.
Cameron Sanchez
Director of Sales - Southwest
Tom Vujovich
Director of Sales East - Convenience
Mike Williams
Director of Operations
David enjoys spending time outdoors both on the ocean, catching 30lb. Yellowtail, and in the mountains, taking naps in a tent. When he isn't being one with nature, David is developing new culinary delights, and by that we mean grilling or cooking. David's friends describe him as a "jack of all trades, but master of none.”
David Brand
Area Sales Manager - Los Angeles/Las Vegas
Nikki Frisz
Brand Manager
Great shows like Westworld and going to the gym are what keep Eric sane. He overcame his fear of heights ascending V5’s at his local climbing gym. This undisputed office fashion guru boasts a treasure trove of limited-edition collectible shoes that even Kanye West would drool over.
Eric Kim
Accounting Manager
Eric Lally
Brand Manager
Bryan Lu
Supply Chain Manager
Jeff Palega
Regional Sales Manager
Elena was one of the first Country Archer employees, along with her father, and knows all the ins and outs of Country Archer. She is an avid mountain biker and when she’s not on her steel steed, you can find her at the firing range shooting clays. She is our very own Annie Oakley!
Elena Pierce
Plant Manager
Heriberto Solis
Quality Assurance Manager
Blair Turner
Field Marketing Manager - So Cal
Jeantel Williams
Area Sales Manager - San Diego
Eva is passionate about cooking and making the best meals for family and friends. She is an outdoor enthusiast and loves going camping with her partner-in-crime, her husband. You may see her out-and-about on trails far less traveled.
Eva Martinez
Human Resources Generalist
Hyunsoo Ahn
Accounts Payable Specialist
Hannah Kinsinger
Accounts Payable Specialist
Nicole Beaumont
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Whether it's sitting at his computer or riding his bike, Joseph is constantly thinking about the sweet thrill of backcountry snowboarding. In those rare moments he isn't dreaming of the slopes, you'll find him re-watching episodes of Community or using telekinesis to pat his dog.
Joseph Gaite
Marketing Coordinator
Chris loves a good beer. Whether it’s a Belgian, Amber, or IPA he’s got a favorite. He enjoys introspective conversation while on long hikes with friends, and is open to anything and everything. Fun fact: Chris has identical twin brothers… both vegan.
Chris Lopez
Customer Service Coordinator
Jenny Turner
Assistant Buyer
Lucia Gonzalez
Packaging Supervisor
Melissa Martinez
Human Resources Assistant
