It all began in my early 20's when I worked a very physical job outdoors. I needed lots of protein for energy, with very little calories.

My father, “The Real” Rick James, got in my truck one day and was appalled by the crap quality jerky I was consuming. The very next day a food dehydrator was waiting on my doorstep with a note that said: 

"Create quality, consume quality, be quality.  Now get to work!" – Love Dad       

For 15 years I created quality beef jerky for friends, family, and neighbors, right out of my kitchen. The day of one of my friends said he wanted 50lbs/week for one of his bars, I knew I had to pivot and grow Man Candy into the business it is today!