PennWest Clarion SBDC Client Success Story
Seasoned for Success: Spicing up Local Businesses

After getting permission to commercialize the family seasoning, Ron and Amy Huey gave samples to friends/owners at the Bear Claw Country Sports Bar in Reynoldsville, PA. Encouraged by their enthusiastic response to their homemade blends, the couple decided to turn their love for bold flavors into a business.

“Jason has been an incredible help to starting our business and helping with questions as they have arisen.”

In 2024, the couple launched Duey Jerk Seasoning LLC. They began sales of their products through simple word of mouth. As the venture grew, even more customers reached out looking for the seasoning, prompting the couple to create a label and further the brand. As this continued, Ron and Amy were eager to enhance their customer reach and increase sales.

The couple turned to the PennWest Clarion Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for support in expanding their business and increasing product sales. With the SBDC’s guidance, the business gained access to new avenues for getting their seasoning onto store shelves. This includes 15+ local retailers like Ace Hardware, 814 Home & Hardware, M&M Motorsports, and more. The SBDC helped equip the business to reach out to local restaurants, like Clarion River Brewing Company and The Pour House Bar and Grill LLC, encouraging specialty meals that highlight the seasoning, boosting recognition and demand. What was originally a venison jerky seasoning has become something you will find on everything from wings and steaks to eggs and dips.

In 2024, the business produced and sold eight batches of seasoning. The business grew in 2025 to selling 55 batches. The entire family is now involved in the process. Duey Jerk Seasoning LLC is currently exploring ways to keep up with demand while finding ways to streamline their operations. New business customers are purchasing the product for the first time almost every week.

The SBDC worked with Duey Jerk Seasoning LLC to ensure the product meets proper labeling requirements and FDA regulations and continues to provide consulting services as they marketing their products in new markets.