Link Snacks, Inc. Founder Inducted into Hall of Fame during Manufacturing Awards Night
MADISON – Jack Link was formally inducted into the Wisconsin Manufacturing Hall of Fame at the Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards ceremony last month, joining Ron Wanek and Don Wahlin as the third modern inductee of the program.
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – reestablished the historic Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2024 to showcase Wisconsin’s continuing manufacturing legacy and highlight the achievements of the state’s top industry titans. The program is presented by First Business Bank.
“The selection criteria for this award include economic impact, leadership, civic engagement, community philanthropy, and enduring legacy. Jack is at the top of the list for all of those,” said WMC President/CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “We are proud to honor his contributions to his community, our state, and the manufacturing industry as a whole.”
After accepting the award, Mr. Link gave a brief history of the Minong-based family company. Link learned the fundamentals of meat processing at an early age in his family’s butcher shop. After the family meatpacking business closed, he identified an opportunity to improve the quality and consistency of meat snacks available in the marketplace. Drawing on his great-grandfather’s recipes and traditional smoking methods, Link developed protein products made from real cuts of beef.
His continued leadership and vision helped popularize jerky as a mainstream, on-the-go snack across international markets, growing the company to be the largest manufacturer of jerky in the world.
“Wisconsin’s manufacturing leaders embody the innovation, resilience, and craftsmanship that drive our state’s economy forward,” said First Business Bank President & CEO Jim Hartlieb. “We’re proud to support the Wisconsin Manufacturing Hall of Fame and celebrate the visionaries like Jack Link who continue to build strong businesses, strong communities, and a stronger future for all of us. Congratulations to Jack Link on this wonderful distinction to capstone a lifetime of achievement.”
Link was joined at the event by his family, including his son, Troy Link, who now serves as the company’s CEO.
In recognition of the honor, Congressman Tom Tiffany, who represents the Minong area, recognized Jack Link on the House floor, sharing about his contributions to the industry and thanking him for the impact of his generous philanthropy.
Jack Link Acceptance & Remarks
Wisconsin Manufacturing Hall of Fame
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