What is America's appetite for duck - and is it growing? The Jurgielewicz brothers - Dr. Jim, Joey, and Michael - joined The Food Institute Podcast to talk about how Joe Jurgielewicz & Son is continuing the company's long history while innovating for the future, all while maintaining a balance between family and business.
More about Joe Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd.:
Joe Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd. (JJS), America's Tastiest Duck, is a family-owned and operated, 4th generation business with a rich history dating back to 1933. Starting on Long Island, NY, and now based in Hamburg, PA, the Jurgielewicz family has been dedicated to raising the highest quality Pekin ducks for generations. Their vertically integrated approach, overseen by veterinarians Dr. Joe (founder/CEO) and Dr. Jim (President), ensures top quality and animal welfare from hatching to distribution. This commitment results in ducks with the perfect meat-to-fat ratio, making them the preferred choice of renowned chefs and establishments worldwide. The Jurgielewicz family is proud to continue its 93-year tradition of providing the highest-quality Pekin duck products and world-class service to clients globally for generations to come. https://tastyduck.com/
More about Culver Duck Farms Inc.:
Culver Duck Farms, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest producers of White Pekin Duck and the first duck meat farm in North America to earn the American Humane CertifiedÔ status. The business is the winner of 7 National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) trophies since 1959 and was started in Long Island, New York in 1858. Culver Duck moved to Middlebury, Indiana, in 1959 and began processing ducks in 1978. https://culverduck.com/
More about Dr. Jim Jurgielewicz:
Dr. Jim Jurgielewicz is President of Joe Jurgielewicz & Son, a family-owned, vertically integrated duck farming operation with roots dating back four generations. As one of the few veterinarians specializing in duck production, he combines veterinary expertise with a lifelong commitment to animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and producing high-quality Pekin ducks. Working alongside his two brothers, Dr. Jim helps lead the family business while continuing a legacy that has made the Jurgielewicz name synonymous with excellence in duck farming.
More about Michael Jurgielewicz:
Michael Jurgielewicz serves as co-head of business development and marketing at Joe Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd. and Culver Duck Farms, where he works closely with his brother, Joey, to lead the department and drive the strategic direction of both companies. He holds a degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, graduating in 2013.
Following graduation, Michael joined Sweet Street Desserts as Business Development Manager for their international division, managing growth across Canada, Mexico, and Asia. In 2019, he transitioned to the family businesses, where he works alongside his brothers, Dr. Jim and Joey, to expand their market presence and build on the companies' longstanding legacy.
More about Joey Jurgielewicz:
Joey Jurgielewicz leads the business development and marketing departments at Joe Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd. and Culver Duck Farms alongside his brother Michael. He holds a BS in Food Marketing from Saint Joseph's University (2009) and a Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) from Cornell University (2016).
With an educational background spanning food marketing and hospitality management, Joey brings a well-rounded perspective to growing his family duck farms. A key part of his role involves cultivating relationships with some of the culinary world's most acclaimed talents, working closely with Michelin-starred chefs — including Daniel Boulud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Marc Forgione — to feature the family’s duck on their menus. Together with his brothers, Dr. Jim and Michael, he is committed to strengthening the companies' market position and honoring their longstanding family legacy.
