
Chicago Foodpreneurs: Startup Edition
In honor of Chicago Restaurant Week, hear from a panel of early-stage Chicago foodpreneurs about what it takes to turn a passion into a business.
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Ricky Hirsch is the creator and founding partner of Think Jerky. Originally born and raised in Highland Park, IL. Hirsch is deeply rooted in Chicago with a love for its culinary community. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he ventured to New York to work in finance. He bought his first company in 2006, which he sold to travel the world in 2008. Upon returning from his adventures abroad, he worked for himself trading equities, while also considering how to expand into the field he loves: food. In 2013, he followed his passion and developed Think Jerky, partnering with nationally and locally renowned Chefs to create a sustainable, delicious, and healthy Chef-crafted jerky. Hirsch watched his dream come true when Think Jerky launched in the winter of 2015.
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