Phil Vu and his team at Jerks Breaching Nekkid (JBN) are not typical business owners. Formed as a group venture with four other friends, JBN started as an idea during a “Boots to Business” class in 2021. Phil, a veteran, with over 25 years of supply chain and logistics experience, pitched the idea of creating beef jerky, and the rest is history.
The Jerky Journey Begins
The journey started in 2021 with a simple concept and a batch of homemade jerky for a Boots to Business cohort during Phil’s transition out of military service.
“Chris Armstrong-Goings Sr. asked if anybody had any business ideas. And I said, yeah, I make beef jerky. And he asked me: well, where’s the beef jerky? We’re here to sample!”
Phil quickly made a batch of jerky from scratch, and the very next day, he brought it to class for sampling. He was encouraged by the feedback and soon began crafting a business plan around the jerky concept. Seeking partners who shared his vision, he brought together the JBN team, turning a casual idea into a business venture.
The Unique Team and Flavors of JBN
The JBN team consists of five friends, each bringing a unique skill set and personality to the table. Phil Vu provides the corporate background, while James and Melissa Foreman, a husband-and-wife duo, contribute with their own set of recipes. Formerly a Combat Engineer and Combat Medic, James and Melissa, served with Phil in Germany, nearly three decades ago.
Vixai brings the civilian flavor and expertise in Lao cuisine to the team. He owns a deli called Sap Sap Lao Deli & Cafe in White Center, where JBN’s products are showcased. Alika, from Hawaii, brings technical expertise and leadership. Together, this eclectic group combines several influences to create a variety of jerky flavors.
JBN offers 5-6 main flavors, ranging from Asian-inspired recipes created by Phil to Western ranch-based recipes by the Foreman’s. One standout flavor is the “Colonel Mustard Beef Jerky” a Dijon mustard and vinegar blend that has become a fan favorite. Customers have the option to purchase jerky in their preferred flavor, either in person at Sap Sap Lao Deli & Café, or through the company’s website.
Becoming a Business Owner
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Phil Vu never imagined he would follow in their footsteps. His parents, from Vietnam, opened a small pharmacy in Seattle during the ’80s and ’90s. Spending countless hours assisting his father, Phil couldn’t understand the significance of their work beyond providing for the family.
“So it was really Chris’ fault if he didn’t dare me, you know, I wouldn’t have done that.”
Becoming a small business owner brought unexpected joys and challenges. No longer confined to a singular role, Phil found himself wearing multiple hats—marketing, packaging, and production worker. Despite the initial apprehension, the freedom to innovate and the excitement of building something new sparked Phil’s passion.
Empowering Entrepreneurship
Phil offers a message of encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially within the veteran community. While civilian roles may differ from those in uniform, they present similar challenges and require the same problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
Phil wants to remind the veteran entrepreneurs that they are part of a vast network. Numerous support programs, like Boot to Business, offer opportunities to expand beyond the military.
“Veterans, we have this tendency to think that we can do everything by ourselves because we’re so used to working with bubble gum and toothpicks. But with what you (Business Impact NW) are doing with coaching, classes, and lending, it really helps. I probably wouldn’t have been able to do anything close to what I’m doing right now without a lot of the hard work done by you guys in the background.”
Despite being a relatively new player in the market, JBN actively collaborates with the community. From supporting local nonprofits to sending care packages to deployed troops, JBN’s commitment to giving back is at the heart of their spirit.
Chris Armstrong-Goings Sr, Northwest VBOC Program Director, says:
“Phillip Vu embodies the essence of resilience, facing challenges head-on with unwavering resolve, transforming adversity into fuel for growth. His success is a testament to hard work, dedication, and being more determined with each obstacle overcome.”
If you are a Veteran and interested in starting or expanding your small business, check out the VBOC.
If you are interested in attending the Boots to Business class, or would like more information, click here.
About the author
(ka-ro-lee-na goos-mahn)
Carolina is the Vice President of External Affairs at Business Impact NW, where she oversees marketing, communications, and development efforts, promoting the organization’s brand, reputation, and core mission. Fluent in English and Spanish, she leads a team focused on creating strategic marketing campaigns, establishing partnerships, and securing support for small business communities across the Pacific Northwest. Carolina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master of Finance, and she brings over two decades of experience in marketing, finance, and strategic planning across various industries.