Fired Up Jellies and Jams
Fired Up Jellies and Jams: Adding a Sweet and Spicy Twist to Life’s Special Moments
Fired Up Jellies and Jams, based in Carbondale, Illinois, began with a simple yet powerful idea: bring people together over delicious food. Founders Michael (Smitty) Smith and Krista Daniel met while attending Southern Illinois University. Their shared passion for cooking and bringing people together inspired them to develop a line of jellies and jams designed to transform meals and create memorable experiences.
After years of experimenting with unique combinations of fruits, spices, and peppers, the duo perfected recipes that struck the ideal balance of sweetness and heat. In 2018, Fired Up Jellies and Jams officially launched. They offer three flavor-packed products: Strawberry Habanero Jelly, Cinnful Peach Habanero Jam, and Strawberry Vanilla Rhubarb Jam.
Today, the company’s award-winning products are available at 250 retail locations across 13 states, earning recognition for their unique flavors and culinary versatility.
Michael Smith turned to the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SIU for guidance as the business grew. “Everybody at the SBDC has been super helpful. It’s great to have a starting place to go when I have an issue or need clarity. Everyone is very knowledgeable,” Michael shared.
The SBDC paired Michael with advisor Michael Jessup, who specializes in business financials. This partnership was instrumental in helping Michael refine his approach to running a growing business. “I’m very big-picture oriented, and Michael Jessup helps keep me balanced by reminding me to focus on the details. He has been invaluable in teaching me the importance of quantifying every aspect of my business,” Michael said.
Through regular meetings with the SBDC, Michael gained clarity on setting achievable goals, creating structure, and tracking progress. These insights have played a critical role in Fired Up Jellies and Jams’ ongoing success.
In 2024, Fired Up Jellies and Jams added over 70 new retail locations and continues to gain momentum. “My business is currently growing, and meeting with Michael [Jessup] regularly helps keep me focused on my goals,” he said.