At Seltzer’s, we specialize in making authentic Lebanon Bologna and other smoked meats. Our bologna is known for its unique, smoky, and tangy flavor, and it’s something we’re proud to offer to customers locally and around the world.

Seltzer’s was started by my great-grandfather, Harvey Seltzer, back in 1902. As a German immigrant, he brought a family recipe and a love for making high-quality meats. There was enough demand from people who loved what he made that he turned it into a business. I’m the fourth generation in my family to carry on that tradition, and I came in 2019 because I wanted to be part of something that’s so deeply rooted in our family and our community. Before returning, I spent five years working in investment banking at JP Morgan, which gave me a strong foundation in business operations and financial management. That experience has been invaluable in running and growing our family business.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major challenge. I had to figure out how to keep operations running safely while caring for our team. I developed a hybrid approach that gave people the choice to work or stay home with partial pay, and we also offered bonuses for those who continued to come in. Despite the challenges, our team came together, and we were one of the few vendors able to fully deliver orders during the shortages.

I made decisions based on values and long-term thinking. By being transparent with the team, supporting them, and maintaining a strong culture of trust, we were able to navigate the crisis and come out stronger on the other side.

Life is about service. Whether it’s customer service, community service, or just being kind, that’s what matters most.

What drives me is the challenge. I love the struggle of entrepreneurship—figuring out how to solve problems, push things forward, and build something lasting. Being part of a company with over 120 years of history gives me a real sense of purpose and belonging, and being able to share that legacy with my family makes it even more meaningful.

A key moment for me was in early 2020 when I bought the business from my uncle. This happened just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing all sorts of uncertainty and challenges. That period forced me to make tough, values-based decisions and taught me a lot about leadership and resilience. Another personal milestone was moving back to Pennsylvania with my wife and our growing family, finding not just a professional home but a place where we can raise our kids and contribute to the local community.

Get yourself a peer group. I joined Vistage when I came to Seltzer’s, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Having a network of people who can give honest feedback and help you work through tough problems is invaluable. Also, embrace the journey—there’s no end goal, just the process of moving forward.

We’ve always been involved in the community, supporting sports teams, fundraisers, and local initiatives. One of my big pushes has been developing our direct-to-consumer Smokehouse Experience, which gives people a chance to see behind the scene and gives students a real-world application of what they’re learning in school. It’s a hands-on way to connect with the community and share what makes our products special.

I used to play the French horn and had blonde hair when I was younger!