Sioux Falls Entrepreneur Expands Local Food Preserving

The Jam Man offers over 60 varieties of jams, syrups, and pickles sourced from area farms.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food

Sioux Falls Entrepreneur Expands Local Food Preserving

Live Poll

Would you choose locally made preserves over mass-produced versions from a grocery store?

Since its launch in February 2023, The Jam Man has grown into a Sioux Falls-based preservation business offering more than 60 unique products. Founder Ryan Gulbranson started the venture following an unexpected order for 10 four-packs of jam, leading to an output of 300 jars in the first season.

Why it matters

The venture supports local agriculture by sourcing produce from family farms near Salem, Montrose, and Miller. Gulbranson collaborates with South Dakota State University Extension to ensure every custom recipe meets safety and acidity standards.

The operation produced 300 jars in its inaugural season and maintains an inventory across 60 distinct product types. Peak production demands 16 to 18 hours of daily labor during harvest, while specialty items like cinnamon pickles require 3 to 5 days to prepare.

The players

Ryan Gulbranson

He is the founder and operator of The Jam Man, a food preservation business based in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota State University Extension

This academic and community resource provides testing for product acidity, pH levels, and food safety compliance.

The details

Gulbranson sources ingredients locally, including beans from the Orland Colony and aronia berries from growers in Miller. The business reaches customers through farmers markets and community events rather than standard mail shipping, often assisted by his four-year-old granddaughter.

January 2023: Gulbranson began researching cottage food laws.
February 2023: The Jam Man officially launched in Sioux Falls.
2023: The business began producing pickles.

Culture Shift

The expansion of The Jam Man reflects the broader growth of cottage food enterprises that emphasize hyper-local sourcing and direct-to-consumer sales. This shift allows producers to bypass industrial supply chains while maintaining rigid quality control through partnerships with regional extension offices.

Residents can access locally sourced food products through regional farmers markets and trade shows rather than online shipping. Consumers benefit from products tested for safety through university partnerships, ensuring shelf stability in small-batch items.

The takeaway

Starting a local preservation business requires balancing recipe creativity with strict scientific testing for shelf stability. Aspiring food producers can succeed by scaling inventory based on consistent demand tracking and building strong local farm partnerships.