As we continue receiving updates from Steve and the crew in Bristol Bay, Alaska, now on his thirtieth day at sea, we thought it was the perfect time to check in with Jenn.
Back home, she’s holding it all together. Caring for the children, the livestock, the land, and managing her many responsibilities at Wild for Salmon. Jenn wears a lot of hats. She’s our CFO, head of HR, and steps in as CEO while Steve is away. She also built our test kitchen, though Jenn would call that the fun stuff.
The balancing act she pulls off is nothing short of art. Jenn, our trusted and humble leader, takes it all on with a quiet kind of grace. At home, she moves seamlessly through her days with the kids, their four horses, a flock of chickens, a bunny, three hounds, a human-like retriever, a thriving garden, and acres of land she tends with care.
Life at The Kurian Ranch is never dull, but with Jenn at the helm, there’s a steady calm that anchors it all. A softness with strength.
Here’s a glimpse into our gracious and hilarious co-owner. Jenn always seems to land in the right place at the right time. She’ll tell you it’s luck. We call it alignment.
It’s easy to work hard for someone who pours themselves fully into every part of life. That’s what Jenn does. (Steve does too.) Wild for Salmon isn’t just a seafood company. It started as a word. Then a page. Then a chapter of Jenn and Steve’s life. Today, it’s a story that continues to grow. One that can be shared and passed down for generations.
This business was built by salt-of-the-earth people who stay rooted in what matters most. They’d never call themselves remarkable, but that’s exactly what they are. The heart of Wild for Salmon lives in the soil, in the sea, and under the sun. Not under blue lights or behind a screen.
And that’s why our team believes in it. Because it isn’t about the brand. It’s about the people, the community, and the natural world that sustains us all.
When we wrapped up with Jenn and the kids on this beautiful evening, she still had a list of chores to finish. But first, she fed us all grilled sockeye, seasoned with Rub with Love, and a side of organic veggies. She even brought out homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert. Now tell us, isn’t that the sweetest thing?
Our next check-in will likely be when Jenn joins Steve on the boat in Alaska. She and the kids will head out soon to help Dad wrap up the season. It’s tradition, after all.
Here’s what Jenn shared when we asked what it feels like to step onto the F/V Ava Jane and return to their life in Alaska:
“When I arrive, it feels like a whole new chapter. By our personal calendar, it’s the moment we close out one year and begin the next. There’s a strong sense of purpose and connection when we arrive in Naknek. You immediately feel that life moves at a different pace. Everything in King Salmon runs around a deep respect for the land and water. It’s the kind of place that reminds you what the edge of the world could feel like. I love watching the kids take it all in. Absorbing the culture, seeing what’s happening, and deciding how they want to be involved in the work and traditions. And the small village that continues to support this life in PA while we’re out on the boat for a few weeks... I’m just so grateful for the family, friends, and community who make it possible for us to keep this meaningful tradition alive.”
Stay tuned for the next post. It will be the start of a whole new chapter.
