Third-generation owner and CEO of ATK Foods, Amylu Kurzawski has been the guiding force behind the growth of our company and its brands. Since taking the reins, Amylu vastly expanded our flagship brand, Leon’s Sausage, spearheaded the acquisition of the premiere old-world sausage company, Slotkowski, and has catapulted her signature brand, Sausages by Amylu to national prominence. All with her own unmistakable obsession to detail. Nothing is created or produced in our plant without her direct involvement. In fact, even as we speak, Amylu is readying for launch a number of exciting new products!
Q: How did you get into this business?
A: You might say that the sausage business is in my blood. My grandfather, Leon Tiahnybik, founded the business in 1924 and I represent the third-generation of family ownership. I helped out in the office when I was in 7th grade and in later years began to work in the plant. I started to work full-time after graduating from the University of Arizona and have worked in all phases of the business over the years.
Q: When did you develop your first product?
A: Product development has always been my main area of interest — I enjoy doing the research, formulation and product evaluation. My first hands-on new product was in 1985, an Andouille sausage that was developed specifically for Shaw's Crab House, a popular dining establishment here in Chicago.
Q: How do you create such unique products?
A: I try to keep up with the latest food and lifestyle trends — and apply them to our products. That's why Sausages by Amylu are flavorful, lean, convenient and versatile — it's exactly what today's consumers are looking for in sausage products.
Q: Many other firms contract out their manufacturing to other facilities. You don't. Why not?
A: We own and operate our own manufacturing plant — so we have full and complete control over the quality and consistency of our manufacturing process. That gives us an advantage over the competition because we don't have to rely on someone else's equipment, personnel or manufacturing schedule. Our own manufacturing facility allows us to pay particularly close attention to every product that comes down the line. That's why our products are vastly superior to competing brands.
Q: What's the best way to enjoy your company’s products?
A: Over the years, we've developed and tested a number of interesting recipes featuring our products. We’re constantly adding to our repertoire. Check out the dozens of ways to enjoy our great products in our Recipes section.
