How love and purpose turned into a family jam business

Family Jam Session

A sweet business is borne from purpose and a passion for preserves

You may have driven by Wood Boat and Motor in Warwick before without ever realizing a quaint retail jam joint resides right inside, with a selection as groovy as the Bob Marley song the name nods to. We Be Jammin’ opened six years ago as a popup at spots like Pawtuxet Village Park and Hope Artiste Village for farmers markets, where the labels slowly became a mainstay of top-notch preserved goods.

Owner Debbie Wood explains that the business started slow by design for her son Jason, whose autism makes social interaction a challenge. “We were unsure how well he would handle it, but he seemed to enjoy the social interaction, which is not typical,” Debbie says. “He would high-five the customers and eagerly bag up the purchases, tip his baseball cap, and say, ‘Thank you and enjoy!’ Soon he would ask when we would sell the jam again.” Debbie knew Jason needed to engage in the outside world in a way that would be meaningful and enjoyable, and the decision for him to run a business peddling fruit preserves was natural – jam on toast is one of Jason’s personal favorites, especially with so many varieties to choose from. Debbie explains, “It helped a great deal with his verbal skills by having choices. He began to use com-

plete sentences when asking and choosing his breakfast.”

And the choices are many – think 75 products, all made specially for We Be Jammin’. Over time, demand grew, and new flavors and lines of products were added, which can now all be found in the retail shop, along with gift baskets and some handmade soaps and candles. You can still rely on the mother-and-son duo to bring you classics like raspberry and bestseller Strawberry Rhubarb jam, but thrill seekers can also indulge in some Blackberry Jalapeño Jam, Ghost Pepper Ketchup, and Fiery Buffalo Sauce. Condiment offerings – like Sweet Baby Beets and bread-andbutter pickles – salad dressings, barbecue sauces and marinades, and creative salsas (including one with bacon!) ensure there’s something for everyone’s jam.

Dress up any meal with flavorful fixin’s curated by the Woods. Here’s just a few of Debbie’s go-to meals made tastier with bold spreads.

Dinner in a Pinch

“If you’re sick of eating the same old thing, pour one of our jars of salsa over any piece of meat, fish, or poultry in the crock pot and come home to a delicious dinner,” Debbie suggests. Drizzle their Mango Lime Dressing over fresh greens for a quick side salad.

Spicy Meets Sweet

Take your cheese board game to the next level with a surprising union of sweet and spice: “Try any one of our Jalapeño Jams over softened cream cheese for a delicious appetizer served with crackers. The fruit with the jalapeños makes a delicious combination!”

We Be Grillin’

“Our Peach Bourbon BBQ is great on ribs on the grill,” Debbie recommends. “The Sweet Bourbon Glaze is great on steak tips, and our Chicken Dipping Sauce is the ultimate side sauce.” And for dessert? Add a dollop of your fave fruit jam to vanilla ice cream.