More Than Peanut Butter
After losing his job, Caleb Mangum founded Nutty Novelties through faith and perseverance. Joined by his brother Jesse, a Cedarville University graduate, the family business continues to reflect God's faithfulness, Christ-centered values, and a commitment to serving others.
From Job Loss to Building Nutty Novelties
When Caleb Mangum lost his job in 2012, he did not set out to build a nut butter company. He simply faced an unexpected turn in the road and took a step of faith, trusting God to provide for his family and lead him forward.
What started as a leap into the unknown slowly grew into a business with purpose. Caleb poured himself into creating a quality product. Every jar became another reminder that God had faithfully met a need, and every challenge became another opportunity to trust Him for what came next.
Cedarville Graduate Helps Grow Christ-Centered Family Business
Then, seven years later, Caleb's younger brother, Jesse Mangum '19, joined the effort after graduating from Cedarville University with a degree in global business. Jesse brought fresh energy, strong business training, and the same desire to keep Christ at the center. Together, the brothers found a rhythm that felt less like a corporate partnership and more like a family calling.
Faith, Family, and Christian Entrepreneurship Shape Nutty Novelties
Their brotherhood matters. Caleb and Jesse share values, memories, and a deep trust in one another. They work hard, laugh often, and lean on the biblical foundation that has shaped both of their lives. They believe the best businesses are built one relationship at a time, measuring success not only by what they produce but by how they serve the people God places in their paths.
They are also quick to recognize the people who work alongside them and the friends and family who have encouraged them along the way. Time and again, God has provided the right person with the right wisdom at just the right moment. Those experiences have reinforced their conviction that success is never a solo effort but a testimony to God's faithfulness working through His people. That spirit came through when the brothers recently shared their journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast.
Nutty Novelties Reflects God's Faithfulness Through Business
For Caleb and Jesse Mangum, every jar of Nutty Novelties tells a bigger story — one of God's faithfulness, the strength of family, and the joy of serving others together.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across the arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation's top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal's 2026 Best Colleges rankings. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. More information is available at cedarville.edu.