Kendall Jr. did pass away a few months ago. His dad, Sr. had started Silver Buddy and had sold part interest in the company to Jr. a few years ago and Jr. had been running the company since. Jr. had a few problems and the company had not been thriving as well as in the past. The company is right now in the court system for Jr's wife says she owns the company but Sr. says it is his company. My bet is that Sr. will end up with it eventually. The patten is no longer in effect on the bait so anyone can make them. 1/2 oz Silver is my favorite when I fish them and have a bunch in the box that probably have increased in value.