09/01/2026
9 years ago, a good friend named Kaleb asked if I would make pulled pork for his wedding reception. I had wanted to get into the BBQ world for a long time, but at the time, I didn’t even have a smoker big enough to fit enough meat to feed 300 people.
So, we went on the hunt for parts to build one from scratch. Another great friend, Eros, agreed to do the welding and fabrication. To say we didn’t know the mechanics of how a smoker actually worked back then would be an understatement. We built it, but it didn’t work. That led to late-night deep dives into the physics of airflow and heat transfer, making adjustment after adjustment.
Our final adjustment happened literally the day before the wedding. The pressure was on—there were a lot of nerves, hope, and prayers. I had a mountain of pork ready to go, and failure wasn't an option. We finished the last weld at 9:00 PM the night before the reception, threw the meat on immediately, and stayed up all night tending the fire. To get the right air intake, we even had to use a grinder wheel just to keep the firebox door open just the right amount.
But it worked.
That single night was the spark—the moment I realized this crazy idea could actually become a reality. It took another 5 years of side gigs, late nights, and building up the courage to fully take the leap, but that’s where it all began.
This past Sunday, we catered an outdoor service at Rivertree Massillon. It didn’t hit me until after the service was over and I walked into the reception hall to use the restroom. The moment I stepped through those doors, I was instantly transported right back to that first night 9 years ago.
Looking around that room reminded me just how far we’ve come from a homemade, barely-working smoker held together by hope and a grinder wheel. None of this journey—or where we are today—would have ever been possible without the unwavering love and support of my amazing wife.
Grateful for where we started, how far we’ve come, and everyone who has supported us along the way.