I have been a backyard barbecue enthusiast for more than 40 years, having purchased my first smoker while I was still in high school.  My passion grew even deeper during the 1990s when I lived in South Carolina, where I became obsessed with whole hog barbecue and the history and traditions of cooking barbecue.  

Over the years, I have continued to expand my knowledge and appreciation of barbecue across the country’s regional styles and traditions.  I became a KCBS Lifetime Member and earned my Certified Barbecue Judge and Table Captain certification more than six years ago.  Since then, I have achieved my Master Judge certification, completed JCUP, and have judged more than 125 contests.