“Grilling and smoking meats is my passion. I didn't know it until early 2021 when I created a Facebook group called ‘Show Us Your Meats’. (Follow us on Facebook to see creations from our members!) The idea came to me after seeing several of my friends who loved to post pictures and stories of their grilled and smoked creations. I figured it would be fun, and the group would maybe gain a few dozen members. Fast forward to 2022, and we now have membership in the thousands, and our reach is global. As I watched the group grow, I saw something I had never seen before - I saw my outlet. My thing. My passion. It became a form of therapy that I had been seeking for many years while fighting many mental battles. I’m very proud that the group allows me to be a huge advocate for mental health in all aspects, to which I do a Facebook live video each week called Meats and Mental Health Monday. I’m very transparent in my battles in hopes that someone who hears my story will somehow benefit from it.
I'm a 13+ year Air Force combat veteran. I separated in 2014 with no real direction. I have held several jobs that really only paid the bills. I had no fulfillment or purpose; I didn't yet have a "thing". This journey was never a thought, but with the help and support of family, friends and group members, it's grown into a business that I'm so proud of.”
