The Problem: Finding the Right Shirt
The concept for a BBQ brand centered around wood fire cooking came to me when I scoured the internet for some stylish shirts that celebrated the art of BBQ. With some 15 years cooking with fire, I wanted to rep my passion on a shirt or two. Unfortunately, all I found was either the typical corny shirts with an image of a tasty animal, perfect for that Father’s Day gift from the kids or it was nice merchandise, but all based off a product, restaurant, or social personality. Nothing was catching my eye as something I could wear to show my passion for fire and not be cheap and corny or a walking advertisement for the products I use. Do not get me wrong, I love representing what I use but I was left lacking as I was hoping to find something speaking to my craft.
The Solution: Creating My Own Brand of BBQ Clothing
With that I decided to toss around the idea for my own brand. I did not get serious about it for a few years, then late 2023 it was like a voice said to me “Get after it already!”. I had heard that some local guys turning their design ideas into a successful brand, so I searched for some local support and found a company supporting start-ups. From that first meeting to the weeks that followed things started falling into place, including old friends being able to support me in was I did not know they could.
As I build this idea into something that will create community, display a lifestyle, and hopefully spread the passion of cooking with fire I am reminded of my journey building The Fox, my 110-gallon reverse-flow offset smoker (look for an upcoming blog on that build). It took me quite awhile for me to decide to pull the trigger and order the Legacy 400 XL smoker plans from Smoker Plans. Once I did and the plans showed up, I knew I was in for an adventure.
The Journey: Building My Smoker Helped Build My Business
Much like my journey with Stickburner Clothing, there was a lot of steps, processes, parts, and order of operations I needed to figure out to make the build successful. I have a background in metal fabrication, starting my career in a welding shop some 25 years ago, but I had no background in business. As with The Fox, I made sure to fully understand the steps immediately in front of me and those in the future, from marketing to products. Carefully strategizing each move. Rejoicing at every small win and using ever step backwards as an opportunity for improvements.
The Result: Sharing My Passion and Quality Products with the World
Today The Fox lives happily in my backyard, runs like a champ and is always ready for the next fire and cook. I have cooked items that I had never thought I would be able to do with it and it came out perfect. This was due to my diligence, experience, and passion to provide quality BBQ to my family and friends. And like when I am at my pit, Stickburner Clothing will have the same diligence and passion to provide you with quality products.
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