#barbecue #competitionbbq #podcast 

Join us on this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast as we sit down with The Smoke Freaks, Brian and Ann, to explore the world of competition barbecue! These Indiana legends share their journey from backyard grilling to becoming a top-tier competition team, including the hilarious and inspiring story of their first win that launched the Smoke Freaks name and transformed their lives. Discover how Brian’s Kansas City roots and Ann's Greek culinary background combined into a passion for barbecue, leading them to master brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork. Learn about their strategic use of Hunsaker cans for consistency, the importance of resting meats, and their innovative Flavor Guide project with BBQ Pro Shop, created to help enthusiasts navigate seasonings during the pandemic. Packed with insights, laughs, and barbecue wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for seasoned pitmasters and backyard grillers alike. Tune in for a flavorful discussion and immerse yourself in the camaraderie and competition of the barbecue world!

1:10 - Introductions
1:50 - Getting Started in Barbecue
8:00 - The Hook of Competition Barbecue
11:52 - Tales from the Competition
13:22 - Evolution of Equipment
15:51 - The Art of Holding Meat
19:26 - Current Competitions and the Flavor Guide
26:24 - The MSG Debate
32:44 - Flavor Guide for Sauces?
34:24 - A Wisconsin Sauce Adventure
37:07 - The Lucky Lighter Club
39:10 - Memphis in May Experience
41:58 - Competition Categories and Finals
45:53 - Presentation and Judging Feedback
48:24 - Shed’s Consistent Success
49:29 - Future Plans for The Smoke Freaks
51:39 - Competing for a Golden Ticket
54:34 - Equipment and Grill Preferences
56:59 - Steak Selection and Consistency
1:00:54 - Managing Steak Cuts
1:05:39 - Finding The Smoke Freaks Online
1:06:07 - Lightning Round Questions
1:10:27 - Closing Remarks

Follow The Smoke Freaks on Social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smokefreaks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokefreaksbbq/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smokefreaks/videos
Twitter: https://x.com/smokefreaks
Website: https://www.smokefreaks.com/ 

Follow Us on Social 
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Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering  
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true  
Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/

#barbecue #podcast #interview 

Join Duce Raymond in this exciting episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast as he interviews Darren Worth, the barbecue legend behind Smokey D's BBQ. Dive into Darren's journey from corporate life to becoming a barbecue icon, and hear about his experiences in both the competition circuit and the restaurant industry.

0:43 - Introductions: Duce welcomes Darren Worth to the podcast.
1:03 - Reconnecting: They reminisce about their last meeting and celebrate their podcast's growth.
2:18 - Emma’s Role: Darren introduces Emma Derflinger, the driving force behind their podcast's success.
6:39 - Sharing Knowledge: Darren talks about his passion for sharing business insights and helping others.
7:28 - Operational Support: Duce acknowledges Darren’s crucial role in overcoming operational challenges.
8:16 - Darren's Barbecue Journey: From a corporate job to forming "The Smoking Clones," Darren's path to barbecue fame.
15:37 - Expanding Smokey D's: The growth story of Smokey D's from catering to multiple restaurants.
18:22 - Business Development: Insights on scaling operations and achieving profitability.
20:39 - Handling Challenges: Discussing the importance of a proactive approach to operational issues.
22:07 - Customer Focus and Marketing: Darren’s philosophy on prioritizing customer satisfaction.
24:06 - Barbecue Hall of Fame: Reflecting on the emotional Barbecue Hall of Fame induction.
27:20 - Business vs. Competitions: Comparing the challenges of running a business to winning championships.
29:15 - Competition Realities: The role of luck and consistency in competition barbecue judging.
34:46 - Salt, Pepper, and Ketchup Philosophy: Darren’s approach to seasoning and its importance in barbecue.
38:20 - Injecting and Chef Techniques: Discussing the use of injections and advocating for traditional techniques.
41:18 - Competition Frequency and Consistency: The need for frequent participation to achieve consistency.
45:21 - Flavor from Drums and Technique: The unique flavor of cooking on drums versus traditional smokers.
47:30 - Current Trends in Competition Barbecue: The rise of cans and their impact on competition barbecue.
50:50 - Evolution of Barbecue Flavors and Advice: Darren’s advice for new competitors and reflections on flavor trends.
52:34 - Mentorship and Rub Development: The role of mentorship and the development of Darren’s barbecue rubs.
55:17 - Support from Sherry: Darren’s appreciation for his wife Sherry’s support and their partnership.
57:27 - How to Connect with Darren: Social media and new ventures.
58:20 - Lightning Round with Darren: A quick-fire round of questions.
1:01:15 - Closing Remarks: Final thoughts and reflections.

Follow Smokey D's BBQ on Social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmokeyDsBBQ/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/smokeydsbbq?lang=en 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokeydsbbq_/
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeydsbbq 
Website: https://smokeydsbbq.com/ 

Follow Darren Worth on Social: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darren.warth 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goatofbbq/ 
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goatofbbq?xmt=AQGzw3rQYXa3uovyYaiAcMnMf6tLT58GzLgKLCkdQvQsruU  
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@QueTheMic/videos 

Follow Us on Social 
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Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering  
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true  
Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/

#ai #food #technology

In this exciting episode of "The Duce Raymond Podcast," Duce sits down with Ken Clay, the visionary behind Foode, to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the dining experience. Discover how Foode harnesses the power of AI to create personalized and trusted restaurant recommendations, ensuring every meal is a memorable one.

Ken Clay shares the journey of Foode, from its inception to its current status as a trailblazer in the dining industry. Learn about the cutting-edge technology that drives Foode, the challenges faced along the way, and the incredible potential of AI to transform how we choose and enjoy our meals.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a foodie, or simply curious about the future of dining, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear how AI is shaping the future of food, one delicious recommendation at a time.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations on the latest in AI and technology!

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:39 - Meet Ken Clay: Background and Journey
02:42 - The Power of AI: Personal Concierge for Dining
04:55 - Challenges in Developing Foode and the Beta Phase
06:35 - Business Model: Monetization and Trusted Relationships
09:23 - Involvement in  @Windycitysmokeout
11:00 - Influence of  @nike and Jordan Brand on Business Philosophy
12:58 - The Importance of Trusted Recommendations
14:07 - Target Market: Who is Foode For?
15:44 - Benefits of Using AI in Foode
17:43 - The Downside of Negative Reviews on Platforms Like  @yelp  
19:00 - Restaurant Integration and Community Features
20:24 - Balancing Personal Health and Entrepreneurship
22:37 - Ken Clay's Background and Chicago Roots
23:46 - How to Find and Sign Up for Foode
25:16 - Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions with Ken Clay
28:36 - Closing Remarks

Follow Ken Clay on Social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ken.clay.777158 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenclay16/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kenclay16?xmt=AQGz7sbzS6t79tOAGIQUWR2m4hoxv8zncyTnsmu3rjYgScE 
Twitter: https://x.com/Kclay16 

Follow Foode on Social 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOODe.theapp 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foode_app/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@foodeapp4653/videos 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foode-app/ 
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foode_app 
Twitter: https://x.com/foode_app 
Website: https://www.foode.us/foode-app 
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rn.app.foode&hl=en_US&pli=1 
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/foode-experience/id1553523438 

Follow Us on Social 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbabyrayscatering/  
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering  
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true  
Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/

#webergrill #grilling #bbq 

Join us as we dive deep into the world of BBQ with Grill Master Kevin Kolman! In this video, Kevin shares his journey from a summer job at Weber to becoming their renowned Grill Master. Discover his passion for BBQ, the camaraderie within the BBQ community, and the innovation that drives his work. Kevin also highlights the importance of tradition, inclusivity, and the art of grilling. Get ready for some amazing stories, insights into BBQ techniques, and the spirit of barbecue that brings people together. Don't miss out on this flavorful chat!

0:51 - Introductions
1:45 - Meet Kevin Koleman: The Journey to Becoming Weber’s Grill Master
3:26 - Edna Schlosser: The Original Grill Master at Weber
4:13 - Innovations at Weber During Kevin’s Time
4:38 - Grilling Tips for the Color Blind
5:09 - A Day in Kevin’s Work Life
5:45 - Traveling and Teaching BBQ with Weber
6:35 - Fostering a Barbecue Culture
7:03 - Uncle Dave: An Inspirational Figure
7:38 - Being an Ambassador of BBQ
8:01 - Setting World Records and Competing Globally
8:34 - Camaraderie in the BBQ Community
9:31 - Green Chili Mac Recipe
9:54 - Behind the Scenes at Weber
11:10 - The Grill Development Process
12:40 - Exploring the Sear Wood Grill
13:14 - Duce’s Hilarious Grill Story
14:20 - Creating Memories Through Grilling
15:59 - Duce’s Childhood Connection to Barbecue
16:38 - Kevin’s Early Barbecue Influences
17:47 - The Art of Grilling Your Way
19:02 - Future Trends in Grilling
23:38 - Specialization vs. Versatility in Grill/Smoker Design
26:17 - Kevin’s Current Projects: Building Unique Experiences
27:25 - Perfecting the Grill Split
28:00 - Cooking Adventures with Jimmy Johnson
29:48 - Barbecue and Memorable Experiences
32:39 - The Best Barbecue Comes from Specialized Events
36:19 - Cooking for Family and Teaching Kids
40:42 - Charity Work in the Food Industry
44:15 - Duce’s Appreciation for Kevin’s Impact
46:04 - Challenges and Goals in the Food Industry
48:14 - Reflections on Michael Jordan
49:02 - Maintaining a Growth Mindset
51:26 - What Drives Duce and Kevin in the Culinary World
53:15 - Lightning Round
55:59 - Closing Remarks

Follow Kevin Kolman on Social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KevinsBackyard/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevin_kolman/ 
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kevin_kolman?xmt=AQGzEUaoqEpCRXpJ7R7ero4FnENh25Sd3iJaq8aHrJJ6lQ8 
Twitter: https://x.com/kevinsbackyard 
Website: https://www.weber.com/TH/en/kevin-kolman/weber-26112.html 

Follow Weber on Social 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weberbbq 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webergrills/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/WeberGrills 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrillwithWeber/videos 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/webergrills/ 
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/webergrills/ 
Website: https://www.weber.com/US/en/home/ 

Follow Us on Social 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbabyrayscatering/ 
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true 
Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/

#howto #bbq #right 

From humble beginnings at the kitchen table, making competition chicken thighs, to becoming a barbecue sensation with over 1.7 million subscribers, Malcom shares his inspiring story. Learn how he and his wife Rochelle started with Myspace and a simple idea, eventually growing their passion project into a full-blown business. Discover the challenges and triumphs of turning a backyard hobby into a BBQ dynasty, the evolution of their social media strategy, and the importance of consistency in content creation. Malcom also reflects on his competition barbecue days, the transition to focusing more on business, and the joy of mentoring others in the BBQ community. Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable insights, heartfelt stories, and the true spirit of barbecue camaraderie. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or just love a good success story, this is a must-watch!

0:51 - Introductions
1:33 - Malcom's YouTube journey
2:27 - Early MySpace presence
3:02 - BBQ newsletter start
3:37 - Origin of channel name
4:33 - Duce's first video experience
5:07 - Trial and error journey
5:54 - Hobby to full-time career
6:26 - Commercial construction background
6:34 - 2008 recession impact
7:19 - Developing and selling rubs
8:04 - DIY marketing and sales
8:44 - Struggle to 100,000 followers
9:38 - Importance of consistency
10:03 - Competition BBQ to YouTube
11:04 - Shifting focus from competitions
12:14 - Memphis cooking and networks
13:34 - BBQ community spirit
14:00 - Time constraints for competing
15:35 - Business mentors
16:19 - Uncle Dave's guidance
16:38 - Mike Mills' influence
17:16 - Sharing BBQ knowledge
18:25 - Future plans
18:47 - Launching second channel
19:41 - Introducing Buck Junkies
20:13 - Duce's podcast obsession
21:27 - Podcast origins and motivations
21:51 - Choosing podcast microphones
22:46 - Podcast popularity rise
24:19 - Clipping podcast segments
25:00 - Podcasting advantages
26:00 - Podcast investment
27:15 - YouTube monetization approach
29:29 - Killer Hogs product line
31:54 - Grande Gringo seasoning
32:33 - Duce's culinary school story
33:14 - Funny beef cheeks comment
33:42 - Resting cooked meats
35:32 - Competition changes
36:24 - Video production inspiration
38:33 - Content strategy
40:22 - Maximizing video shoots
41:25 - YouTube archival benefit
42:22 - Longform video editing
44:05 - Content strategies and tools
45:26 - YouTube content sensitivity
45:46 - Social media algorithm challenges
46:13 - Malcom as inspiration
46:31 - Pork belly on a stick
47:24 - Follow Malcom on social media
48:00 - Lightning round
49:46 - Closing remarks

Follow Malcom Reed on Social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowToBBQRight/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtobbqright/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/howtobbqright 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/howtobbqright 
Website: https://howtobbqright.com/ 

Follow Us on Social 
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Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true 
Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/

#kickstarter #bbq #food 

Welcome to the Duce Raymond Podcast! Today, we're joined by Alex Fei, the innovative mind behind the Roto-Q 360, a unique non-electric rotisserie that can be used over open coals or in your oven. Alex shares his journey from growing up in New York to working at MTV and eventually diving into the world of manufacturing in Asia, inspired by his mother's love for rotisserie chicken.

The Roto-Q 360 was created with a desire to bring the convenience of rotisserie cooking to every home without needing an extra countertop appliance. Through a successful Kickstarter campaign, Alex raised $440,000, allowing him to bring this product to life and ship it to over 75 countries. Despite challenges posed by the year 2020, Alex's persistence paid off. Now, Roto-Q 360 is gaining popularity through strategic marketing and social media engagement. Join us as Alex discusses the hurdles and triumphs of bringing an innovative product to market, the power of crowdfunding, and the importance of building a brand in today's digital landscape.

0:21 - Introductions
0:38 - How Duce and Alex’s Relationship Began
0:59 - Duce Tried Out the Roto-Q 360
1:36 - Alex’s Background and Journey to Creating the Roto-Q 360
2:56 - The Origin of Roto-Q 360
3:35 - Making Rotisserie Chicken Easier at Home
4:15 - Concept of the Non-Electric Roto-Q 360 and Its Spin Duration
5:04 - First Concept Drawing in 2016
5:14 - Utilizing Friends for Construction and Details of the Roto-Q 360
5:45 - Spin Duration of the Roto-Q 360
6:02 - The Four-Year Production Journey and Challenges Faced
6:26 - Using Kickstarter to Launch the Roto-Q 360
7:15 - Importance of Feedback in Developing the Roto-Q 360
7:57 - Kickstarter Success: Funds Raised and Business Boost
8:56 - Shipping Roto-Q 360 to Over 75 Countries
9:22 - Initial Order and Sales Through Kickstarter
10:26 - Kickstarter Campaign as a Résumé and Other Platforms
10:55 - Biggest Market for the Roto-Q 360
11:08 - Next Steps: Online or Retail Launch
11:54 - COVID-19 Challenges and Increased Barbecue Product Sales
12:58 - Listing on Amazon and Gaining Visibility
13:22 - Presenting at the Chicago Housewares Show
14:15 - Realizing the Need for Social Media Presence
15:55 - Content Creation vs. Influencer Marketing
16:36 - Creating a Viral Video with a Comedian Friend
17:35 - Sales Channels: Amazon vs. Own Website
18:53 - Importance of Being on Amazon for Direct-to-Consumer Sales
19:21 - Day Trading Attention: The Necessity of Amazon
19:53 - Benefits of Direct Sales Through Their Own Platform
20:55 - Duce’s Similar Challenges with Duce’s Wild Products
21:22 - Growing Brand Opportunities Over Time
22:31 - Breaking Down the Roto-Q 360’s Features and Ideal Foods
24:20 - Popular Rotisserie Basket Attachment and Viral Chicken Wing Video
25:03 - Views on the Viral Chicken Wing Video
25:35 - Funny Story of an Unexpected Problem
26:52 - Pricing for the Roto-Q and the Basket
27:22 - Preventing Negative Reviews
29:46 - The Realities of Being an Entrepreneur
30:28 - SPR Events Group's Dominance in Chicago and Catering Industry Competitiveness
31:05 - Importance of Relationships with Venue Owners in Catering
31:56 - The Key to Business: Building Relationships
32:28 - Lightning Round
35:42 - How to Follow and Contact Roto-Q 360
36:18 - Alex’s Plan to Travel to All 50 States
37:00 - Alex’s Questions for Duce: Childhood, Weight Loss, and Importance of Hard Work
42:55 - Closing Remarks

Follow Roto
Website: https://www.rotoq360.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rotoq360/?h... 
YouTube:    / @rotoq360  

#restaurant #marketing #marketingdigital #podcast 

Welcome to The Duce Raymond Podcast! In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Matt Plapp, founder of America's Best Restaurants HQ, as our special guest. Matt shares his incredible journey from the radio business to creating a restaurant marketing empire. Discover how his love for the restaurant industry, inspired by his parents, led him to revolutionize restaurant marketing with innovative digital strategies. We delve into Matt's early days in the radio business, where he saw the untapped potential of small mom-and-pop restaurants. He shares how his unique trade approach helped him support local eateries and eventually build a successful digital marketing firm.

0:51 - Introductions
1:11 - Meet Matt Plapp: From Radio to Restaurant Marketing
2:36 - The Boat and RV Consignment Adventure
3:12 - Launching a Restaurant Media Company
3:25 - Matt’s Relationship with His Dad
5:31 - Funny Story: A Father-Son Disagreement
6:30 - How Work Keeps Matt’s Dad Young
7:33 - Donald Trump’s Interview on Mental Clarity
8:18 - Matt’s Vision: The Big Picture of His Company
9:49 - Specializing in Restaurant Marketing
10:26 - New Media Company Spotlight: Stories of Mom and Pop Restaurants
11:50 - America’s Best Restaurants University
12:00 - America’s Best Restaurants.com and ABR Rewards
12:19 - Customer Acquisition and Retention Programs
12:30 - Unveiling the Complete Vision
13:53 - Podcast Mishap: Losing Power
14:45 - Biggest Marketing Mistake Small Restaurants Make
15:16 - The Money Mailer Effect
16:15 - The Red Bull Video
17:19 - Content Should Be Entertaining or Educational
17:56 - Learning Through Trial and Error
18:30 - Giving Back by Teaching Others
19:13 - The Goldmine of Modern Platforms
19:38 - The Online Connection: Red Bull and Restaurants
20:13 - Does Your Content Engage?
21:16 - A Frequently Asked Question
22:20 - Matt’s First Book: Create Your Own Radio Station
23:29 - The Reality of Marketing: No Instant Success
24:50 - Influence of a High School Band Director
26:17 - The Power of a Positive Mindset
26:58 - Mind, Body, and Spirit: Keys to Good Leadership
31:08 - The Importance of Having the Right People Around You
31:41 - The Inspirational Story of Alex Hormozi
32:57 - Insights from the 10X Growth Conference
35:33 - Top Three Quotes from the Conference
35:40 - Grant Cardone’s 12-Year-Old Daughter on the Power of Being Talked About
36:26 - Tyler Perry’s Speech on Never Giving Up
37:13 - Tim Grover’s Speech on Obsession
37:41 - Matt’s Main Focus
38:24 - The Special Impact of Growth Events
39:33 - Future Trends in Restaurant Marketing
40:52 - Matt’s Long History with Marketing
42:03 - Opportunities Today: Leveling the Field for Mom and Pop Restaurants
43:04 - The Inspiration Behind America’s Best Restaurant’s The Road Show
44:12 - Your Story: The Key Differentiator from McDonald’s
44:23 - Getting Comfortable with Your Phone: The Future of Marketing
45:06 - Contact Matt for Advice, Tools, and Connection
47:26 - Duce’s Shoutout
49:14 - Lightning Round
50:31 - Closing Remarks

Follow Matt on Social on the Web: 
Website: https://mattplapp.com/ 
America’s Best Restaurants: https://americasbestrestaurants.com/ 
Repeat Returns: https://smart.repeatreturns.com/start-me-up527346 
Restaurant Marketing That works: https://restaurantmarketingthatworks.com/ 

Subscribe to Matt’s Podcasts:
The Restaurant Owner Podcast: https://rb.gy/xf1jt8 
Own Their Phones: https://owntheirphones.com/ 
Restaurant Marketing Secrets: https://sites.libsyn.com/418643 
America’s Best Restaurants University: https://learn.abruniversity.com/ 

#bbq #success  #interview #podcast 

Welcome to the first episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast! I'm thrilled to have Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, as our special guest. Shawn has significantly influenced my business journey, and today, he shares how he turned his struggles into a BBQ media empire. From his early days in his grandfather's restaurant to transforming a local BBQ joint into a media powerhouse, Shawn's story is one of resilience and innovation. He emphasizes that "if you build it, they will not come. You have to make them care by sharing your story."

In this episode, we delve into Shawn's journey, exploring how he leveraged digital tools like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to expand his reach. We discuss the crucial role of storytelling in business and the impact of social media and digital marketing. Shawn offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs, highlighting the potential of the creator economy in both B2B and B2C markets. His insights into content creation and engagement are both practical and inspiring, encouraging everyone to start creating content, even if it's not perfect at first.

Shawn's journey is a testament to the power of digital media and the importance of sharing your story. Tune in to get inspired by Shawn's journey and learn how to leverage digital tools for your business. Don’t miss out on future episodes with other inspiring guests. If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share your thoughts in the comments, and share it with your network. Connect with Shawn Walchef at @CaliBBQMedia and follow me, Duce Raymond, on social media. Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring content!

1:03 - Introductions
2:42 - Meet Shawn Walchef: Journey into the Hospitality Industry
5:08 - Exploring the Creator Economy
6:33 - Shawn’s Shift to Digital Marketing
9:32 - The Restaurant Influencers Podcast
10:34 - Insights from Robert Irvine and Gary Sinise
11:33 - From BBQ Business to Media Empire: Inspiration for All
12:22 - Impact on Business Profitability
13:33 - Community-Centric Approach
14:52 - Managing Business Expenses
15:15 - Power of Customer Testimonials
15:46 - The Importance of Branding
16:44 - Kevin Costner's Unexpected Influence
17:32 - Leadership Lessons from Simon Sinek
18:46 - The Power of Wearing Your Logo
19:31 - Staying Top of Mind
20:15 - Celebrating 5 Years of Podcasting
21:27 - Current Status and Future Plans
23:24 - Discover More at BeTheShow.media
24:20 - Collaborating with Venues
25:34 - The Decision to Launch a Podcast
26:30 - The Rise of Short Form Video
27:37 - The Importance of Continual Storytelling
28:54 - Learning from Noah’s Ark
30:28 - Shawn’s Uncommon Availability
30:31 - Coverage of the Restaurant Show in Chicago
32:15 - Dynamic Pricing vs. Surge Pricing
37:27 - Meet the Team Behind Juicer
37:55 - Balancing Fatherhood and Business
39:00 - Shawn’s Kids and Their YouTube Aspirations
40:43 - A Humorous Anecdote from Shawn
41:15 - The Realities of Content Creation
43:00 - Shawn’s Work in Chicago
43:53 - Podcasts That Inspire Shawn
44:56 - Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Shawn’s Hot Take
45:59 - Closing Remarks

Follow Shawn on Social on Socials 
Twitter: https://x.com/shawnpwalchef 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@entrepreneur/videos 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.p.walchef/ 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ 
Website: https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/shawn-p-walchef 
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-hospitality/id1235316273 

Follow Cali BBQ on Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calibbq/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calibbq 
Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calibbq 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ca

#bbq #podcast #cooking 

Welcome to the Duce Raymond Podcast, hosted by Duce Raymond, a seasoned barbecue expert and entrepreneur. Known for his popular online series, Barbecue Like a Boss, Duce has been sharing his expertise on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Now, he's taking his passion for barbecue and hospitality to the next level with this podcast. Listeners can look forward to in-depth interviews with industry leaders, insights into entrepreneurship, and behind-the-scenes stories from Duce's culinary journey. Growing up in a culinary family and running the renowned Sweet Baby Ray's business, Duce has a wealth of knowledge to share. Join him for tips, techniques, and engaging conversations designed to inspire and educate. Subscribe to the Duce Raymond Podcast and follow along on social media to never miss an episode.

0:00: Introduction
Welcome to the Duce Raymond Podcast! Duce Raymond, renowned barbecue expert and entrepreneur, introduces his new podcast and shares why it was the perfect time to launch.

0:51: Who is Duce Raymond
Learn about Duce Raymond’s journey, from his culinary school days at Kendall College to working with top chefs. Discover his passion for fusing international flavors with traditional barbecue techniques, and hear about the origins of Sweet Baby Ray’s, Duce’s Wild products, and his role in the family business.

8:18: How Sweet Baby Ray’s Got Started
Duce shares the inspiring story of Sweet Baby Ray’s, from his uncle Dave's initial entry into a rib competition to the creation of a $30 million brand. Hear about the challenges, triumphs, and the power of persistence and hard work that led to the sauce's success.

13:00: Managing Partner and Director of Culinary at SBI Events
Duce discusses his role at SBI Events, highlighting the team’s importance. Learn about the key players, including Jason Hurley, Ray Anderson, Elena Mercado, and Macone, who have contributed to the business’s growth and success.

19:21: The Leap to Social Media
Discover what inspired Duce to dive into social media during COVID-19. Influenced by Gary Vaynerchuk, Duce embraced consistent online posting, leading to the creation of the successful “Barbecue Like a Boss” show on TikTok. Hear how this strategy has built a strong online presence and a dedicated following.

24:20: Final Thoughts
Duce wraps up the episode with a heartfelt message to his listeners. He invites feedback, encourages audience interaction, and shares his excitement about future podcast episodes and continuing the educational barbecue content.

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Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/