Page 26 - FEB 2021 Digial Edition

NBBQA Business Member Highlight – Rockwood Charcoal
The say, “Necessity is the father of inven-
tion.” This is certainly the case for Jonathan
Heslop and the birth of Rockwood Charcoal.
Jonathan, a licensed ambulance helicopter
pilot and avid outdoor cook, like many, was
always looking for the best charcoal for his
grills. He had found a brand he really liked
in the St. Louis area but couldn’t locate it on
a consistent basis. While flying a patient
from an accident in a rural area, he passed over the factory where his favorite charcoal was made. The next day he drove out to the location, loaded his truck then within a couple weeks all his char- coal was gone from sharing with family and friends.
He later discovered a small side business as he began “distribut- ing” this charcoal throughout his home area. But when this little factory was purchased and closed, with the last bags of this char- coal in his garage, he decided the time was right to open his own company. With the encouragement of his family and the help of and marketing company, Rockwood was born. Jonathan had the realistic intention of just being a regional company and set out to
be in about 16 stores but within the first year wound up in 60.
What started off as a need for some quality, all-natural charcoal turned into a business which now sees Rockwood nationwide. In stores, both large and small, Rockwood brings their Missouri lump hardwood to grills everywhere.
Jonathan is proud to say Rockwood has won many awards includ- ing #1 consumer ranked charcoal out of 100+
on http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lumprankpoll.htm for nearly 8 years running, Martha Stewart's "Test kitchen" pick of
charcoal https://rockwoodcharcoal.com/rockwood-charcoal-is- martha-stewarts-test-kitchen-pick/, multiple St. Louis ADDY awards for website/advertising and multiple awards from the NBBQA.
The NBBQA is proud to have such a prestigious company as one of our business members. Learn more about Rockwood by visiting them at https://www.nbbqa.org/members/rockwood-charcoal
—-———————Talking Heads———————-—
“The best thing I enjoy about being apart of the NBBQA is the ability to gain and share knowledge to help me run my BBQ business better. I have met so
many peers through the NBBQA and
the knowledge they have shared with
me is invaluable. Attending the Na-
tional Conference and being sur-
rounded with so many like-minded
people has allowed me to grow my business
significantly. I’m looking forward to the next event in 2021.” – Sterling Smith
I’ll have to admit, I’d never heard of the
NBBQA until January 2017. I just hap-
pened to be having dinner with
Myron Mixon to discuss a partnership
with Tailgater magazine. He men-
tioned that the upcoming conference
“is in your damn backyard, so you bet-
ter check it out”. So, I did. Long story
short, the relationships I’ve made over
the last four years are priceless. The cama-
raderie of this group is unbelievable and I’ve learned enough grilling and smoking tips to last a lifetime. Well worth the price of admission. – Craig Renfro
Join Now
www.NBBQA.org
Memberships start at $99 per year
Start Receiving Your Benefits TODAY!
BarbecueNews.com - 26
FEBRUARY 2021