Page 15 - Barbecue News April 2020 Issue

I now have a backyard team called Magnum P.I.G. that also includes my dad and my son; so we're a three-generation team. It's rewarding that my 17-year-old son loves to drive around and cook with his dad and grandpa. I'll ride this aspect of our relationship until the wheels fall off!
I have a five and two-year-old as well and hope I can be lucky enough they will want to throw on a Hawaiian Magnum P.I.G. shirt and cook with their old man.
I ran for the board because I love this hobby. I wanted to do all I can to grow the MBS and play a part in the long term health of the competitive landscape we enjoy here in MN.
David Ellis- Secretary
I've lived just about what feels like everywhere. For the last 10 years I've called the Twin Cities home. I started dabbling in competitive BBQ with my team, Machete Boys BBQ in 2016, after many late nights watching reruns of BBQ Pitmasters. Much like other members of the board we also started in the back yard, saw some success and moved to pro. The relationships we've formed with friends who have become family while many members of the society have played a pivotal role in our continued success. This is my inaugural year on the Minnesota BBQ Society Board and I'm hoping to identify ways to add value to new and existing members as well as lend a hand to new teams coming onto the competitive scene. I'm excited about the challenges ahead in growing the BBQ community in Minnesota and look forward to serving our Members to the best of my ability. In addition to cooking, eating, and teaching bbq, I am a dad to a wonderful lit- tle girl, Hazel, and I work in Tech. Feel free to stop by and say hi if you see us out on the BBQ Trail and follow our bbq journey on social media @macheteboysbbq.
John Scharffbillig- Chairman of the Board (Past President)
I have been a part of MN BBQ Society for a long time! I became part of the Board back in 2010, and have served in several roles; my current position is that of Chairman of the Board (Past President). This is my last year to be of service on the board. I have been a member of the Minnesota Barbeque Society (MBS) since 1997 and have seen a lot of changes in that time.
I have had the great opportunity to chair the Spring Training Workshop, help out with many charity events and a Minnesota in May contest. As our society continues to grow and change, we need to remain focused on the mission of the MBS by sponsoring and promoting various events and contests throughout communities. These are designed to highlight the passion of great BBQ and foster interest in both members and nonmembers through educa- tional opportunities and activities. Our members include all levels of involvement in the art,
from casual backyard chef to competition cooks and professionals — all sharing the same passion.
Aside from the work, I do with MBS, I head up Hazmat BBQ, a catering and BBQ team. We have been cooking all over the country for NCCA teams, fundraisers and shelters.
What keeps me involved is my BBQ family and the chance to work with folks who share the same passion for low and slow wood-fired cooking..
Nate Berg- Board Member
City Slickers BBQ : I began cooking BBQ at the age of 10, learning from my Uncle Charlie at the RC’s BBQ stand at the Minnesota State Fair. I immediately fell in love with the style of cooking, flavor profiles and culture of BBQ. Fast forward 19 years and I continue to work at the State Fair booth every summer, compete in 10-12 KCBS contests a year and even sell my own line of BBQ sauce. I originally got involved in the Minnesota Barbecue Society to help organize contests and spread the word of competition BBQ. Since then, my plans have slightly changed. Not only do I want to grow competition BBQ, I want to grow BBQ culture all together in the state. There are a lot of great restaurants, competition teams and back- yard cooks in this state and all should be recognized. Linking the society with other local events will get the message of BBQ out to the public whether it is local rib cook offs, classes or KCBS contests. The knowledge of BBQ must be spread.
APRIL 2020
BarbecueNews.com - 15