It has been said that in life there are no easy decisions. I don’t believe that to be true. I think the decisions are easy it’s living with the aftermath that is difficult. The same is true in business.
This year for Draper’s BBQ has been a turbulent one filled with success, triumph and a few set backs. We’ve hit a few home runs and we’ve also struck out on a couple of things. All I can do as the CEO at the end of each day, week and month is accept what we have and do my best to aim the company where we hope to go and do my best to get us there intact.
We were recently blessed with being picked as the sixth, and final, contestant in Chile Pepper Magazine’s Quest for the Perfect Rib. Mike Owings wrote up a post earlier this week in case you missed it. We will be competing against some of the top talent in the country (literally) and it is a great honor to be included on the same contestant list with these other phenomenal pitmasters.
Unfortunately, the actual contest will take place in Houston, Texas right before Paducah’s BBQ on the River. I know we have many fans, friends and family members that consider BBQ on the River the biggest and toughest event in barbecue. They also fully expect us to return again this year and claim more of the top prizes there. It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that we will not be competing at BBQ on the River this year.
The time table of events makes it impossible to do both contests at a high level and I refuse to allow us to do anything as a company without the ability to ensure it is successful. BBQ on the River just takes too much in the way of man power and preparation for us to be able to do it well right after returning from Houston. We are a very small team and do not have the people in place to make it happen.
I know this disappoints many of our fans. For that I am truly sorry. Believe me there is no one more disappointed than I am. I love to compete and as crazy as it may sound I really felt like this was our year to win it all.
On a positive note the event inHoustonhas national exposure and will go a very long way in helping Draper’s BBQ to become more of a household name. Every major sauce distributor in the country will be there along with Food Network and many industry bloggers. To say getting picked to go out and compete in this event with Chile Pepper Magazine is big is an understatement. This may well be the break we have been waiting for.
I want each of our Western Kentucky and Heartland friends and family to know that you are valuable to us, but we are first and foremost a sauce and rub company. As the CEO I must keep that in focus as I make decisions concerning what’s best for the company. At this point in time doing what we can to sell more sauce and rub nationally is of the utmost importance. Achieving that will allow us to do things like hire local people to be apart of this company and our family.
We wish everyone at BBQ on the River the best and look forward to doing this event next year. Remember when you are eating that pork sandwich that it typically supports a good cause and while we may not be able to be at this one event, we are here in West Kentucky year round. Just email or call us and we will do our best to always support your Draper’s BBQ Addiction.
Peace, Love and Pork Grease my friends!
Shane
Shane/ Draper’s BBQ,
That is great news and a awesome opportunity for you and Draper’s BBQ. I have to say I am a lil bumm’d that Draper’s BBQ won’t be doing http://bbqontheriver.org/ in Paducah but in-turn I can not fault you for make this decision. I know it was a tough decision to make especially due to the fact you are one of the most competitive persons I know and you are always striving to do your best. With a Type A personality the BBQ World doesn’t have a chance. As you stated that ,”All I can do as the CEO at the end of each day, week and month is accept what we have and do my best to aim the company where we hope to go and do my best to get us there intact.” and this statement is so true that you have to look out for you, your family, friends and the business. The business is a major link to those facets, for it to thrive it needs support and dedication without it cannot support those entities. So it is imperative that the business does well and take advantage of every opportunity that will make the business a success. It must be done right because there is no other option. Do it right and do it the best!!!
Though the BBQ on the River event is always a good thing for charities, organizations and business, there is a time when things must be put on the back burner and concentrate more important issues/business . There will always be next year for BBQ on the River. I am ready! It is always a honor to be by your side to compete and turn out some of the best BBQ!!!
Keep moving forward and don’t look back because there isn’t nothin’ but dust back there… CR