Mike’s Backyard BBQ did not begin with trophies, trailers, or sponsors. It started in my backyard, with a love for food, family, and friends.
That backyard was where life happened. Summer barbecues, kids in the pool, friends gathered on the patio, plates piled high as the sun went down. It was never just about what was on the grill. It was about slowing down, bringing people together, and creating memories around the table.
As the years went on, that passion grew. I realized I did not just enjoy cooking for my own circle, I wanted to better understand the craft and share what I was learning. In 2019, I began developing my own rubs and sauces, dialing in flavors that reflect the way I like to cook, bold, balanced, and honest.
Wanting to push myself further, I became a certified BBQ judge in 2021. Judging sharpened my palate and raised my expectations, not just for competition barbecue, but for every cook. It taught me what great barbecue tastes like when it is judged side by side.
In 2024, I stepped into competition barbecue, taking what I had learned in the backyard and putting it to the test against teams from across the country. That step brought more than experience. Along the way, my barbecue earned calls, category wins, and overall awards. Those wins mattered, not for the trophies, but because they confirmed that food rooted in simplicity, patience, and consistency could compete at a high level.
Today, my backyard looks different. My boys have grown up and life has moved into a new season. There is less noise, fewer pool days, and quieter evenings. But the memories remain. Every time I fire up the smoker, I can still picture the kids splashing in the pool and hear the laughter drifting through the yard.
Mike’s Backyard BBQ is still grounded in where it began.
Real BBQ. Real people. Real memories.