I logged on to this site a few years ago and there was one founding father that told the moderators that I was only there to peddle my products and that I wouldn't be here for long. He did not like me and made it very clear. He showed up to a contest and I came over to meet him. We shook hands and sat down and talked BBQ for about an hour. He came back to the moderators and told them that he had miss judged me and I was a good guy. This fellow was KCQer who passed away a couple of years ago. Long story short. I never came to this site to sell my product. As a matter of fact, I avoid talking about my products because I come here to relax and talk about great BBQ. If anyone asks on this site about any of my products, you will notice that I do not respond. Yes, I am in Brethren Ventures only because Phil said I should be there. He will tell you that I said No Thanks, but he is persistant. To the point. FROM THE BACKYARD TO THE AMERICAN ROYAL sums it all up. I have seen so many Brethren come up through the ranks and it makes me proud that they got to where they are now by the shareing of information that they gleened from this site. Case in point. Big Mista was not comfortable with cooking a brisket for the first time. He was recently on TV with Pittmasters. Plowboys winning the American Royal, Smoke on Wheels with their multiple GC's. The list goes on and on. For a web site that was started by a few backyarders that has now grown into the thousands is in itself incredible . This is the only site that I have found that shares information about BBQ freely without holding back. Thus I say. "It's not about Me, it's about WE. Go to a contest now a days and see how many teams are flying the Brethren colors. you will be amazed. Our team has taken many Brethren under ourwings to get them to compition them and we are life long friends when they take thier first ever walk . Most all of the Old SchoolBBQ winners will tell you that it is all about you and what you can give back the sport. My view is that you neeto go out and energize the new teamsand them on board
, and every time I go up through that part of Missouri I know I can stop and talk to a great guy who's busy building his dream. You epitomize this place, my friend. 
