Inspired by my late mother,who after tasting my smoked meats had encouraged me to open a restaurant or concession trailer for years. It wasn’t until after her passing when I felt my rub and technique had been mastered that her words truly began to weigh heavy on my mind. I decided in 2018 to follow my mother’s advice and got my business license to begin Smoking Paw’s part time. I also entered the Taste of Crossville that year still working from under a tent and won Best Entree for my pulled pork. Overwhelmed by the accomplishment and knowing my mother was looking down with pride made me strive to succeed and in October I purchased my trailer expanded my menu and began this incredible journey full time.