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[Pages S2510-S2511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING BBQGUYS
Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, as a member of the U.S. Senate
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to
recognize a veteran-owned Louisiana small business that has not only
grown and succeeded but has also steadfastly remained dedicated to
their customers, employees, and community. This week, it is my honor to
name BBQGuys of Baton Rouge, LA as the Senate Small Business of the
Week.
In 1998, Mike Hackley began what has been an American entrepreneurial
success story. After serving over 10 years in the U.S. Air Force and
working in the real estate and retail sectors, Mike followed his
passion of outdoor living and started his own business, opening a
retail location called The Grill Store & More. Recognizing the
potential that e-commerce had early on, he founded bbqguys.com in 2001.
He started out with single-digit employees. Today, BBQGuys has grown to
become one of the largest outdoor living online retailers in the world,
employing nearly 300.
With the success of the retail operations, Mike continued growing his
business, founding Blaze Grill, and began to design and manufacture
premium barbecue grills with manufacturing operations in the United
States. In just a few years, Blaze is already one of the top grill
manufacturers in the market.
Even with BBQGuys' growth and success, Mike continues to prioritize
his
[[Page S2511]]
employees, making an effort to say good morning every day to team
members and maintaining an open-door policy for all. Mike believes in
treating his employees like family--a belief he extends to his
customers. This culture of hospitality has ultimately resulted in high
employee retention and a reputation for outstanding customer service.
BBQGuys has been named as one of the Best Places to Work several times
by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report and achieved an A+ rating
from the Better Business Bureau. BBQGuys has also been named one of the
5,000 Fastest Growing Businesses in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine for 11
consecutive years. BBQGuys is also involved in the Baton Rouge
community, participating in several local community activities
including Toys for Tots, the Youth Oasis Children's Center, LifeShare
Blood Center, and Friends of the Animals of Baton Rouge.
BBQGuys is a true representation of the American dream--following a
passion, committing to hard work, treating people--customers and
employees--with the utmost respect, and growing a very small business
of single-digit employees into a leading global business that is
constantly innovating. It is my distinct pleasure to honor Mike and the
entire team at BBQGuys as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week. I
commend them for their service to the Baton Rouge community and look
forward to watching their continued growth and success. BBQGuys, you
make Louisiana proud.
____________________
