Salt, Pepper, and a Whole Lot of Prayer

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Phillip Helberg, Co-Owner of Helberg Barbecue, located in Woodway, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a blossoming hospitality business focused on our first concept—a craft Texas bbq joint just outside of Waco, TX. We have plans to expand into a full-service butcher shop/meat market, wholesale sausage manufacturing, game processing, and a dry-aged steakhouse in the next few years.

Tell us about yourself

I have a background working in hospitality and years of cooking experience, and Yvette has experience with event planning and coordinating. I fell deep into a rabbit hole of smoking meats in our backyard, and people began asking us to cater events for them. We figured we'd combine our talents and experience and start a catering/events company, Helberg Ranch. The popularity of our barbecue quickly escalated into the plans to open a food trailer, which has now become a destination roadside barbecue joint in McLennan County, just outside of Waco, TX.

Our faith is our primary motivator—we aim to glorify God in all that we do, as He has faithfully blessed and provided for our family. We want to share the love of Jesus through the way we serve our guests, take care of our staff and provide opportunities for people to grow professionally and personally. Along the way, we hope to move the hospitality industry in our area in a positive and innovative direction.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

In 2021, we made the coveted Texas Monthly "Top 50 bbq joints" list, which is only published once every four years. With over 2,000 independently owned bbq joints in the state (and counting), this was a major accomplishment for us and our team.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Always leading by example regardless of how you may feel that day. While as a business owner, you technically have every financial right to have an approach of "do as I say, not as I do" or "I don't have rules, only consequences," submitting yourself to the core values of the company culture that you want to nourish and see thrive pays dividends in the long run, but it is a daily decision that's not always easy.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Understand that leadership is about service and sacrifice to others, not being served by others. If you take care of your team, they will take care of your business. Find good mentors and heed their advice. If you're in it for the long haul and don't plan to sell your business, grow at a pace that allows you to sustain your health and family relationships.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.helbergbarbecue.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helbergranch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helbergbarbecue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelbergRanch

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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