Ep 76. From Oil Rigs to Smoked Oxtails w/ Les Rhodes Jr. @lesbbq ​

👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecueIn this powerhouse episode, the crew sits down with Les Rhodes Jr., founder and pitmaster of LES BBQ, known nationwide for his viral smoked oxtails, bold flavors, and community-first mindset. From working oil rigs to building a USDA-certified BBQ brand and restaurant, Les shares his inspiring journey of hustle, innovation, and staying rooted in authenticity.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Les went from front-yard football grilling to viral BBQ sensationThe Sam’s Club moment that sparked his signature “Candy Red” smoked oxtailsNavigating overnight success, $100K weeks, and scaling nationwide shippingThe power of family in business, mentorship, and raising the next generationUsing social media and storytelling to build community and brand identityLessons from touring, catering, and innovating products (yes, even oxtail-infused sausage!)Why pricing, quality, and presentation matter more than ever in today’s BBQ economyLes’s commitment to elevating BBQ without losing the soul or the sauceWhat it means to scale a business while staying authentic, grassroots, and intentional🔥 Whether you're a pitmaster, entrepreneur, or foodie, this episode is full of real talk, game-changing insights, and mouthwatering inspiration from one of BBQ’s rising stars.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to keep the smoke rolling with every episode.#BlackSmokeBBQ #LESBBQ #SmokedOxtails #CandyRedBBQ #BarbecueCulture #BlackPitmasters #FamilyBusiness #BBQPodcast #CulinaryInnovation #TexasBBQ #FoodEntrepreneurship #GrillAndGrowChapters00:00 Introduction to the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast02:45 The Journey of Les Rhodes: From Oil Rigs to Barbecue05:56 Revolutionizing Mail Order Barbecue08:57 The Rise of Oxtails in Barbecue Culture12:05 The Art of Achieving the Perfect Barbecue Color14:43 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure17:56 The Importance of Staying Humble and Inspired20:39 Les Rhodes' Barbecue Beginnings and Early Experiences23:56 Favorite Proteins and Cooking Techniques26:41 The Art of Slow Cooking Oxtails28:08 Transitioning from Backyard to Brick and Mortar30:35 The Role of Family in Business30:55 The Importance of Quality Control35:28 Innovative Culinary Creations40:04 Engagement Through Social Media43:43 Applying Business Skills from Drilling to BBQ47:11 Cooking for Celebrities: A Memorable Experience49:49 The Rise of a BBQ Star51:52 Family Dynamics in the BBQ Business53:55 From Backyard to Business55:09 Navigating Customer Expectations and Pricing59:43 Life Beyond BBQ: Hobbies and Family01:01:10 Future Plans: Fitness and BBQ01:02:26 Being a Black Pitmaster in Utah01:05:48 Barbecue as a Luxury Item