Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Jones.
Sean, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started when I had my first college football home game. Every home game, our team bus always drove by the alum tailgating party in front of the football stadium. That was when the aroma of BBQ as an adult opened my eyes. After we won that game, some of my teammates bought some steaks, ribs and chicken to BBQ that night. That was when I truly fell in love with BBQ. I would begin to barbecue all the time. After football practices and games. Eventually, when I graduated, I continued to barbecue for my family and friends on the weekends. I remember finding an excellent corporate job and on the weekends, I would pay $200-$300 on BBQ and cook it for my family and friends. Finally, my corporate job moved me to Houston. In Houston, I would tell my co-workers that my BBQ was the best. The next thing I know, my boss wanted me to BBQ for the entire office. Now, I had to buy BBQ, of course. I purchased seven pork shoulders. One of my BBQ items is Hams. I can turn pork into a Ham. Smoked Hams is one of my popular menu items. After my job grubbed on my Ham I finally began to wake up. I became tired of spending all my money on BBQ for people. I have a family to raise and when I spent a lot of money on BBQ that took money out of my kid’s mouths.
So, I created Jonesen BBQ llc. I learned real quick that Texas has tougher food permit rules. In Texas, in order to get a food permit, you have to have a restaurant and/or food truck. Now, I was currently working at my corporate job and did not have the time to buy a restaurant and/or food truck. However, I continued to barbecue for family, friends, friends of friends, co-workers and neighbors. I would continue this for years. Doing this was great. The people I Barbecued became my loyal customers. However, I wanted to be able to grow my business even further. So, in 2019 I created JONES- 1 BBQ and merged Jonesen BBQ LLC to my new business JONES-1 BBQ. JONES-1 BBQ focuses on seasonings and brines. JONES-1 BBQ currently sells four dry rub seasonings and two brines. One of the brines is a 72hr HAM brine. You literally can turn a raw pork shoulder into a Ham using my Ham brine. All you do is purchase my Ham brine, pork shoulder and storage bag and 72hrs later, put the brined pork shoulder on a BBQ smoker and you will have the tastiest Ham. No longer would need to by an artificial ham at the grocery store. 2nd brine is a poultry brine which is great for chicken and turkeys. The poultry brine only needs 24hrs brining. I have 4 Dry Rub seasonings that also are great which are specifically for Beef, Seafood, Pork and Poultry. JONES-1 BBQ continues to barbecue for loyal customers but really is successful for the seasoning and brines.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No smooth roads with JONES-1 BBQ. One of my biggest obstacles is learning through trial and error with my company. The product you see now is really the 3rd or 4th revised product. After spending money on manufacturing the product, then finding out the shipping and handling costs would make me not profit. So, I had to find ways to reduce the cost of the product without losing the authenticity of my product. I proudly found ways to reduce the costs and keep the authenticity of my products with the containers and label. My seasonings and brines continue to be natural ingredients that make the finished product still authentic.
I obviously have not quit my corporate job, plus I have a family to raise. Usually, when I receive my orders after work, I put in some long hours on the grill. Most of the time, I take my kids to their sporting events and after that, then I start to BBQ. Many late nights barbecuing and/or creating my seasonings and brines.
JONES-1 BBQ is me, myself and I so I do not receive help with my orders. Though, I’m extremely thankful for my customers. I do get that attitude of needing help from time to time.
Please tell us about your business.
JONES-1 BBQ is a business that continues to barbecue for loyal customers on the weekends. Also, JONES-1 BBQ creates four dry rub seasonings specifically for Beef, Pork, Seafood and Poultry. Also, JONES- 1 BBQ creates two brines. One of the brines makes pork into flavored Ham. The other Brine is for chicken and turkeys.
I normally receive orders through my email. Once I receive the order, I send the customer an invoice. Once I receive payment, I will create the product and mail out the order.
I specialize in seasonings and brines and making Homemade Smoked Hams. I’m known for my authentic BBQ. My customers know the BBQ and the seasonings and brines are used with natural ingredients. JONES- 1 BBQ focuses on being authentic.
I’m most proud of just growing my business from just an idea. I remember back in college my teammates would come over after our football games and I would BBQ. I continued to grow from then to now. I’m still growing. I’m still trying to learn how to grow my business.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success by achieving your goals. Long and short term goals need to be created and reached to be successful. JONES- 1 BBQ, short term goal, is to create a product that the Houston area would enjoy. I believe I’m in the process of accomplishing that short term goal. One of my long term goal is to make my product available outside of the Houston area too.
JONES- 1 BBQ long term goal is to have companies, grocery stores etc. order JONES-1 BBQ. Also, finding a manufacturing company that would assist in creating my product.
As you can see, JONES-1 BBQ has a ways to go to be successful in my eyes. However, JONES- 1 BBQ and I will continue to grow during the process.
Pricing:
- Ham Brine is $9.99
- Chicken Brine $7.99
- Beef seasoning $7.99
- Poultry brine $7.99
- Seafood brine $7.99
- Pork brine $7.99
Contact Info:
- Address: Lodgpole Pine St
Cypress, TX 77429 - Website: www.jones1bbq.com
- Phone: 832-302-5769
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Jones 1 BBQ
- Facebook: Jones 1 BBQ
- Yelp: Jones 1 BBQ
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