
Brad Polachek, CEO of Red Beard BBQ - Encore
From BBQ Nation by JT and LeeAnn Whippen
May 16, 2026 · 42 min
About this episode
Brad Polachek shares his journey of establishing Red Beard Seasonings during the pandemic, discussing challenges, community engagement, and the importance of feedback in product development.
The primary focus of this podcast episode is an engaging conversation with Brad Polachek, the owner and pitmaster of Red Beard Seasonings, who shares insights into his journey of establishing a seasoning business during the pandemic. We delve into the genesis of his venture, which originated from a passion for barbecue, as well as the challenges and successes encountered along the way. Brad elucidates the importance of community engagement and the role of personal relationships in promoting his products effectively. Additionally, he discusses the intricacies of developing seasoning blends and the significance of feedback in refining his offerings. Throughout the dialogue, we gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and resilience required to thrive in the competitive landscape of the culinary arts. Links referenced in this episode: barbecue nation jt.com natural beef.com pigpowder.com oregon dungeness.org heritagesteel us redbeardseasonings.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Painted Hills Natural Beef Red Beard Seasonings Kroger's McCormick Shilling Emerald Pig Powder Heritage Steel Hammerstahl Oregon Dungeness Crab Ohio Cottage Law This podcast uses the following…
People in this episode
Hosts: JT, LeeAnn Whippen
Guest: Brad Polachek
Topics covered
- barbecue
- seasoning business
- community engagement
- culinary arts
- entrepreneurship
Keywords
- barbecue
- seasonings
- entrepreneurship
- community
- culinary arts
- feedback
- pandemic
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Red Beard BBQ, Red Beard Seasonings, Painted Hills Natural Beef, Kroger's, McCormick, Shilling, Emerald Pig Powder, Heritage Steel, Hammerstahl, Oregon Dungeness Crab
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