Todd Johns lives in Blue Springs and is the head cook for the barbecue team Pork Pullin’ Plowboys. He and his partner, Randy Hinck, of Concordia, recently won some big awards for their tasty creations.
1 When did you first get into the BBQ trade?
Our first competition was in 2001 at the Missouri State Fair.
2 What contests have you won lately?
In 2009 we've won the overall Grand Champion at the following contests: American Royal Invitational, Blue Springs Blazeoff, Racing for the BBQ at KCIR, Smoking on the Prairie in El Dorado KS, Wild Blue BBQ in Burlington KS, Big Green Egg Scramble in Des Moines IA, Chest to Chest Brisket Invitational in Great Bend KS, and Butt to Butt Pork Invitational in Shannon IL.
3 Of the contests you have won, which has been you and your team's greatest victory?
The American Royal Invitational is the World Series of BBQ. Twenty of the top 25 teams in the country were there, including the Team of the Year for the last five years. We beat them all. Nothing is as big as that.
4 How can someone get into the BBQ competition circuit?
Go to KCBS.us and find a BBQ contest in your area. Contact the organizer and sign up.
5 OK, what's your secret? What's so special about your product and can people buy it anywhere?
We have our own BBQ seasonings under the Plowboys BBQ name sold nationally. We are projecting 10,000 lbs of rub out the door under our name this year. In the Blue Springs area, Plowboys BBQ rubs are found at Tom's R&R Meat Market and Cockrell's General Store.
