We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan MacDonald and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had left corporate america after 26 years and knew I wanted to be in business for myself but didn’t know what to do. I met with a business counselor who asked me what I liked to do on my own time. I told him I like to cook outdoors. He asked where I got my “supplies”, etc to do that. I answered on the internet and when he asked me why the light bulb went off that I did due to no barbecue supply stores existing in my area. The rest is history…

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a barbecue supply store specializing in outdoor cooking accessories, smokers/grills, wood for smoking, rubs and sauces to compliment food, and expertise in the form of classes that I teach. We are the highest rated barbecue supply store a long the front range.
I worked for a company in corporate America that instilled in me the importance of good customer service. I have carried those management and customer service skills forward with me in my small business.
I have learned that you cannot predict customer behavior. It is virtually impossible without a crystal ball. I have learned not to get upset when customers do not think the same way I do.
I am not one to shy away from looking for help. When I first started my business, I used resources such as SCORE and the SBDC here locally. I am not a fan of reinventing the wheel when someone else has been through it and can share their experience.
I would just like my potential customer base to know I am here to answer any questions they may have in order to make them comfortable with cooking outdoors.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Locally, I would take them to some of our better craft breweries in town. Colorado Springs has many beautiful attractions fortunately. Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, top of Pikes Peak are just a few outdoor activities I would do with them. I love going downtown Colorado Springs in the summer and just walking around checking out all the shops.
We have many small eclectic food trucks as well as smaller eateries to enjoy. Being a small business owner myself I like to give my business to other small businesses whenever I can.
I am more spontaneous so I would have a basic itinerary in my head but every day would be a spontaneous adventure for the most part.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My ex business partner, Daren Daniels. We opened our little store together back in 2012 and he retired in 2019 leaving the business to me. Daren brought the retail experience to our business and was integral in teaching me the in and out of retail!

Website: 719bbq.com

Instagram: cbobbq

Twitter: @doesbbq

Facebook: Colorado BBQ Outfitters

Youtube: Easy Does It BBQ

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