Ep 54: How a Long-Bearded Bass-Playing High School Dropout Became Minnesota's BBQ Boss! The Journey of Aaron Bourdage

Aaron Bourdage is the owner of Northern Fire Grilling and BBQ Supply, a local barbecue shop in Minnetonka. Northern Fire Grilling and BBQ Supply offers everything you need for grilling and barbecue, including meats, seafood, rubs, over 100 sauces, grills, smokers, and heavy equipment for those serious about their grilling. 

Aaron was born in Duluth, Minnesota, but his family moved around a lot, including Colorado and New Mexico. His father was a Marlboro Man and a pilot and owned a classic car dealership in Farmington, New Mexico. Aaron's house was next to a dirt runway, surrounded by classic cars and airplanes. He spent his childhood riding anything with an engine. 

Today, Aaron will share the story of his youth, including moving out of the house at 16, moving to Minnesota at 20, touring with his band, and finally meeting the love of his life and opening the BBQ shop. 

This is definitely part 1 of Aaron's fun story. 

Chapters:

2:58: Aaron was born in Duluth but ended up in Farmington, New Mexico, surrounded by cars and airplanes... cool. 

6:08 A shithead in elementary school. 

9:05 Why is his life like "Smokey and the Bandit."

11:40 Time for some pickin' on the banjo

12:38 He switched to bass for the band

14:11 Mom used to take us to the gun store

21:09 Why college was never in the picture

22:00 Why and when did he quit high school

32:50 The move back to Minnesota, and the band grows

45:42 Time to figure things out after Tracy gets pregnant

46:32 Evan was born, and Aaron's world changed. 

47:44 How his love for BBQ started and how the shop opened

49:47 How he met Missy4

53:11 How he takes care of his long beard

1:03:28 Sarah's favorite device from Aaron's store

1:05:19 Aaron's advice for anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur

Aaron runs Northern Fire Grilling & BBQ Supply. Reach out to them at https://northernfirebbq.com/.