Today we’d like to introduce you to Layne Mayfield.
Hi Layne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
So, here’s our story about how we got into the BBQ business. My wife Kristin and I lived in Dallas, where I worked in real estate for about 13 years. I liked my job but always dreamed of running my own small business. And guess what? I’m super into BBQ – it’s my favorite hobby. In 2021, we got this fantastic chance to buy BBQ Outfitters, a well-known BBQ store. It was first started in 1998, so it had a long history before we came along. We were super excited to become the second owners of this cool place. We decided to move from Dallas to Austin to take over BBQ Outfitters. Austin is an excellent city for BBQ lovers, so it seemed like the perfect spot for us. Plus, a BBQ Outfitters store in San Antonio opened in 2014, so we were joining a business that already had a good reputation in two big Texas cities. Taking over an established business like BBQ Outfitters was a big adventure. We had to learn how to run a business that was all about BBQ equipment and grills. We also wanted to make sure we kept up the good name of BBQ Outfitters and got to know the BBQ fans in Austin and San Antonio. Since we took over, Kristin and I have been working hard. We’ve been adding more awesome BBQ stuff to the stores and hosting events for BBQ enthusiasts. We always ensure that everything we sell is of the best quality and that our customers have fun when they visit our stores. Now, BBQ Outfitters is more than just a shop; it’s a place where people who are crazy about BBQ can hang out and share their passion. We’re proud of how far we’ve come since we started this journey in Dallas, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for our BBQ adventure in Austin and San Antonio!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been less of a smooth sail and more of a rollercoaster ride! We hopped on for the unexpected bumps, and boy, did we get them. Business is a people game, both a blessing and a beast. Our San Antonio store, for example, has one remaining team member from when we took over Day 1. Building the team is like assembling a boat mid-ocean, but we’re all rowing together now!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Since launching in 1998, BBQ Outfitters has become a leader in outdoor cooking gear, from grills and smokers to outdoor kitchens. As we celebrate 26 years, our commitment to excellence shines in our expertise and extensive selection. We value our strong reputation among customers and vendors, priding ourselves on exceptional service and response, especially when things are unplanned. Our extensive range and comprehensive service guarantee ensure customer satisfaction alongside our products.
What are your plans for the future?
We believe that growth equals happiness. While growing our overall sales is a big focus, we are always looking to grow in other areas like our service depth and overall customer satisfaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://bbqoutfitters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbqoutfitters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbqoutfitters
