Episode 482: Matthew Osman Sr. of Blinkys Offset BBQ - Nashville, TN. MISE EN PLACE. Barbecue, Business, and Blinky. An Evolution of an Entrepreneur. WHO Needs ORDINARY WHEN We Can Have EXTRAORDINARY?

In this captivating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Matthew Osman Sr. of Blinky's Offset BBQ for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable journey from the farms of Miami to the competitive barbecue scene.

Matthew shares the foundational experiences that shaped his path, starting with his childhood summers spent on his grandfather's hog and crop farm in the Florida panhandle. He offers a vivid picture of farm life, from learning the agricultural process firsthand to understanding the full cycle of farm-to-table before it was a trend. This early immersion in food continued in his parents' Subway franchises, where from a young age, he was exposed to the inner workings of a restaurant, from back-of-house operations to the importance of the fresh-baked bread that defines the brand.

Listeners will follow Matthew's entrepreneurial evolution, which began not in food, but in the automotive industry as a 19-year-old co-owner of a Line-X spray-on bedliner franchise. He discusses the invaluable, real-world business lessons learned from this venture and the profound impact of mentorship from figures like former Miami Dolphin Jim Mandich, who instilled in him the principle of "paying it forward."

The conversation then navigates through Matthew's transition back into the food and beverage industry, detailing his experiences in the demanding hotel sector, including a memorable stint at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville. He shares candid stories about the challenges of working within a large corporate structure, the humbling process of going from business owner to employee, and fighting for his job by meticulously studying the company handbook.

Matthew provides a transparent account of his subsequent entrepreneurial endeavors, including opening a Giardino Gourmet Salads franchise with his sister. He breaks down the critical lessons learned about the importance of location, the complexities of expanding a franchise into a new market, and the frustrations of clashing with a franchisor that was unwilling to adapt to a different customer base.

Finally, the discussion turns to his current passion, Blinky's Offset BBQ. Matthew delves into the nitty-gritty of running a barbecue business, from the meticulous process of perfecting his brisket to the difficult decisions surrounding food costs and pricing. He explains the concept of yield in barbecue, the financial realities of using commodity versus locally sourced meats, and his unwavering commitment to quality, even if it means taking an item off the menu for the day. He emphasizes his "In-N-Out Burger approach" of perfecting a smaller menu and the importance of allowing customers to sample his food to drive sales.

Whether you're an aspiring food entrepreneur, a barbecue aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates a story of resilience and passion, this episode is packed with inspiration, hard-won wisdom, and practical advice on navigating the entrepreneurial world.

Don't miss the chance to learn from Matthew's unique experiences. You can find him and Blinky's Offset Barbecue on Facebook at Blinky's Offset BBQ and on Instagram at @BlinkysOffsetBBQ__

 

IG: @blinkysoffsetbbq__

 

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

 

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

 

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

 

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBra