We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeff Kennedy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jeff, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I think that purpose is something that we will strive to find until our final breath on earth. For some, maybe it comes easy.
But, for most, it comes from an intentional desire to find fulfillment. And the source of this fulfillment evolves with time and experience. It comes from understanding why you are doing something and not what you are doing. Early on, the purpose was to make a living. As I progressed, it transformed into creating a brand that nurtures community. Now, it centers on creating authentic experiences through exceptional food and valued relationships. It has evolved with time, experience, and the understanding that true fulfillment is a fluid and ever progressive target.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As soon as I turned in my last exam at Bama, I was Westward bound. I knew that I wanted to ski and experience the epicenter of outdoor mountain life- Vail, CO. Three of us from Bama started cooking BBQ in a dirt lot and the brand took off from there.
We realized that the traditional ‘soul’ food that we had grown up with not only resonated deeply with us but also had the ability to attract all walks of life. Ever since, we have refined our cooking and understanding of Southern hospitality to create authentic experiences across the country. I am most excited now, to use this platform to spread my passion for hospitality and life. Whether through working the restaurant, presentations, classes, or retreats; I aim to inspire a of ‘life of hospitality’ within anyone who will listen:) It is a LOT of fun!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My understanding of empathy stems from my Mother. While her empathy was displayed in nursing and the physical care of others, I use the skill to make people comfortable in social settings.
My Dad epitomized hard work. It was all that I saw or understood, the cornerstone of my upbringing. Our country is built on working hard and playing hard, we can’t forget either side of the equation.
My partner , Ben, has exemplified integrity, a fundamental pillar of life. I can only strive…
Understanding the values that define us is paramount. Lean into those that are most important to you- and don’t let them slip.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Bible has played the most important role in my professional development. My favorite scripture from the Book of Peter:
‘Each one of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’
I love the idea of ‘Constant, gentle pressure’ that Danny Meyer models in his leadership and discusses in his book, ‘Setting the Table’.
Bear Grylls has SO many impactful nuggets in his Daily Devotional, ‘Soul Fuel’. My favorite: ‘Good leaders care; Great leaders Serve.’
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/moesobbq
- Facebook: https://facbook.com/moesobbq
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/778689
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/moesobbq
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoesOBBQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@moesobbq
Image Credits
Moe’s Original BBQ
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
