Meet Margaret Orlando

We were lucky to catch up with Margaret Orlando recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Margaret , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding one’s purpose can be a daunting task, but it is a journey that is worth taking. As the owner and operator of DAMO BBQ, Danny and Maggie Orlando have found their purpose by combining their love of Texas-style BBQ with Danny’s Italian heritage. The journey to finding one’s purpose can be unique for each individual. For Danny and Maggie, it all started with their passion for cooking and sharing their love of food with others. Growing up across the street from each other and both being from big families, they saw that food was a natural way to bring people together. They experimented with different recipes and techniques, eventually developing their own unique style of BBQ. As they continued to refine their craft, they started to realize that they had found their purpose in life – to create delicious food that brings people together.
Of course, finding one’s purpose is not always easy. There were challenges along the way, such as navigating the competitive food industry and establishing a successful self funded business. However, Danny and Maggie persevered, using their passion and determination to overcome any obstacles that came their way.
Ultimately, finding one’s purpose requires a combination of self-reflection, experimentation, and perseverance. Whether it is starting a business, pursuing a creative passion, or simply living a fulfilling life, the key is to stay true to oneself and never give up on the journey. For Danny and Maggie Orlando, their purpose was found in the form of DAMO BBQ, and they continue to share their love of food with others through their mobile food truck and catering business.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Dan (baby of 6) and Maggie (baby of 8) Orlando, DAMO, the acronym for our names, grew up across the street from each other in Villa Park, IL. Danny’s mother, Barb, will tell you Maggie would sit on the corner and pine over Danny. Danny will tell you Maggie would be the annoying kid sister of his friend that would come in the garage and bother them. He remembers saying, ‘Ronnie, can you tell your little sister to go back in the house.’ Danny’s tune now changes a bit, and he just can’t get enough of that red headed woman. Once a week, Danny’s father, Bob, would prepare Sunday gravy for the family meal. Danny quickly grew a love to cook watching his father.
Maggie’s mom, Mary Ellen, would always have friends gathered around the table, even when her own children weren’t there. Maggie soon realized you either made it to the table quick or you wouldn’t eat.
When Danny and Maggie married, they realized family gatherings would mean they would be required to cook for a small army. This number quickly escalated when friends and neighbors experienced Danny’s meals. There was never a shortage of people around their house for R & D (Research and Development). After Danny cooked 10 Turkeys and 4 Hams for Thanksgiving on every smoker/grill they owned for friends and family, the decision was clear that they needed to make this a business. They had already started DJO Signs & Such LLC, a custom woodworking business, reclaiming Bourbon and Wine Barrels into home decor and furniture in 2020, so the idea to start a mobile BBQ business took shape.

Self funded, they purchased several custom smokers from a Texas metal fabricator. Like children, each of their smokers has a name. JEFF, Willy, Snoop and their custom HDM 1,000 gallon mobile pit, BIG Poppa, makes up the family of smokers. All their smokers run off of nothing, but wood.

Their fare consists of proteins smoked on their Texas pits and then Danny adds some Italian flare to the dishes. Maggie operates all the behind the scenes business practices, while still working a full time corporate position. This power team works in tandem handling the day to day operations of the business.

BIGGER & Better. That is our motto going into 2024. The key to keep our loyal supporters and to grow our social media audience during the ‘off season’. Hopefully, everyone is clicking that follow button on social media and/or subscribing to DAMO BBQ on the website, so when we do reveal, they will be in the know. When we are connected, they will be up to date on all DAMO news as it is available.

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?

-A little setback of our business turned into a lesson about the importance of teamwork and allowing patience to run nature’s course to play out. We were upset and crushed (both financially and emotionally) that our original plan of investing money into a food truck didn’t play out. However, what turned out was far better than what we could have ever planned. By quickly leaning on each other with determination and hard work, we turned a little trailer we owned into the perfect trailer for any size event and just big enough to give my husband and I enough room to serve with all our equipment. Have patience and believe in your dreams and remember Teamwork always makes the dream work.

-Networking, networking, networking. Networking with other professionals in the industry is key. Danny and I do this by attending industry events and joining professional organizations, like the Chamber of Commerce. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals and new business opportunities.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Starting a business can be a challenging and overwhelming task, but having a supportive team can make all the difference. For DAMO BBQ, their Pit Crew has been the driving force behind their success. This dedicated team has provided assistance with marketing, daily operations, catering, and large events, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. As a husband and wife team, the support of their Pit Crew has been invaluable. During their darkest days, they have been there to encourage them and help them follow their dreams. The members of the Pit Crew have generously given their time and energy, never asking for anything in return. They have even been willing to endure the experimentation that comes with developing new dishes like Brisket, Burnt Ends, and other great menu items.
Entrepreneurship can be a challenging journey, but a strong support system can make all the difference. For DAMO BBQ, their Pit Crew has been the backbone of their success, providing the encouragement and assistance they need to thrive.

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