There are people who love BBQ, and then there is Brandon Motzer, whose love for the art of BBQ has no limits. For Triple Tap Venture’s newest Team Member Spotlight, we went straight to the heart of all the action in Grand Prairie, Texas.
From Mortgages to Meats: A Surprising Career Pivot
Brandon is a Pit Smoker at our beloved Loop 9 BBQ and has emerged as a standout team member, bringing not just his expertise in smoking meats but also a passion for the craft that is truly infectious. In this article, we delve into Brandon’s unexpected path from the mortgage industry to his role as an integral part of the Loop 9 BBQ family.
After 15 years of working behind a desk in the mortgage industry, how did he end up behind the flames of Loop 9 BBQ? Well, before we answer that question, we’ll need to time-travel to when Brandon first fired up a smoker over a decade ago.
Brandon Motzer was an avid hunter but lacked the skills to utilize the game he brought home. Determined to change that, he decided to smoke a hog shoulder that was taking up room in his freezer. Unfortunately, this first attempt at smoking resulted in what he describes as the “worst-tasting thing” he’d ever had.
Though his introduction to the world of barbecue wasn’t a smooth one, he was undeterred. Brandon honed his skills through experimentation, research (thank God for YouTube), and a commitment to perfecting the art of smoking. His persistence paid off! He soon became recognized by his friends and family as the talented pitmaster he is.
Fast forward to a little over a year ago when an unfortunate layoff due to changes within the mortgage industry inspired Brandon to reevaluate his career path. Rather than dwelling on the setback, Brandon seized the opportunity to expand his skills and explore his passion for smoking meat.
One day, while he was driving his mother-in-law to a doctor’s appointment, he saw the Loop 9 BBQ “Now Hiring” sign, and it was just what he needed! He looked up our website that very day and saw we were looking for pit smokers. With a loving push from his family, he marched into Loop 9 BBQ with the confidence that only true talent and enthusiasm provide. He told our general manager at the time, “This is my job.” And he was right! He didn’t have any restaurant experience, but he did have the knowledge, skill, and dedication that makes for an unbeatable Pit Smoker.
Passion for Perfection: Brandon’s Barbecue Bliss
Brandon’s love for smoking meats extends beyond his role at Loop 9 BBQ. His dedication to perfection is evident in his pursuit of mastering the brisket, which he fondly describes as BBQ’s “fingerprint” due to the unique characteristics of each cut. Despite the challenges, Brandon has fully embraced the learning process. He loves sharing anecdotes of his early brisket attempts and the satisfaction of finally achieving the perfect combo of juicy, tender meat and flavorful, blackened crust on his tenth try.
His devotion to the craft of pit-smoking doesn’t stop at the workplace. Even outside of work hours, Brandon finds joy in researching, watching videos, and constantly seeking out new techniques to enhance his skills. He highly recommends checking out Jeremy Yoder’s channel on YouTube if you are interested in pursuing the craft of smoking meats.
Brandon’s passion is so palpable that, according to him, he wakes up before his alarm, eager to drive to work every day, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to hear that!
Introduction to Restaurant Life: Regina Lee and the Loop 9 Experience
Brandon’s passion isn’t confined to the smoker alone; it extends to the Loop 9 BBQ team. Having no prior restaurant experience, he joined the team, ready to learn as much as he could. He credits a significant amount of his growth and success at Loop 9 BBQ to Regina Lee, our General Manager. Describing her as hardworking, driven, and strict in the best way, Brandon appreciates how she pushes him to excel and provides insights into restaurant management. Under Regina’s guidance, Brandon has gained valuable experience and knowledge of the intricacies involved with running a successful barbecue joint.
One Loop 9 experience that left Brandon in awe was when the restaurant received a catering order so large it seemed impossible to him. But together with the rest of the team, they successfully executed 1,500 meal orders for a very large event. The seamless collaboration among the staff and adherence to quality left a lasting impression on Brandon. It showcased not only the team’s ability to work cohesively under pressure but also the commitment to producing delicious BBQ in every order. “That’s one thing right there, where I can hang my hat on and say I was a part of that. It was great.”
A Peek into Brandon’s Favorites: From Brisket Philly to Food Critics
Brandon’s favorite item on the Loop 9 menu is the recently added Brisket Philly sandwich. He describes it as a delectable combination of chopped brisket, onions, poblano peppers, and American cheese. His admiration and description of the Brisket Philly is tantalizing. We may need to enlist his help in advertising; he is an excellent narrator for yummy food!
Aside from his personal favorites, Brandon takes pride in the positive feedback Loop 9 receives, especially from food critics. He values the opportunity to engage with them, discussing the intricacies of the pit room, which he affectionately refers to as his “Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory.” *No children or Oompa Loompa’s are allowed in the Pit Room.
Advice for Aspiring Pitmasters: Embrace the Learning Curve
If you ever get the chance to meet Brandon Motzer, you’ll more than likely be inspired to take up the art of smoking meats yourself. In that case, Brandon has some advice for you: “Clean Fire. Don’t overload your smoker with wood that will create too much dirty smoke.”
He also encourages newcomers to be patient, persistent, and willing to learn from both successes and failures. Brandon’s journey from a novice BBQ-er to a skilled Pit Smoker at Loop 9 BBQ serves as a testament to the rewards that come with dedication to one’s passion.
From a career pivot out of necessity to becoming an indispensable part of the Loop 9 team, Brandon’s journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring pitmasters and barbecue enthusiasts alike. We are honored to have him on our team servin’ up delicious premium smoked meats to the wonderful folks of Grand Prairie, Texas!
