We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrew Chambers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrew below.

Andrew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school

In college I was never a fan of group projects. I felt this way for 2 reasons. First, the thought of my success being dependent on others was always bad math to me. Also, historically, my dominant personality and sometimes direct style of communication are often misunderstood. Unfortunately, as an Entrepreneurship major, a lot of my classes required me to work in groups. This was a reality that I came to terms with during my time at Georgia State University, however, it was always an area of great concern for me.

One semester I found myself in a group with a young lady who was extremely intelligent. She was also very vocal in the most pretentious of ways. I knew very early that our personality types would clash. For the bulk of the semester, I dealt with her as professionally and politely as possible. I limited my interactions with her as well, as an attempt to mitigate the chances of any negative interactions between the two of us. Despite my best efforts the moment did come. We had an intense exchange of words. Afterwards, I reached out to our professor. She was busy at the time trying to reach a deadline. She told me she would call me back when she was through.

A few hours later she called back. I expressed to her my frustrations about my group’s dynamics. I also let her know about the disagreement that took place. Despite how impassioned I was, she listened intently. When I was through, she responded. I can’t remember verbatim what her response was. We had a very long conversation. I remember she spoke to me her entire way home that evening. I recall not being too fond of what she was saying but also realizing that she was correct in her counsel. I remember appreciating that although she was definitely telling me to chill out and get over it; she never diminished or disregarded my point of view.

That conversation with my professor was the first of many. By the end of the semester, we built a pretty awesome working relationship. We learned that we shared many commonalities. We truly developed what I would consider a textbook teacher – student dynamic. That semester Dr. Isabelle Monlouis taught me the most important lesson I’ve learned in school. There is little more important than the relationship and dynamic between teacher and student when in school. This revelation changed the trajectory of my college career. It has followed me into my business as well.

Having all the knowledge and theory that comes with school is important. So is learning all the time management, organizational, and communication skills. However, the secret sauce and the thing that saves you the most when in a learning environment, is the degree to which you engage and communicate (network) with your teacher or professor. The ways in which this truth has benefited me and my career are immeasurable.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am the chef and pitmaster of Pink’s Barbecue. I’ve been a chef for 21 years. Cooking, serving, and hosting have been a part of my life since the beginning. I went to culinary school in Miami for a year. At the same time, my parents purchased a convenience store. I talked them into putting a kitchen in the store. The following year I did not return to culinary school. Instead, I made a small menu at my parent’s store and started selling food. That was my start as a chef. Currently, we cater, we sell our barbecue heat and serve at local farmer’s markets, and we also sell a full line of sauces and rubs. We offer our customers convenience, superior service, and delicious craft barbecue from a global perspective. When I reflect on our Pink’s Barbecue journey, the thing that I am most proud of is our team and our conviction to see this vision to fruition. As a customer we want you to expect quality locally sourced food prepared expertly. You can also expect to be served differently. Lastly, we want our customers and future customers to know and believe that we are committed to them and their communities. We are building a brand that the people of Atlanta, more specifically, Coweta and Fayette counties can be proud of.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I am really blessed to have two great partners. Erik and Mr. Mark. One semester at Georgia State University, as an assignment, I had to put together a PowerPoint presentation. I was not familiar with the program. In an effort to get some help I reached out to my Facebook community. The post read, “Does anyone know how to do PowerPoint”? One person responded! It was this dude that I knew through church. However, we were only acquaintances at best. I wasn’t even sure how we became Facebook friends. At the time, I assumed that he and I wouldn’t have much in common. I never responded to his offer for help. A few weeks later, I found myself in need of the same help again. This time, I knew I needed help and couldn’t afford not to take it. I reached back out to the dude who I had made the assumption about a few weeks earlier. He agreed to help me again. I went over to his house that night and the next 2 nights. Not only was my presentation amazing but dude and I hit it off great. Over the next couple years Erik and I worked on several presentations together. He began to see the vision very intimately. Most importantly, we grew to know each other very well. Our partnership grew organically out of this dynamic. Today he is one of my most trusted confidants. Mr. Mark and I have known each other for about 15 years. We met through church as well. About 10 years ago we began meeting regularly (3-4 times per year) in an unofficial mentor mentee capacity. Mr. Mark is a very accomplished man in both the military and in the foodservice industry. As a result, our conversations often naturally progressed into talks about Pink’s. Alot of my current business model and manner of conducting business come from years of being sown into by Mr. Mark. Early on in our relationship, Mr. Mark proposed that if I ever considered seeking investment, I should come to him. At the end of 2023 I took him up on his offer. We officially became partners in February of this year.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My business is currently in a pivot. After launching a series of unsuccessful curated chef table dinners, we decided that this pivot is necessary. It is necessary because we need to create more consistent and residual revenue. It is also necessary because we have decided as a business that the most strategic revenue stream to pursue right now is farmer’s markets. We also believe it will be beneficial to develop our sauce and rub program. These decisions were made because the profit margin in both is very high. Also, developing the sauce and rubs will put us in position to build a strong ecommerce business.

Pivoting can be very difficult for a host of reasons. However, it is a vital part of business. My experience has also taught me that pivoting fast is typically the best course of action. Pivoting fast means, constantly monitor and evaluate the key performance indicators of your business. When they show persistent deficits, PIVOT!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eatpinksbarbecue.com
• Instagram: @pinks_barbecue
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinksBarbecue
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-chambers-149b7051
• Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/PinksBarbecue
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Theeatingchambers