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

Hi Mac, thanks for joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My heroes are my parents, Mr. Leicle Bostic and Mrs. Maxine Bostic. They taught me the foundational principles that continue to guide my life: love God, respect everyone, and never forget where you come from. They instilled in me the belief that through prayer, education, and hard work, anything is possible. They taught me to fight for the underdog, to lead with humility, and to walk in faith even when the road ahead is uncertain.

My father often said, “But by the grace of God, there go I.” As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of that phrase. But through my own trials—18 years in the military and 20 years with the U.S. Secret Service—I came to understand its depth. I’ve seen the world in ways many never will. I’ve worked alongside extraordinary people, faced pressure few can imagine, and learned that character is revealed not in comfort, but in adversity.

There were times I was overlooked or doubted—because of my age, my race, or simple misunderstanding. But I came to realize that when God opens a door, no man can shut it. My role was simply to do the work and give Him the glory. That perspective carried me through challenging missions, tight deadlines, and impossible odds, and it continues to guide me today.

Starting BQ&S Gourmet Chocolate in retirement wasn’t part of my original plan. But it was another test of faith—a calling that pushed me into unfamiliar territory. I’ve had to learn new industries, build a new team, and trust others in ways I never had before. The leadership skills shaped in the military and Secret Service have evolved into something more nuanced, helping me serve clients, partners, and our team with patience, empathy, and integrity.

When friends in Panama saw potential in the company and encouraged me to bring BQ&S there, it was yet another step of faith. That move expanded our business across Central and South America—and reminded me again of God’s hand in every opportunity.

I give credit to my parents not just for raising me, but for preparing me to walk with God and serve others. That’s why we donate a portion of our proceeds to the McGlotham Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children in underserved communities access books, computers, and school supplies. It’s a small way to give back—because I haven’t forgotten my roots, and I never will.

Everything I’ve done, every door that’s opened, is a reflection of their lessons, God’s grace, and the unwavering belief that faith, hard work, and love can shape a life worth living.

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?

From Protection to Perfection: The Story of Mac Bostic and BQ&S Gourmet Chocolate
For most of my adult life, I served others by protecting presidents, dignitaries, and citizens, first in the United States Air Force and later for two decades with the U.S. Secret Service. My world was one of structure, precision, and unwavering commitment. But even in that world, unexpected doors opened. One of them led to chocolate.
During the pandemic, our team held virtual briefings to stay aligned on travel requirements and mission updates. These meetings were often accompanied by cigar sessions—a way to unwind, stay connected, and maintain our camaraderie. It was during one of these sessions that I was introduced to the idea of using fine chocolate to cleanse the palate while smoking. It seemed simple at first. But then, I tasted something that stopped me in my tracks.
A friend and colleague introduced me to a local chocolatier who crafted small-batch chocolate using real Dominican cacao and a process rooted in tradition and purity. His name was Omar, and his passion was contagious. Over time, what began as shared appreciation turned into collaboration, and in 2021, BQ&S Gourmet Chocolate was born.
We didn’t start this brand to blend in. We began to stand out.
BQ&S stands for Barbeque & Smoke, a nod to the lifestyle and flavor experiences that pair perfectly with cigars, spirits, and meaningful moments. Our chocolates are made from 65%–70% real Dominican cacao and all-natural ingredients, crafted not only to delight, but to elevate.
What sets us apart isn’t just our taste, although in blind tests, we’ve beaten the big names 8 out of 10 times. It’s how we make people feel. Whether you’re pairing our chocolate with a top-shelf bourbon, gifting it to a high-profile client, or savoring it during a quiet evening with a cigar, you’re experiencing something crafted with care, intention, and soul.
But the journey wasn’t easy. Starting a business—especially after a lifetime in government service—isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve faced challenges in every corner: supply chain disruptions, unreliable partners, failed packaging, limited funding, and the emotional toll that comes with leading something deeply personal. Yet through each challenge, I’ve leaned into the lessons I learned in service: adapt, stay grounded, and never quit.
I’ve learned to pivot when necessary. Not every opportunity is meant for you. Not every person belongs on your journey—and that’s okay. Focus is everything. I keep a vision board nearby to ensure I stay on task. I work with people who believe in the mission, including an extraordinary marketing director, a powerhouse sales team known as the Chocolate Queens, and loyal customers across the United States, Panama, and beyond.
Today, BQ&S Gourmet Chocolate is more than a luxury treat. It’s a statement. It says, “You matter.” Whether you’re a cigar aficionado, a corporate executive looking to leave a lasting impression, or someone who appreciates fine flavor, our chocolates are made with you in mind.
What I’m most proud of is that we’re doing this with purpose. We give back through the McGlotham Foundation, helping underserved children get access to books, computers, and school supplies. We remember where we come from. And we lead with gratitude for every person who joins our journey.
If you’re looking for ordinary chocolate, we’re probably not it. But if you want a brand that delivers bold flavor, luxury experience, and lasting impact, then BQ&S is for you.
Because in a world full of noise, we choose to be unforgettable.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our reputation in the cigar community was built through prayer, persistence, and partnerships rooted in trust. From the beginning, BQ&S Gourmet Chocolate was embraced by leaders like the founders of Tres Lindas Cubanas, who believed in us when few others would. Their support introduced us to the Sisters of the Leaf (SOTLs) and lounges like Aphelion, which provided us with shelf space to test and refine our product through real-world cigar pairings.
These relationships, combined with our consistent product quality and dedication to education, such as promoting real chocolate as a palate cleanser, allowed us to connect with boutique and major cigar brands. Kristoff Cigars’ sponsorship of us into the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) was a turning point, making us the first chocolate brand formally integrated into that community.
Our reputation continues to grow thanks to our dynamic marketing director, who has revitalized our packaging and presence, and our dedicated sales team, the Chocolate Queens, who have driven two years of growth at PCA. Through faith, authenticity, and relentless work, BQ&S has become a trusted brand in not only cigars but also the adult beverages, hospitality, and luxury gifting markets.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My biggest pivot was transitioning from the U.S. Secret Service into retirement—something I thought I was prepared for but quickly realized I wasn’t. The structure, pace, and purpose that defined my life for decades were suddenly gone. I applied for jobs, did some consulting, but nothing felt right. I didn’t find peace until I was enjoying chocolate, cigars, and conversation with friends.
What began as a side passion slowly turned into a calling. That’s how BQ&S Gourmet Chocolate was born—from moments of quiet joy that revealed a new path. I hit the road, sharing our chocolate at cigar events across the country, introducing people to what we now call the “Elevated Experience”-pairing premium cigars with fine, authentic chocolate.
This pivot took me from a life of controlled environments and rigid systems into one filled with uncertainty: customer service, marketing, building sales teams, managing supply chains, and facing long days with no guaranteed outcomes. It was both humbling and deeply rewarding. Through it all, my faith became my anchor. I came to believe fully that what God has in store for me and my team, no one can take away.
That mindset didn’t just carry me through one pivot—it’s now guiding our growth into new markets and bold opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://barbeque-and-smoke.com/
• Instagram: @bqsgourmetchocolates
• Facebook: BarbequeandSmoke
• Linkedin: NYA LATAM

Image Credits

Nephew Tommy with Howard Donaldson (red box presentation), Big Daddy Kane w/Mac at Philly Cigar Week, Chocolate Queens in Las Vegas: Barbara, Nicki, Peaches, Shanta, Stacey, PCA Event: Barbara and Asha (Chocolate Queens), BQ&S logo, BQ&S bags of chocolate