We were lucky to catch up with Porter Lilly recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Porter thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Prior to the pandemic, I was enjoying the security of having been employed at the same company for 25 over 25 years. As we all know Covid 19 changed every aspect of life and business as we knew it. Due to corporate restructuring, I found myself without employment but with plenty of offers from within the same industry. As I entertained various opportunities, I felt that choosing to work within the same industry essentially doing the same thing, seeing the same people under another banner wasn’t true to character. I felt I needed to strike out on my own. I’m not getting any younger and the chances for me to do what I love are fleeting. I had taken a year off to travel and reflect when it occurred to me that I wanted to work for myself. Going back to corporate life would not make me happy. I desired the security of the benefits and steady income but despised the culture.

During my year off and thanks to the pandemic, I had a lot of time to cook and enjoyed the challenges of barbecue food. I purchased an offset smoker and began to practice cooking different cuts of meat. After a while and a lot of positive feedback, I had the idea to start my own bbq catering business. It just felt right. So, I went ahead and set up an LLC but not knowing anything about actual culinary business forced me to take courses at Santa Ana College. I am currently scheduled to complete my advanced culinary certification this semester and have completed various business oriented courses.

Starting a business has been the most terrifying experience ever, but it has been the most rewarding personally. There is no replacement for the emotion I feel when someone has enjoyed food I have prepared for them. All this is still a work in progress but it’s an exercise of love and an opportunity to challenge myself unlike any I have ever encountered.

Porter, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Lil’s Craft Barbecue is a small boutique catering business specializing in small batch craft smoked meats and sides. We currently provide catering for corporate events, educational facilities, charities, as well as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other private events.

Our food is produced using only the highest quality ingredients with all of our recipes being prepared from scratch. In addition to our smoked meats, we offer tasty and thoughtful vegetarian options.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I cannot emphasize enough how helpful the Small Business Administration site has been to find relevant information and learning resources used to start a business. I have used the learning modules on the site to better understand various aspects of the current business climate and to provide insight to areas where I can improve my business.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients has been word of mouth from those who have had a chance to eat the food. We get a lot repeat business from our current clients as well. We are looking to expand and optimize our social media presence to gain more exposure and capture new customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lilscraftbbq.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lils_craft_bbq
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069833866378
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lils-craft-barbecue-santa-ana