Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wils Grill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Wils, Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

There are times as a small business owner that I have hesitations. These hesitations seem to be reactions to how my business affects my personal life so directly at times. Being a member of the service industry for the majority of my life, I am accustomed to long hours of work, aiming to make people happy. Sometimes, it seems that peoples’ happiness and satisfaction can come before mine, or the happiness of my friends and family. This observation causes a unique resentment towards my business- an almost spiteful intolerance. During times in which I feel the most burned out are the times I wonder what a “normal” job would mean for me.

A “regular” job would have many perks in my mind. Clock in, clock out, go home, go out when “normal” people go out, etc. Steady paychecks, benefits, evenly distributed responsibilities. All these may certainly be seen as perks to a “normal” job. All the while, even during the most stressful and taxing parts of the busy season, I find myself thankful. I am constantly reminded of my intentional, pointed, and deliberate participation in my own personal growth.

Being a business owner opens the door to constant opportunity to learn, grow, and give back. When I find myself resenting my business for the demanding hours, long days, and seemingly endless list of things to do, I look in the mirror. I realize that without having challenged myself to keep growing as an individual and growing my business, I would be a different person. This challenge to constantly keep myself in check and grow as a member of my community keeps me driving towards my goals. Although I do not have a set schedule, I am never on or off the clock, I still find plenty of time for myself. After years of business, I have learned that caring for myself equates in a stronger, heathier me, and thus a more thriving business. If something is bothering me about the way my life or business is going, I have learned to sit down, meditate, and move in the direction of the change I need to see. I believe that if I had a comfortable, “normal” job, these lessons would not be so readily absorbed. After almost 10 years, I’ve still had more good days then bad and I love the challenge of what I do.

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 grew up in Cave Creek, Arizona. We drove back roads, fished at the local lakes, rode my BMX bikes all over the desert, and we grilled. From a young age, I was drawn to fire. Some called my a pyromaniac! Once I learned that there was an entire art behind cooking over fire, I had the itch.

I am thankful to have traveled internationally as much as I have. I have learned the street food culture of various countries, primarily in Central and South America. The fact that food brings people together is undeniable. Food permeates the fabric of each society, culture and community. It seems that I knew from a younger age that I must cook, and specifically over fire. In one way or another, that has lead me down my current path.

After taking a trip to Central America with one of my best buddies, we came home to Arizona with a plan to start a street food business. We “purchases” a grill and some coolers from my dad, Wil, and we were off and running. We couldn’t figure what to name our new endeavor, but realized we were cooking on Wil’s old grill- so, there ya have it! “Wil’s Grill” was born out of two buddies love for cooking over fire.

Years later, I’m still grillin’. Following my passions for culture, food, and grilling have lead me to many opportunities to learn and grow. The company operates all of the sate of Arizona, focusing on the Northern Arizona region. Our mission is to provide a premier catering service to Northern Arizona focusing on locally, regionally & sustainably sourced products. Paramount to our mission is serving guests in a professional, innovative and consistent manner while maintaining the upmost quality and healthfulness of our food. With sincere western hospitality we infuse a variety of flavors from around the globe.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Well, it wasn’t too complicated at the time. Two buddies, still in college, with an idea to start cooking for people on the streets. Bootstrapping as they call it- make a little, save a little, re-invest back into the business. That was the model for some time.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I read quite a bit of Emerson and Thoreau. Their works help ground me and allow me to realize what is important in my life and the lives of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: wilsgrillflagstaff.com
• Instagram: @wilsgrillaz
• Facebook: facebook.com/smokerise928
• Yelp: Wil’s Grill