Let's Talk BBQ

FORUM SPONSORS => MAK Grills => Topic started by: mrbbq on July 09, 2018, 12:49:02 PM

Title: NOTICE
Post by: mrbbq on July 09, 2018, 12:49:02 PM
Well friends, thought you might want to know, ole Mr. BBQ has tendered his retirement notice, effective July 20th.  I've been in the pellet grill industry since 1991, and at age 64, and with some chronic health issues, it was time to call it good.

I have very much enjoyed representing MAK Grills these past 8 years. Even if I didn't work here, my opinion would be the same, there is NO better pellet grill than a MAK. The strides this company has made in advancing the pellet grill category is more than amazing. Will I miss coming to work everyday? Probably not. I have alot of adventures planned. BUT! I WILL MISS the interaction with the crew here and of course MAK owners, some who have become great friends.

My wife and I are looking forward to relocating and introducing the folks around us to the best pellet grill made in America. can't wait to see what some of those Southerners say about this Yankee Boy's bbq.
Just thought you might want to know.  Keep cooking, smoking, learning!
Sincerely,
Bruce Bjorkman aka Mr. BBQ
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: Jaxon on July 09, 2018, 01:08:00 PM
Bruce, congratulations on your retirement.  I retired at 66 because of sickness - I was sick of working  ;)

I know you will continue to help people - you're that kind of person.

You mentioned moving to the sunny South.  I hope it'll be somewhere in middle Georgia. I sure need a bbq buddy. 
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: KJRsmoker on July 09, 2018, 01:25:06 PM
Congratulations on your retirement.  It'll be a sad day for MAK, but a happy day for you and your family.
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: mrbbq on July 09, 2018, 02:48:17 PM
Thanks Jaxon and KJR....it is bittersweet. But i want to get out there while I can and explore this awesome country. So many beautiful places to visit. So many adventures to enjoy.  It makes no sense to work and then retire when you cannot enjoy it. We wont be living fat on the hog, but will be okay. Maybe I can pick up some writing assignments or a radio gig.

It looks like right now TN is where we will land. They are revising the tax codes to favor retirees, and that's a good thing. We will be exploring alot of the South, including NC/KY/TN/GA.  Looking forward to introducing our new neighbors to pellet grill barbecuing.
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: Big Dawg on July 09, 2018, 03:16:27 PM
Well deserved, I'm sure ! ! !

Let us know if you;'re down in the western Piedmont are of NC.  There are a bunch of us in that area and it would be fun to meet up for lunch ! !





BD
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: smoker pete on July 09, 2018, 03:26:19 PM
Congratulations Bruce!! We retired 10 years ago when I was a young pup of 59 and we haven't looked back ... I highly recommend retirement  8)  :D

I have really enjoyed meeting you over the years and working with you. Thank you for all the great advice you have provided me. I am privileged and happy to be able to call you my friend!

There are many benefits to retiring and living in TN. If an when we ever leave CA, TN would be high on my list for relocation. Them Southerners have nothing on you and your MAK Bruce. You have my email, please keep in touch now and then.

Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: mrbbq on July 09, 2018, 03:45:11 PM
Dawg and Smoker Pete! Thanks so much for the kind words. It will be a different world, that is for sure. The wife and I don't anticipate moving until 2019. But who knows. Lots to do to the ole homestead before we list it.  I WILL enjoy having more time to play with my MAK. Weekends are never long enough. Once I have more free time on my hands, will be able to really smoke up the neighborhood. :-)
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: TentHunteR on July 09, 2018, 04:12:40 PM
Congrats on the pending retirement!  Just a week and a half away!  :o 


Just be sure that you stick around here!   8)
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: RAD on July 09, 2018, 04:18:57 PM
Congrats on the retirement. Really happy for you guys
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: sparky on July 09, 2018, 04:43:38 PM
I myself will miss ya.  I have known ya a long time.  We have had some great conversations over the years.  You have always been a outstanding person with a wealth of bbq knowledge.  Stay healthy and safe my friend.
Title: NOTICE
Post by: Pappymn on July 09, 2018, 04:48:44 PM
Congratulations! Very jealous


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Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: SmokeVader on July 09, 2018, 05:35:47 PM
Congratulations Bruce on your upcoming retirement.
I am new to the MAK world and have appreciated your support and knowledge.
Please let me know if you ever find yourself in the Silicon Valley/San Francisco area.
Enjoy your retirement.  It is well deserved.
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: mrbbq on July 09, 2018, 06:37:50 PM
Thanks everyone. Big step, but I have a deep level of peace over this decision. It's time. SmokeVader, I grew up in Lafayette, moved to ORegon in 1970. I dont know if I could handle all the traffic in the bay area any more. We are looking at moving to a small town in TN.
Invest wisely and then get out while you still have your health and an ability to explore and have fun. Life is too short not to.
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: teesquare on July 09, 2018, 08:27:01 PM
Bruce -

You *DO* realize that you are still a valued member of LTBBQ, even once you retire from MAK. :D

SO - good luck on retirement...and since you will be within close driving distance....I am going to expect you to visit..... and of course do some cooking.... ;) :D :D :D

T
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: akjeff on July 09, 2018, 09:51:58 PM
I wish you all the best in retirement Bruce, congratulations! Every interaction with you has been nothing but a pleasure!

Regards,

Jeff
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: jimsbarbecue on July 09, 2018, 11:20:09 PM
Enjoy retirement and thank you for everything you did to further pellet cooking. Before MAK and the years with MAK. I have often thought your handle should have been Mr pellet for what you did to promote pellet smoking. There will never be anyone like you.
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: ACW3 on July 10, 2018, 08:16:00 AM
Congratulations on your retirement plans.  Before I retired, I was a math teacher in an alternative high school.  I remember telling my class that I had finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up.  RETIRED!!! 

When you come to NC, I am one of those from the Western Piedmont that would like to get together, probably at Tim's, for some food.


Art
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: smokeasaurus on July 10, 2018, 09:13:26 AM
Bruce, a wise decision. Time to get out of the "rat race" and enjoy yourself.

It was/is an honor to do the review for MAK and Wendy and I wish you a peaceful healthful retirement.
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: Dave R. on July 10, 2018, 10:15:11 AM
Well Bruce what can one say but congratulations and well done. I was so exicted to purchase my MAK and the bonus was having a short visit with you and some of your work mates. A class act throughout that business. Wishing you the best in your future endevours. I also am moving from the area. Heading to Nampa Id starting this coming Sunday. Time for a change that apparently we both sense. Good luck and I'm proud to consider you a friend.
Dave
Title: NOTICE
Post by: rwalters on July 10, 2018, 11:30:24 AM
Mr Bruce-

Well done and congratulations... I wish you nothing but the best!!! Other than being a “foiler” you are one heck of a guy and I am blessed to call you friend :)

Take care and stay in touch brother!

Robb
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: mrbbq on July 10, 2018, 11:54:12 AM
Awww shucks you guys! Blush, blush. Thanks for the good wishes and invites. Yeah, if I am in your area, I'll look you up, and YOU will do the cooking and I will supervise and advise.  Jim---thanks so much for the accolades. As you are more than well aware, once you go pellet, nothing else makes sense. God has opened many doors for me, for which I am very thankful. I will still be a pellet ambassador and MAK maniac/fanatic.  Even after 30 years...there are still people in this country who don't even know about pellet grills. WE ALL HAVE TO CHANGE THAT!  ;D

I will be posting from time to time and share some of my bbq adventures.  Lots to see and do and cook and eat and, and, and.
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: TMB on July 10, 2018, 12:09:01 PM
Awww shucks you guys! Blush, blush. Thanks for the good wishes and invites. Yeah, if I am in your area, I'll look you up, and YOU will do the cooking and I will supervise and advise.  Jim---thanks so much for the accolades. As you are more than well aware, once you go pellet, nothing else makes sense. God has opened many doors for me, for which I am very thankful. I will still be a pellet ambassador and MAK maniac/fanatic.  Even after 30 years...there are still people in this country who don't even know about pellet grills. WE ALL HAVE TO CHANGE THAT!  ;D

I will be posting from time to time and share some of my bbq adventures.  Lots to see and do and cook and eat and, and, and.
If you ever get to the Rocket city to see the Space Museum let me know
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: Gunny on July 10, 2018, 06:10:51 PM
Bruce....

Have fun in retirement, was nice talking to you....every time... 8)
Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: mrbbq on July 11, 2018, 11:50:34 AM
Thanks Gunny! It was always a pleasure talking with you. Keep on Smokin' man!
Title: NOTICE
Post by: Smokin Chemtrails on August 24, 2018, 11:16:36 AM
Take care and God Bless you and your family

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Title: Re: NOTICE
Post by: TwoPockets on August 24, 2018, 09:36:30 PM
Congratulations on retirement!  Hopefullly you will ldo better than me, I  retired 5 times before I finally got the hang of it.