(Photo courtesy of Braylen Mack)
Braylen Mack of North Little Rock believes grilling is an art. That’s why he named his new business Mack’s Barbecue Paint.
“Simply pouring sauce on your grilled food is not part of the art,” says Mack, who instead encourages grillers to artfully sauce, or “paint,” their masterpieces.
The Secret’s In the Sauce
“I had been creating concoctions for personal use and providing them to my family and friends for months. After encouragement from compliments, I decided it was time to package to allow the public to try something I have spent so long perfecting,” he said.
Mack researched packing companies. He settled on Ingredients Corp. of America in Memphis, and sent his ingredients to ICA in September 2019. He said once the company achieved “a perfect match in taste,” production started in November.
“I was able to pick up my first shipment on Jan. 8,” said Mack. The date was extra meaningful to him because Jan. 8 is his birthday.
Mack’s Barbecue Paint is available in two flavors, Original Arkansas Red and Sweet Heat Crimson.
“I currently have two sauces on the market. However, I plan to add a couple of dry rubs and more sauce flavors in the near future,” he said.
A Click Away
To market and sell his products, Mack is relying on the Internet. His online store just went live. With coronavirus on the mind of customers, he thinks more small businesses should consider e-commerce.
“Online shopping is the most convenient and safest way for shoppers to receive their product,” said Mack.
“As the world is shifting to encourage more virtual interactions, the addition of a virtual store is a natural fit and a great way to stay competitive,” he said.
Mostly advertising through social media, Mack strives to provide “a seamless connection” where clicking the photos in his posts leads to the opportunity to purchase his product online.
He has sold his sauce at Razzle’s Pop Up Shops in Sherwood and wants to expand to selling at farmers markets in Central Arkansas. Mack’s Barbecue Paint is also available at Jim’s Meat Market in Bentonville.
Startup Guidance
While creating a business from scratch, Mack continues to work full time as a facilitator at Walmart, “which allows me to observe one of the biggest distribution channels first hand,” he said.
Though he’s dabbled in photography and lawn care, Mack’s Barbecue Paint is his first licensed business.
Mack has leaned on guidance from the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, specifically the center’s Wendy Orvis and Eileen Devereux Dailey.
“I discovered ASBTDC after connecting with the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce,” Mack said. “I contacted the office and met Wendy, who later put me in contact with Eileen. I value this relationship and am grateful for the resources provided.”
He received advice on topics from food product labeling to business planning.
“Eileen assisted in the development of my business plan as a road map for the future. Additionally, Eileen has pushed me to be more business-minded, highlighting the importance of relationships as opposed to the mindset of simply making money immediately.”
Mack appreciates Dailey’s prompt responses to his questions and interest in his success.
“She is readily available and is able to answer any question promptly. Eileen has phenomenal follow up and truly cares (about) the longevity and success of my company; I could not ask for a better business consultant.”