Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenn Norfleet.
Hi Glenn, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved BBQ. My grandfather got me my first grill at 9, Grillin was our thing. Sadly, as I got older, I started running with the wrong people, doing the wrong things and lost a lot of valuable time with my grandfather. Fast forward a little bit, and in my 20s, I started a family and got back into barbecue… Spent 22 years driving the truck and always had a grill with me. When guys were eating out of roach coaches, I was grilling a steak on the side of my truck. When my marriage failed, I found myself in a pretty dark place and wasn’t really a good human, and that’s when I met Donald, who ended up changing my life. Donald was my neighbor that had a genius idea to cook in a local barbecue competition. Over seven years beating the good old boy system in our small town we managed to get a few trophies and have a whole lot of fun. I’d always wanted a barbecue joint, so I built myself a small trailer and, not knowing anything, set up on the side of the road. I didn’t know anything about permits or licenses, absolutely nothing, but there it was, and it went well enough that I ended up building a barbecue joint, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. Sadly, less than a year after opening, we lost Donald to cancer. It was a battle getting open from state inspectors, city inspectors, environmental inspectors, permitting, licenses it’s been a mess. Even addressed the City Council for permitting the food trailers in our local town; nothing like small-town politics to make things interesting. After Donald passed, I got lots of support from my girlfriend Debra and made it through covid. We are blessed and been open 9 years in March. Many were betting against me and saying You will never make it, but there have been a few that’ve been in my corner from day one, and to those, I’ll be forever grateful. My life has not been easy, but I’m not a victim; I’m a fighter. With that said, most of it was my fault. I don’t know what the future holds, but I promise it will be an adventure.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Small-town politics and the good ole boy club.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
3rd Generation truck driver, but I always loved barbecue. I don’t know that I’m really known for anything but persevere. I never give up, and I don’t quit. On this journey, I have been awarded the recommended badge from Restaurant Guru 7 years in a row; in 2021, I received the Bark Certificate of Excellence in 2022, and in 2023, I was awarded Businessperson of the Year by Alignable, voted Best in Hopkins County in 2023, also in 2023 I received a great eats award for culinary excellence and innovation. I have worked very hard to build Fireside. I guess that’s what I’m most proud of.
What does success mean to you?
To me success is being around friends that always have your back a family that loves you no matter what and the ability to pay your bills while avoiding the proverbial rat race.
Contact Info:
- Website: firesidebbqtexas.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firesidebbq19?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
Cindy Thomison
