John Rivers: The art of barbecuing brisket and the passion of helping others

Orlando Business Podcast with Eric English

John is a Florida native, but his two passions — his wife, Monica, and brisket — he met while in Texas. Thanks to his 20-year stint in the healthcare industry, he got to experience barbecue in different regions around the country and determined to learn how to master the art of barbequing brisket.

His combined passion of helping others and cooking was rekindled after John barbecued and hosted a fund-raising event for a child with cancer. That was the beginning of a four-year barbecue ministry operated out of his garage.

As the barbecue ministry grew, John realized how much happier he was in his chef’s hat than in his business suit, and he knew something had to change.

Following his dream of opening a restaurant was anything but easy. Not knowing what he was doing was bad enough, but there are countless naysayers too. But he held to the belief that his passions were God-inspired.

Today he’s founder and CEO of 4R Restaurant Group, has won multiple prestigious awards, and he’s still pioneering ways to minister to his community and to those associated with his businesses by living out his faith.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
• The backstory of how John left his corporate job to pursue his passions
• About John’s leadership style and the business culture he has created
• About his team’s weekly book study
• John’s advice to leaders of faith
• Why John chooses not to attend the weekly Bible study at work
• How John lives his faith in a genuine, non-pushy way
• About John’s next big project — a farm that will be a community learning tool and a community gathering place https://www.4r-foundation.org/4roots

Connect with John:

John Rivers on Instagram

4 Rivers Smokehouse on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

4 Rivers Smokehouse

The Coop, a Southern Affair

The Sweet Shop, 4R Specialty Cakes

4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck

4R Foundation

Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders by Joel Manby

Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, Treasure by Ken Blanchard

Quotes

“The longer we stay in the wrong environment, we get comfortable — with the pay, the routine, the unhappiness and complaining — and that's a dangerous place to be.”

“When you start stepping out on your dream, you better be willing to fight for it. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.”

“To be that catalyst that pulls people together – that’s our purpose.”

“In order to grow, you have to make mistakes.”

“True happiness comes when your actions are lined up with your passions.”

“Never let your religion get in the way of your faith.”