OUR
TEAM
WHO IS
ATBBQ
ATBBQ (is not just another sales company): Over the past 15 years our staff and chefs have accumulated tens of thousands of hours of cooking on gas grills, griddles, charcoal grills, pellet grills, offset wood smokers and gas and wood fired ovens. In fact, as we are writing this article the chefs are busy developing and testing recipes that will be shared on our blog in the coming weeks and months.
Chef Tom Jackson
STAFF CHEF
Chef Tom Jackson is a Kansas native, born and raised in Wichita. In 2008 he and his wife moved to Portland, Oregon where he attended Oregon Culinary Institute. Tom studied both general culinary skills as well as baking and pastry while working as a cook in a variety of restaurants. After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute he began working as a bread baker and pastry chef at the renowned Ken’s Artisan Bakery in Northwest Portland. He spent more than four years honing his skills under James Beard Award-winning chef and owner Ken Forkish.
In that time he and his wife had their first child, and the draw of home and family grew stronger. Longtime friends of the Cary family, owners of All Things Barbecue, they returned to Kansas to help All Things Barbecue continue to excel in their cooking classes. Tom has been developing recipes and teaching cooking techniques at All Things Barbecue since March 2014.
Jessica Williamson
CO-FOUNDER
Jessica Williamson co-founded ATBBQ with her parents and husband after earning her psychology degree from Wichita State University in 2009. A lifelong lover of writing, Jessica's passion began with her involvement in high school journalism and continues today through her thoughtful reflections on spirituality and life. At home, Jessica enjoys cooking for her husband and two boys, focusing on easy, whole food recipes that are always a hit. Her cooking style is all about simplicity and flavor, often featuring her trusty YS640s pellet grill. Jessica's writing and cooking reflect her belief in making everyday moments special and memorable.
Jerry Crespo
YODER EXPERT
Jerry Crespo is our product expert with a heart for grilling and a knack for finding the best gear. From Atlanta, GA, Jerry's passion for cooking and barbecue runs deep, fueled by years of experience in commercial food sales, catering, and restaurant management. In 2020, Jerry and his wife made the move to Wichita, KS, where he became a key member of the ATBBQ team.
Starting in grill sales, Jerry quickly rose through the ranks, finding his place in store management, product development, and eventually marketing. What sets Jerry apart is his dedication to connecting people with top-notch products that stand the test of time. He's the guy testing to ensure everything he recommends is a perfect fit for your home and patio.
You’ll find Jerry sharing his insights through Expert Advice articles, hosting events, and offering hands-on tips in-store. Catch him in our Product Spotlight series or tune in for his tips and techniques videos on social media. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or just getting started, Jerry's goal is to help you make the most of every cookout.
Christian Dashiell
FOOD WRITER
Christian Dashiell grew up in Portland, Oregon, but fell in love with barbecue during frequent trips to Roy’s Hickory Pit BBQ in Hutchinson, Kansas, while in college. When he and his wife moved to Kansas City for graduate school, he began smoking meat and became a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society judge, which gave him the opportunity to judge the prestigious American Royal Open Contest.
Christian’s cooking accomplishments include catering numerous events, facilitating a 200lb whole hog underground cook on two separate occasions, and experimenting with unique recipes like his coffee and berbere-rubbed ribeye. His passion for outdoor cooking has also extended into his professional life as he’s written hands-on reviews of dozens of outdoor cooking products and published interviews with some of the most prominent pitmasters in America, including Aaron Franklin and Rodney Scott.