The Spice Advisors
Brad & Mike take immense pride in the positive influence they’ve had on their clients through their provision of high-quality advice, consulting, resourcing, networking, marketing, and branding services.
Quality Results
Both of us initiated our individual businesses and cultivated them into thriving brands. Our sauces and seasonings have garnered numerous national and international flavor awards. Our journey began with nothing, and we absorbed knowledge as we progressed in the industry.
Experienced
We understand the essentials of constructing a prosperous business and brand. Our network within the spice and BBQ industry becomes your network. The insights we’ve amassed are easily accessible to you throughout this journey with us.
Brad Polachek
Meet Brad Polachek, the brains behind Red Beard Seasonings, hailing from Willard, Ohio, where he was born and bred. Brad’s diverse background spans law enforcement and a Masters Degree in Logistics Management, coupled with service in the United States Army from 2010 to 2016. In 2020, Brad kickstarted Red Beard Seasonings, debuting with three signature recipe blends. The company experienced rapid growth, expanding its repertoire to 11 original blends within the first year, now available in over 80 retail outlets across 12 states.
Building on this success, Red Beard BBQ & Catering emerged in 2022, integrating their seasoning blends into the fabric of their catering and food truck offerings. Witnessing exponential growth, their catering arm has served thousands within its inaugural year and a half. Brad’s expertise spans various domains, including collaboration with copackers, pioneering recipe development, strategic trade show planning, retail site selection, effective communication, and the art of branding for proof of concept.
Mike Starr
Introducing Mike Starr, the visionary behind Blazing Star BBQ, whose roots trace back to Hickory, North Carolina. With a professional background in Telecommunications, Networking, and Project Management, coupled with being a distinguished 21-year Veteran of the US Air Force, exploring diverse corners of the globe. Mike now calls Pahrump, Nevada home.
In 2020, he ignited Blazing Star BBQ with his Original BBQ Sauce. The company experienced remarkable growth, expanding its offerings to 3 distinct sauces and 5 unique seasonings within the initial year. They are now available in over 200 locations nationwide. Anticipated to scale to 2000 stores by early 2024, their trajectory continues to soar.
Mike’s expertise spans across various domains, encompassing the realms of recipe innovation, fostering cohesive teams, forging strategic alliances with other companies, orchestrating effective social media marketing, and crafting compelling branding strategies, among others.