Saturday, June 22, 2024
In the heart of Granbury, a new business recently celebrated its ribbon cutting. Grill Sergeant is lighting up the community with premium grills and outdoor kitchen essentials. But there is an inspirational story of resilience and passion behind the store façade that is not to be missed. Larry Lindsey, at 73 years young, is the proud owner of Grill Sergeant, located at 608 E US Highway 377, Granbury. Lindsey's store reflects a lifetime of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering "grill" to succeed.
After a long and fruitful career in the restaurant industry, the financial crisis of 2008 hit hard. Real estate deals went sour, and the restaurant he owned in Florida fell victim to the economic downturn. For forty years, Lindsey's life revolved around the restaurant business. In 2011, Lindsey found himself in a challenging position. He ran multiple unit franchises, owned three restaurants, and operated a successful catering business in North Carolina. But in the wake of financial losses, Lindsey was left wondering what to do next.
"[I was] Too young to quit, too old and overqualified to find work that could satisfy me or pay what I desired to make," Lindsey said. The need for health insurance was pressing, and he found himself at a crossroads. Then, an advertisement for Barbeques Galore caught his eye. It promised good commissions and insurance, so Lindsey applied. Despite his vast experience, he was initially overlooked. Undeterred, he wrote a letter to the company's president, urging them to give him a chance. It worked.
Lindsey thrived at Barbeques Galore, finding a new passion in selling grills and talking about food. His natural talent and enthusiasm led him to consistently join the President's Club, selling over $750,000 worth of grills annually. Yet, corporate changes and the desire for independence spurred Lindsey to form his own company, Grill Sergeant LLC, in 2018.
The journey to opening his store was not straightforward. Health issues and initial missteps with other grilling businesses delayed his plans. But with determination and support from his wife, Judy, Lindsey persisted. "None of this would even be possible without my Judy," Lindsey said. "She carried the ball for several years when I barely came off the bench. And now she is still my strongest supporter."
After meticulous planning and research, the energized couple opened the doors to Grill Sergeant in mid-Mar. 2024, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting on May 19 and 20. The store offers a wide range of traditional gas grills, pellet grills, kamado-style grills like the Big Green Egg, griddles, and specialized equipment for outdoor kitchens. They also carry a variety of charcoal, pellets, tools, cleaning supplies, unique gift items, and an extensive selection of rubs and sauces.
What truly sets Grill Sergeant apart is the personalized service that Lindsey and his team provide. "We treat every customer, no matter how small the purchase, as if they are spending thousands of dollars," Lindsey said. "If a customer for whatever reason isn't satisfied, we sincerely want to know and rectify the situation. We bend over backward to give the kind of service you used to get everywhere. This isn't my job. It's my life, and I love it."
Lindsey's story speaks to the power of perseverance and the belief that it's never too late to follow a dream. He hopes that Grill Sergeant will not only be a success but also inspire others. "I am living proof that dreams can come true. Failure is just another learning experience," he says.
