The Story I had been backyard barbequing for years and always enjoyed having parties and showing off my "skills", little did I know that one winter night while watching the Food Network that would all start to change. I had a taste for slow smoked brisket and wondered how it would compare to someone else’s. The show that was on was a gingerbread house challenge I said to my wife "6 months of work only to win $6000.00, seems like a waste of time." She proceeded to ask me how I would feel if I competed in a bbq contest and won even just a ribbon, I said I would go nuts. Put your money where your mouth is and get of you butt and go do it she said. Well I didn’t know the first thing about bbq competitions or how they worked, so to the internet and book shelf I went, still through the spring and summer I really just messed around until August of 2006 when I went to see a competition with the family and a friend. The event was NewHolland summerfest after talking to come of the competitors I realized I didn’t have any "skills". I did know I wanted to be there in 2007. While driving home I stopped at a warehouse club and bought a brisket determined to cook it like I had never done before low and slow. The brisket went on about 5pm and after a case of beer it came off at 10am. It was beyond anything I had ever thought brisket could be. I competed for the first time early in 2007 at Bbq at the Farm in Yardley PA. , with my brother Ed his girlfriend and a great guy buy the name of Rob in tow. We met a lot of people like Harold and lisa from Jumping Dog BBQ and the crew from Campfire Cookers as well as the Red Tood . Now the fire burns even hotter to compete in the future. Thanks to all those who have helped and supported me in this adventure like Matt the one who is doing this site. Steve and Phyllis who have come out to see the events, but mostly my wife Amy, who puts up with me sitting outside almost every weekend watching the smoke rise from the stacks and who came up with the name based on a yard Gnome that would sit with me and keep me company on long cooks. Thank you, each and everyone! Smokin’ Gnome Sal.