Meet Paul Holden | Owner & Pitmaster Big Shanty Smokehouse & Willingham’s World Champion BBQ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Holden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always seen risk as something to be respected, not feared. In both corporate business and BBQ, the real danger isn’t taking a calculated risk — it’s standing still while everything around you evolves.
Early in my career, I learned that the best opportunities often come disguised as uncertainty. I was young, taking on responsibilities that stretched me well beyond my comfort zone, but those experiences taught me that composure, preparation, and conviction matter more than certainty. If you can stay calm in chaos and make decisions grounded in principle, you can navigate almost any level of risk. That mindset carried me through global technology transformations and acquisitions — and later, through the smoky unpredictability of running a BBQ pit.
When my journey from corporate life to BBQ really started to take shape was when I was asked to take over the legendary Memphis-based Willingham’s World Champion BBQ and lead the company and competition team my mentor, John Willingham, had built after his passing in 2013. That opportunity — to preserve and continue his legacy — ultimately led me to acquire Big Shanty Smokehouse in Kennesaw, Georgia.
I’m sure many people questioned the decision to step away from a C-suite career for a life built around smokers, seasoning, sauce, and long days of wood and fire. On paper, it looked like a leap of faith. In reality, it was a continuation of what I’ve always believed — that meaningful work requires courage, conviction, and a willingness to bet on yourself.
John Willingham, the legendary pitmaster who started the legacy I now help carry forward, captured it best in his poem “I Believe”:
If you don’t believe you can, you won’t.
If you always wonder if you should, you’ll never know if you could.
And if you never try, you will forever wonder why…
Those words remind me daily that hesitation kills more dreams than failure ever will. Whether it’s leading a corporate transformation or tending a smoker at dawn, every success I’ve had traces back to that same philosophy — believe first, then build.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Looking back, my career has been anything but linear — but every chapter has had a purpose. I started in technology at just sixteen years old, working for a small healthcare management company that gave me an early crash course in problem-solving and resilience. Over time, that curiosity grew into a career leading large-scale technology and operations teams for global insurance and risk management firms.

I eventually became a senior executive responsible for modernizing complex infrastructures, integrating acquisitions, and guiding organizations through transformation. Those experiences shaped how I think about people, process, and purpose — not just systems. I learned that leadership isn’t about titles or control; it’s about clarity, humility, and surrounding yourself with people who are better than you in their craft.

But what truly sets my story apart is what came next. In 2013, after the passing of my mentor and BBQ Hall of Famer John Willingham, I was asked by his family to carry forward the Willingham’s World Champion BBQ legacy. It was one of those defining crossroads moments — leaving a comfortable C-suite role to take over a smoke-filled torch that had lit up Memphis for decades. It wasn’t easy, but it was meaningful. Eventually, that journey led me to Big Shanty Smokehouse in Kennesaw, Georgia — a local institution we’re now growing with the same championship spirit and belief-driven culture that John instilled.

There have been challenges, of course. Moving from corporate boardrooms to BBQ pits meant learning a whole new rhythm — one that doesn’t always follow a schedule or spreadsheet. But the lessons are universal: stay calm under pressure, invest in your people, and lead with integrity no matter the setting.

Professionally, I’m most proud of the teams I’ve built and the transformations I’ve guided — both in business and in BBQ. I’ve learned that technology and smoke aren’t all that different; both require precision, patience, and a respect for timing.

At the heart of it all, my faith has kept me grounded. I’ve come to believe that God rarely draws straight lines between where we start and where we’re meant to end up — but every turn along the way builds character, perspective, and purpose.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and our brands, it’s this: we’re stewards of something bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s carrying forward Willingham’s world-champion legacy or honoring the local heritage of Big Shanty Smokehouse, everything we do is rooted in respect — for the craft, for the people who came before us, and for the customers who trust us to deliver something genuine.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a week to show someone around Atlanta and North Georgia, I’d want them to see both the heart and the soul of this place — the food, the history, and the community that make it special.
We’d start, of course, at Big Shanty Smokehouse in Kennesaw — not because it’s mine, but because it captures what I love most about the South: real people, real food, and real stories. There’s something grounding about starting with a plate of ribs or brisket and talking about life while the train whistles roll through town.
From there, we’d probably take a walk through Downtown Kennesaw or Marietta Square — both have that small-town charm with great local shops and a deep sense of history. If we caught a Friday evening concert or a festival in the square, even better.
I’d dedicate one full day to Atlanta’s food scene. We’d hit The Varsity for nostalgia, grab dinner at Bones for classic steakhouse tradition, and make a stop at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market to get a taste of what modern Atlanta does best — blending global flavors with local soul.
For a little downtime, we’d spend a day in North Georgia wine country, maybe at Wolf Mountain Vineyards or Montaluce, followed by dinner in Dahlonega or Blue Ridge. There’s something about those mountain views that puts everything into perspective.
If my guest was into sports, we’d catch a Braves or Falcons game — or depending on the season, root for the Georgia Bulldogs, Kennesaw State Owls, or my hometown favorite, the University of Memphis Tigers. Game days down here aren’t just events — they’re community.
We’d wrap the week with something simple: sitting outside with friends, good music, and a spread of smoked meats and sides that tell their own story. Because the best part of this area — and really of life — isn’t about what’s flashy. It’s about the people, the fellowship, and the shared moments that remind you you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s no question that I’ve been blessed by the people and moments God has placed in my path. My story isn’t just about hard work — it’s about grace, timing, and the encouragement of others who believed in me long before I fully believed in myself.

First and foremost, I have to give credit to John Willingham, my BBQ mentor and the man whose influence continues to shape how I view both business and life. John wasn’t just a Hall of Fame pitmaster — he was a man of conviction, creativity, and faith. His “I Believe” poem still sits in my office, and one line in particular has become a constant reminder: “If you never try, you will forever wonder why.” That belief — that faith requires action — has been a compass for me in every major decision.

I’m also grateful for the mentors who invested in me early in my corporate career. They taught me what it meant to lead with integrity, humility, and courage — and to never forget that leadership is ultimately about service. Those lessons, along with my faith, have kept me grounded whether I was leading global technology teams or working the pit at 4 a.m. on a Saturday morning.

And I couldn’t do any of this without my family. They’ve shown me patience, love, and unwavering support through every pivot, every risk, and every long day. Their faith in me mirrors the quiet assurance that God equips us for the path He’s called us to walk — even when we can’t see every step ahead.

Lastly, I’m deeply thankful for the teams behind Willingham’s and Big Shanty Smokehouse. They live out the same principles every day — pride in their craft, faith in each other, and a belief that excellence honors both the people we serve and the God who gave us the talent to do it.

So my shoutout goes to all of them — and above all, to the Lord for orchestrating the journey. None of this has been by accident.

Website: https://bigshantybbq.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big_shanty_smokehouse/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paultholden/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigShantySmokehouse

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/big-shanty-smokehouse-kennesaw

Other: https://www.willinghams.com

Image Credits
Willingham’s World Champion BBQ, Big Shanty Smokehouse by Willingham’s, Caty Llamas