Meet Walton Woodall: Grillbadger Guy

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

Hi Walton, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The main reason I wanted to start my own business was that I saw the need for a better grill cleaning brush. When I learned about the dangers of metal bristle grill cleaning brushes I was really concerned for my safety and the safety of anyone using one of those brushes. The metal bristles can break off and end up in your food and cause serious injuries and health emergencies. I set out to find a better alternative. Ultimately I figured out that and all natural bristle brush would work perfectly. At this point I had no idea how I would be able to get the brush manufactured or sell it. Then a friend of mine offered to come on as a partner. He made an investment into the business and took on a big part of the responsibilities. We found our manufacturer and when we had product ready we began selling on our website, on amazon, and to retailers. That’s how it all started. Since the beginning we both have put in a ton of work to make it happen and keep it going. It is not easy to do. We have faced adversity and problems but we just stick with it and don’t give up.

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.
What sets our business apart from others is our product. I wanted to create a viable alternative to the metal and plastic grill cleaning brushes that dominate the market. I’m very proud of the fact that our brush has no metal bristles and no plastic parts! Overcoming challenges is almost an everyday occurrence when you own a business. There are licenses, taxes, fees, registrations, etc. that you have to keep up with. It is not easy but it has to be done. Also a lot of work has to be put into marketing, selling, manufacturing, and distribution. Just surviving one day at a time and never giving up is the key to keeping a business alive. I would want the world to know that I had an idea and I put in a lot of effort to bring it to life. I really believe in the product and the brand. It’s safer, all natural, biodegradable, and made from sustainable materials.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take visitors to the High Museum of Art. It’s a great place to hang out and see incredible artwork in a beautiful setting. We could get there by riding bikes along the beltline. Maybe after that have some dinner at The Steamhouse Lounge. They have awesome fish and seafood. There are so many great places to visit in Atlanta. Here is my list of favorites. Restaurants: Serpas, Vortex, La Fonda, Silver Skillet, The Optimist, Argosy, BoccaLupo, Fox Brother’s, Homegrown, The Earl. For drinks and hanging out: The Earl, The Midway Pub, The Porter Beer Bar, Brick Store Pub, Marlay House, Euclid Avenue Yacht Club, Lloyd’s Restaurant and Lounge. Places to see: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Stone Mountain, Arabia Mountain, Oakland Cemetary. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business partner Chris deserves all the credit for getting this business off the ground. I had the idea but I didn’t have the means or time to get the idea to come to life. Chris was there at the right time and was willing to go all in. Without his efforts this business would not have happened. I have much thanks and gratitude for Chris. He has played a big role in our success.

Website: www.grillbadger.com

Instagram: @grillbadger

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSVEoIPOKjmf0tnyLXVef6Q