Shawn, you’ve served the community for over 20 years through The Jewelers and Hushpiggies BBQ. What inspired your heart for giving back, and how does that mission shape the way you work?
“13 years with my former employer gave me the opportunity to grow my involvement in the community by also being their brand ambassador. When I had the chance to open my own store, the same community was there to welcome me with open arms. I’ve always been told, ‘take care of the ones who take care of you.’ With that, we’ve tried to be very aware of why our business thrives and give back to the community that serves us so well!”
You co-founded One Hand Up with Bob Black. Can you share the heart behind that initiative, how it came to life, and the impact you hope it makes?
“Back to the ‘we can’t give to everything.’ We saw a need where many want to give but aren’t financially able to give a lot, so they often feel like their donation won’t make an impact. This was the foundation for One Hand Up. A small donation, multiplied over hundreds of givers, makes a huge impact. We’ve donated almost 100k in 3 years to local nonprofits, with momentum growing and no signs of slowing down.”
Your recent BBQ competition—featured on American Country Network—is such a fun and exciting milestone! How did that opportunity come about, and how does it tie into your passion for bringing people together through food, community, and storytelling?
“I was called by a great friend and another leader in our business community, Nancy Baker, who said she had an opportunity for me to compete and showcase my Hushpiggies brand. I was surrounded by people who have the same love for food as I do…Food brings people together. It also evokes so many memories. From church ‘dinner on the ground’ to backyard barbecues, it’s something that almost everyone can relate to.”
How do you define success? What does it look like to lead with a servant’s heart?
“Success for me isn’t just measured in sales or growth—it’s measured in people. At The Jewelers and through my Hushpiggies brand, success is building real relationships, creating opportunities for others, and helping people win…Leading with a servant’s heart means putting people first every time.”
At The Jewelers and through my Hushpiggies brand, success is building real relationships, creating opportunities for others, and helping people win.