Father Figures and Fire: Life Lessons from Pit-Master Rasheed Philips

At Solo Stove, we understand the power of bringing people together, especially around the warmth of a smokeless fire. That’s how Solo Stove enthusiast Rasheed Philips grew close to his grandfather, friends, and esteemed mentor Kevin Bludso. His journey is a testament to the enduring impact of father figures, and we’re excited to share how those men stepped up and filled in when they were needed most.

Rasheed, a self-proclaimed pyro, travels the world sharing his passion for open-fire cooking and teaches others how to master the skill. While traveling across the US, a few Solo Stoves are often in tow. Typically up before sunrise, he lights up a pellet-fueled Bonfire to keep warm while taming the flames of an early morning cook. As the end of the day nears, and bellies are full of masterfully smoked meats, he tops the evening off near the flicker of a Mesa.

It's not easy to start and end every day surrounded by fire, but this passion runs deep for Rasheed. To fully understand it, he took us down memory lane to the beaches of Kingston, Jamacia, with his grandfather, a fisherman. He fondly remembers growing up watching his grandfather use his hands to make a living, "We would take some of the day's catch, clean, and cook them over a fire right there on the shore." They bonded during those moments, and he learned to use fire and smoke to add flavor. With his grandfather's continued guidance, he would soon master the time-honored tradition of barbecue.

Open-fire cooking led Rasheed to the set of the popular Netflix series Barbecue Showdown, where he met Kevin Bludso, a revered restaurateur who served as a judge on the show. Before the cameras started rolling, Rasheed told him, "If you think that what you do and continue to do doesn't have an impact, I'm living proof that it does." From then on, he and Bledsoe, who he affectionately calls "Pops," have forged a powerful kinship that Rasheed says he's honored and lucky to have.

Rasheed's life is marked by lasting memories around the fire with mentors and friends. He fondly reminisces about a trip to Virginia to visit his navy buddies: "Cheese just purchased a Canyon 2.0, and we fired it up. Cheese, Biff, Whiskers, Val, and many more of us. We were simply sitting by the fire, having a drink, and catching up. We ended up chatting well into the middle of the night, but those are the best conversations and memories to make." It's also where the best stories and valuable life lessons are shared.

Patience is Key

The biggest lesson Rasheed learned and often passes down to other open-fire enthusiasts is patience. "Fire is one of those things you do not want to rush because once it gets out of hand, it's hard to reign back in. Proper preparation leads to a more enjoyable and safe open-fire experience.”

Honor Through Charity

His grandfather taught him the importance of community and giving back. Through his work, Rasheed continues to honor his grandfather's legacy by organizing events like the Pitmaster Santa Toy Drive, where he gives away free brisket gumbo for unwrapped toys for the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Hospitals. "The best way I can honor him is to continue to give to others."

Pick Your Battles

Regarding life lessons, he also revisits the advice Bludso gave him. "He taught me that 'not every test is your test.' I use it as a reminder that I do not need to react to everything. Not all things require a response and often aren't targeted toward me."

Rasheed's journey is a heartfelt tribute to the men who have guided him, sharing invaluable lessons about life, fire, and community. As Father's Day approaches, he raises a glass of WhistlePig Campstock Whiskey to toast their lasting impact, celebrating their legacies with gratitude and admiration, "To the men who have shown us what it means to be strong and compassionate, who have taught us to be brave and kind, and who have demonstrated the true meaning of unconditional love—I raise our glasses to you."

Cheers, and Happy Father’s Day!

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