HOLBROOK, NEB. (April 12, 2005)--"WARNING...frequent use of this sauce may result in the temptation to 'pig out' at the dinner table."

This unique "warning", found on bottles of JB's Fat Boy Haugwaush Barbecue Sauce produced by Bar B Que Specialties, Inc., in Grafton, Neb., actually attracted a number of devotees among officials with The National Barbecue Association (NBBQA), which recently awarded the company with first place for "Best BBQ Sauce Label 2005."

Through his creativity and inventiveness, John Burt (of "JB" fame) is achieving a new level of success for his entrepreneurial business. His products received a total two first-place and three second-place awards from NBBQA, including first place for "Best BBQ Specialty/Product Under $25" for JB's Smokin' Grilling Smoke Cans; and second place awards for " Best Gift Pack Under $25" for the Triple Sauce Gift Pack; "Best Label for a Barbecue Dry Rub/Seasoning" for Sweet Butt Rub; and "Best Southwest Dry Rub/Seasoning" for Chipotle Butt Rub.

Bar B Que Specialties, Inc., specializes in all-natural BBQ dry rubs, including basic, premium, all-purpose, Cajun, sweet, chipotle, and a steak rub.

According to office manager Debbie Hoarty, the rubs were originally designed to coat meat, but people also have discovered other delicious uses.

"They're very versatile. For example, if you add it to sour cream, it makes a great dip," Hoarty said. "To be honest, we didn't begin [producing the rubs] that way [with other other uses in mind]."

GROW Nebraska Director Janell Anderson Ehrke has worked with Burt since fall 2004 when he joined the GROW program as a mentor member.

"John is very willing to share what has and has not worked for him to GROW his company," Ehrke said. "And because we truly believe that success breeds success, this is another step toward helping us identify and create more high-growth companies throughout the state."

Product volume and distribution is vital to becoming successful entrepreneurs, said Burt, who recommends consulting an industry expert before getting started, and targeting the market to be reached.

"It doesn't matter how wonderful your product is if you can't get it to them [consumers]," said Burt. "It's not going to work."

GROW Nebraska is an entrepreneurial service organization, focused on maximizing Nebraska's entrepreneurial spirit and building Nebraska businesses globally by providing sustainable business environments through marketing, education, business- building services, and access to markets.

To learn more about GROW Nebraska, or Nebraska entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit the website: www.grownebraska.com

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janell Anderson Ehrke at 888-476-9632, or email:
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