About Mike Hogan
My passion for cooking started at age 12. My Mom would leave directions to start dinner, so it was ready when the family came home from work. At 16 I started working for Big Boy Restaurants and later to other small Restaurants. At 22 I left the restaurant business and went on to other things and would lead me to my 23 years in the First Aid and Safety business.
I would continue with my passion for cooking, leading me to become a Certified BBQ Judge and eventually a BBQ Competitor. In 2019 was offered the opportunity to become a Traeger Grill Influencer that lasted 2 1/2 years. I am an Award-winning Competition Cook with Awards in BBQ, Steak, Beans, Side Dish, and Dessert. 2-time winner of the Omaha Beer and Bacon Festival, 6-time competitor of The World Food Championships currently ranked 6th in the World in Bacon and have qualified for a 7th appearance in 2023. 3-time Winner of the Taste of America Nebraska, and 2-time Culinary Fight Club Tasters Choice Winner. Taught Grilling and Smoking classes at Fireplace Stone and Patio in Omaha, NE for multiple years.
I now operate a food company that includes, Catering, Group and Private Cooking Classes, In-the-home dinner Parties, and Special Events.
Former Member and Board Member of the Greater Omaha BBQ Society, and Former Member of The Kansas City BBQ Society. March of 2021 at the age of 55 started Culinary School at the Institute of Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College on Omaha, NE