Evan Tate
Rancher & Live Fire Cook
Intro
Meet Evan Tate: rancher, live fire cook, and the kind of guy who makes everything feel like a party. A lifelong steward of the land, Evan grew up farming and ranching in Texas and later founded his family’s horse operation. Somewhere between cattle and cookouts, his passion for live fire cooking took root. He's now known for serving up incredible meals with music playing and good company close by. Whether he’s on the ranch, in the backyard, or on the road cooking for artists at music festivals, Evan brings big flavor and great energy. We’re proud to call him a friend and stoked to welcome him to the Turtlebox family.
Q&A
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
Rancher and Live Fire Cook. I grew up on the farming and ranching side of our operation and founded the horse operation as a young adult. I knew I would want to work on my family's land my entire life. The live fire cooking went from a hobby to part of what we do.
Favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Lonesome Dove.
Favorite book?
My favorite book is The Good Ol' Boys by Elmer Kelton and The Rounders by Max Evans.
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
"I've never had a bad day. I had a bad 15 minutes one time, and I won't ever do that again." the late, Keith Maddox, American Hat Co
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
You can find me hanging with my family and watching live music.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Thailand with my wife, Melissa.
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Australia
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
Melissa, my wife, and our kids. Because we have fun together.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
My parents
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Say yes.
Any guilty pleasures?
My VANS
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
The lion shank I smoked in Montana.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox?
I'm pretty hard on equipment and I appreciate how it keeps up with me.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
I use my Turtlebox in the shop, in the riding arena, in tractors that don't have speakers, and on the road cooking for my friends.
Name the most famous contact in your phone?
Like Willie Nelson once told me, never name drop.
