Michael Letchworth
BBQ Pitmaster
Intro
Raised up about 100 miles east of Raleigh in the small town of Ayden, NC, Michael Letchworth’s lineage runs deep in Eastern Carolina. And in the deep history of Eastern Carolina itself runs the age old tradition of whole hog barbecue. A generational pastime for the region that carries on at family get togethers & long-standing lunch counters. For Michael, the BBQ journey began at Skylight Inn, the state capitol of ‘cue, where he quite literally earned his chops. Hand-chopping pulled pork & perfecting the craft of whole hog BBQ, as he made his way through high school & college. After graduating from ECU, Michael teamed up with his longtime buddy Sam, the grandson of Skylight Inn founder Pete Jones, & together they began a new legacy, Sam Jones BBQ. Today he travels the country sharing the tradition of roasting a whole hog over wood fired coals, while simultaneously keeping the home fires burning & making time for the things he love’s, like a day of inshore fishing with his son, Larken.
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”?
I co-own and operate Sam Jones BBQ in Eastern NC. We have two locations. I worked at Skylight Inn BBQ through high school and college but never had intentions of remaining in the restaurant industry or owning a business and now I’ve been doing both the last 9 years.
Favorite movie?
I don’t know that I have a favorite movie. I enjoy anything that is like
intelligent crime, Oceans 11ish. My attention span is tough to focus on a movie. Once I’ve seen one, I likely won’t watch it again. My dad can watch a movie over and over. Not
me.
Favorite book?
Man I don’t know that I’ve read a full book in recent years. My wife and I are opening up an infrared fitness studio franchise. I had to read a book that the founder wrote last week, as a required read, but that’s far from a favorite but probably the only damn full book I’ve read since school.
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
This too shall pass, it keeps me level knowing that the high and the low times will pass.
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
Fishing (its all I think about) and
doing most anything outdoors with my son.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Maui
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Montana
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
My son, he’s my dude. We do everything together. Being stranded without him would suck more than
just being stranded.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) — who are you calling?
My mom, she passed when I was 4. I’d love to be able to know her a little and tell her about my life.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Accept the process and get over the pursuit of instant gratification.
Any guilty pleasures?
Sports Clips.
What’s your favorite wild meat/fish to eat? (i.e. venison, dove, quail, king fish, redfish, etc.) And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
Redfish or speckled trout cooked in cast iron with butter and a seasoning I produce.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox?
The relief it provides in not having to worry about it. If it falls off the boat, it floats, if it falls off the truck its durable, it can get wet, tough as hell. But when you get down to what it really does, especially when linked with another speaker, it provides a premium balanced sound. And it just simple to operate.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
I’ve got one that just stays in the bed of my truck, rain or shine sliding and beating around. But I keep one handy all the time for the pool, pond, firepit, cooking. Hell I use my Turtlebox instead of my factory boat sound system.
Name the most famous contact in your phone?
That could totally depend on industry or pursuit but likely Matty Matheson or Matt Pittman haha.