“I have been barbecuing about 23 years. My mama had a small grill and I would watch her put on the ribs. I had a passion for a slab of ribs and by trial and error, I learned out to do it. I bought a little grill and started cooking for friends and they said I needed to open my own business. They were eating free food, it’s all good when it’s free. We started doing some shows around town and festivals and people were buying the food. My husband told me to stop talking about opening a restaurant and do it. It was hard to get started. I had been accounting manager of a local casino and in the casino business for 20 years. I was an auditor and had to hold every person accountable. I was the bad guy. I prayed about this restaurant and stepped out on faith. We opened in 2011, and my husband and I worked both worked both jobs for a year. I always talked about having my own business but didn’t expect it to happen. This is freedom. I don’t have to go through the stress of working for someone else. This is a family business and my kids work here. The name is Skimke’s Smokin N’ Grillin and it is named for each person in my family,  Shana, Kiera, Isaac, Monique, Kimberly and our last name is Eckles. We have been blessed. My mom was the biggest influence in my life she had a community store that sold candy and drinks. It started out of her house and she moved into a shed. She taught me commitment, honesty and to be responsible financially and socially. She taught my brothers and me to be the best at whatever we do. I live my life like that and treat people right. I expect the same.”