Chef Mike Erickson, also known as “The BBQ Principal,” is an educator, author, and program builder who leverages his decades in food service and culinary training to inspire young people through competitive high school barbecue and culinary arts.
• Founder of Texas High School BBQ Cookers Association and launched the statewide championship for high school BBQ and now leads the National High School BBQ Association.
• Creator, producer, and director of the documentary True Beef: From Pasture to Plate.
• High school and postsecondary culinary instructor with 19 years teaching experience in Texas, plus 20 years in the food service industry.
• Developed educational tools and programs including curriculum in culinary arts, barbecue, hospitality, and food entrepreneurship, preparing students with real-world skills for careers in food service and live-fire cooking.