As with the Stastny brothers who passed on their passion for hockey, for the Lavoies, it is the passion for barbecue that is in the family genes.

It was while watching his father and older brother "play" with barbecues that Jean-Philippe discovered his passion for this cooking method. "We always watch what our older brother does that's cool, and he was really into barbecuing, so I got interested in that too," says JP.

By watching Max, JP decided to take a greater interest in BBQ, the techniques, accessories and products available in order to eventually introduce everyone to BBQ culture.

After finishing his studies, Jean-Philippe joined his brother in the company. He now takes care of giving barbecue classes and corporate events throughout the province. He also publishes several web capsules on social networks.

Always looking for new things, he created, with the help of his brother, a series of sauces and spices, new types of which will appear in 2018. He is also the one who tests new technological gadgets for the barbecue, such as digital thermometers, for example.

Competitions and prizes

• BBQ Fest, Quebec, 2013; Winner of 1st place in the ribs category
• American Royal; World Series of BBQ, Kansas City, 2013, 8th place in the brisket competition (supporting John Lattuca)
• World Food Championship, Las Vegas, 2013; 1st prize in the side dish category out of the top 100 international teams
• Memphis in May World Championship, 2014; Max joins Team Canada and they win the award for the best BBQ tomato sauce in the world
• American Royal; World Series of BBQ, Kansas City, 2015; 7th position for its baked beans
• French Barbecue Championship, 2016; 1st prize KCBS chef's choice, 3rd place in the bull category, 6th position in the Hamburger category

• Your BBQ? I currently have 4 barbecues on my balcony, but my favorite is the Weber Summit charcoal for its versatility and the pleasure it provides.
• Favorite place to BBQ? It doesn't matter where, as long as the people important to me are there to BBQ with me. Otherwise, the ultimate goal is a house by the sea and BBQ on the beach!
• Who do you BBQ for? I BBQ for the people I love! There is nothing better than preparing good comfort food around a fire or in the smokehouse, relaxing or having fun with our family, our friends, and then when it is ready, serving something that everyone will remember. We cook for the right people!
• How often do you BBQ? Every day. I make my toast on the BBQ, I heat up my lunches, I make pasta, rice, bread, pizza and even sometimes desserts, but I don't really like desserts, so it's rarer. Morning, noon, night, 7/7. I don't have a microwave, no oven, no toaster, no slow cooker.
• Your favorite spices? Montreal spice is great with beef. Kansas spice is the best and most versatile with pork. Tex Max spice blend is also great!
• Do you eat spicy food? 3/5. I always eat spicy food, but I don't like it when it's too spicy.
• Meat or fish? Meat! For me it's beef, there's nothing better than a good brisket!
• Your BBQ specialty? Texan Brisket!
• What does a Friday night look like for you? I teach BBQ classes! After class, I invite friends over and we have… BBQ!
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Conquering the BBQ world! I'm going to win the American Royal (the biggest BBQ competition in the world) and I'm going to be the youngest pitmaster in the world!
• Your best BBQ memory? There are so many. BBQ Camps, competition trips, including the trip to the French BBQ Championship or my 3 trips to the Kansas City American Royal (the biggest BBQ competition in the world).