Joe DeMatei

Joe DeMattei

1 - Why do you want to be a member of the KCBS Board of Directors?
I want to be a member of the KCBS Board of Directors because I have a huge passion for barbeque and KCBS as an organization.  I would love to bring both my business acumen, adaptable personality, and passion for strategic planning to help the organization as it continues to grow.

2 – Identify the major areas (Cook, Judge, Organizer, Rep) in which you are involved.
I am a Certified Judge.

3 – Identify your major short-term goal and the major long-term goal, if elected to the Board of KCBS and your plan to implement change or improvement in order to carry out each of these goals.
For a short-term goal, I would like to use my analytical mindset to weigh in on the constant hot topic of judges’ seating assignments at competitions.
I would have to know what’s been tried before I could develop a plan, but I’m well versed in statistical analysis and analyzing complex situations, both of which will be necessary to help weigh in on this hot-button issue.
For a long-term goal, I think there’s significant opportunity to increase charities that sponsor BBQ competitions to both raise money and awareness for those charities. 
There’s a charity called Music Maker Relief Fund that I’m passionate about that is located near Durham, North Carolina.  I think it would be a good place to start as a “pilot program,” especially since they already work with musicians that could be an additional draw to the festival and North Carolina is a state that is incredibly passionate about BBQ, but only has about 5 KCBS-sanctioned competitions.
 
4 – The KCBS Board of Directors is a working board that spends 10-20 hours and possibly more per month in furthering the mission of KCBS depending on your role as a member of the board. If elected, please explain “Your level of Commitment, Time and Energy”  in your role as a director.
I am incredibly committed to barbeque as an art form, KCBS and its mission, and would absolutely work tirelessly to promote both.  20 hours or more per month is a commitment I can easily make.  Lastly, when it comes to barbecue, my energy is virtually boundless; anyone I interact with notices a significant change when I switch from talking about less delicious topics to talking about barbecue.
 
5 – List how you have participated in KCBS and for how long?
I have participated in KCBS as a Certified Judge for just shy of 7 years (since Feb. 2016).
 
 
6 – What skills do you possess that might help the KCBS Board of Directors in its mission, i.e., member?
I’m a great problem-solver, excel at strategic planning, and I have a successful track record of driving growth.
I thrive in high-pressure and fast-paced scenarios while remaining adaptable in ever-evolving environments.
I possess an analytical mindset and I’m an excellent communicator.
.