KEN REPKING
@HAJS_GRIDDLE_GROUP
I’m Haj — country cook, beach lover, and griddle fanatic. Whether it’s smash burgers or smoked pork loin, I’m all about good food, cold drinks, and cranking that tank with family and friends!
Q: WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH COOKING?
I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED COOKING SINCE I WAS A YOUNG KID. I WOULD MAKE OMELETS, SPAGHETTI, AND OF COURSE FRIED BOLOGNA SANDWICHES. FRIED BOLOGNA WAS A STAPLE MENU ITEM IN THE 80S. THEN AS I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE, I STARTED VENTURING OUT MORE AND INTO MAKING CASSEROLES, CROCK POT MEALS, AND GRILLING. I HAVE ALWAYS MADE COOKING FUN WITH THE RADIO BLASTING AND HAVING A FEW COCKTAILS DURING TO STAY HYDRATED.
Q: WHEN DID YOU HEAR ABOUT BLACKSTONE, AND WHEN DID YOU START COOKING ON ONE?
I FIRST STARTED HEARING ABOUT THE BLACKSTONE GRIDDLES AROUND 2018-2019. I STARTED WATCHING TODD’S AND BETTY’S VIDEOS AND OF COURSE SOMEONE’S FIRST COOKING SHOW. I HAD MY EYE ON ONE BECAUSE I REALLY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE SUPER HANDY FOR BREAKFAST, BEING TO DO EVERYTHING AT ONCE. ALONG COMES 2020 AND COVID. RESTAURANTS WERE SHUT DOWN EXCEPT FOR SOME CARRY OUT OPTIONS AND I STARTED COOKING A LOT MORE. CHRISTMAS THAT YEAR MY BROTHER-IN-LAW, WHO LIVES ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM ME, BOUGHT ME MY FIRST BLACKSTONE, THE 36 INCH. I WAS SHOCKED, BUT TO THIS DAY I DO NOT KNOW IF IT WAS FOR ME OR GIVEN TO ME SO THAT I COULD MAKE HIM AND HIS FAMILY MEALS WHEN THEY COME.
Q: WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN IT?
I AM A RADIATION SAFETY CONSULTANT FOR A COMPANY CALLED LANDAUER. I MAKE SURE HOSPITALS, SURGICAL CENTERS, AND CLINICS KEEP THEIR STAFF SAFE (MAKE SURE THEY DON’T GLOW) AND MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE REGULATIONS. I OBTAINED MY BACHELORS IN PRE-MED BUT REALLY DIDN’T SEE MYSELF GOING TO SCHOOL FOR 8 MORE YEARS. I HAD BILLS TO PAY AND I’M NOT A CITY PERSON, I MISSED MY COUNTRY LIFE. SO, I WENT TO SCHOOL ONE MORE YEAR AND BECAME A CERTIFIED NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST AND THEN MOVED UP TO RADIOLOGY MANAGER AND HAVE BEEN IN MY CURRENT POSITION SUPPORTING AROUND 200 HOSPITALS AND STAFF FOR 7 YEARS.
Q: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT COOKING?
I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY ON 40 ACRES AND MY HOUSE IS HEATED BY WOOD SO WHEN I’M NOT COOKING, I’M TAKING CARE OF THE GROUND AND RESTOCKING THE WOOD PILE. I ALSO DO A LOT OF CANNING AND BUTCHER OUR OWN STEER AND HOG SO THAT TAKES UP SOME TIME AS THE NEIGHBORS GET TOGETHER TO DO THAT AND HELP EACH OTHER OUT. FOR FUN I LOVE TO WORK OUT, SNOW SKI, TAKE THE SIDE X SIDE UTV OUT ON RIDES, DEER HUNT, FISH SOME, AND HANG WITH FRIENDS. THERE IS A PARTY OR WEDDING AROUND HERE ALMOST EVERY WEEKEND SO IT’S NEVER BORING.
