Robert Collum is a local Game Warden and likes to experiment with new ideas. On a white-water rafting trip several years ago, friends started calling him Ranger Rob. This name stuck and a new era in BBQ was established. Rob spent much of his teenage years learning how to cook smoked meats. This served him well in creating his new business. During August 2020, Rob went to Lowe’s and purchased a Pit Boss Pellet Smoker. With this purchase, he started experimenting with Boston Butts on his carport. Friends and family said his pulled pork was some of the best around. They convinced him he should start selling it. One Pit Boss turned into two, and then three Pit Bosses. Before he knew what was happening Rob’s carport and his wife’s kitchen was full of BBQ. His wife, Jill said this had to go. Not long after the “Ranger Station” was established; In October of 2020, Ranger Rob’s BBQ and Catering developed and begin. Ranger outgrew the Pit Boss’ and contacted award winning family member John McKinnon with Fireman John’s BBQ. He wanted information about the next kind of smoker to purchase. John said the only thing to have for the type of business Rob was running was an Ole Hickory CTO Pit.
John told him to call World Champion cook and business owner Mark Lambert of Sweet Swine O’ Mine in Byhalia, MS. This is the 2nd time Rob would cross paths with Mark. Rob purchased a Backwoods Smoker from Mark when he was still selling Pits out of a mini storage building in Southaven. Ranger Rob purchased an Ole Hickory from mark. Business kept booming and Rob purchased Mark’s competition cooking trailer which had another Ole Hickory attached to it. This trailer was transformed into the “Ranger Wagon” and the food truck business was evolved. Since then, Rob has purchased a 3rd Ole Hickory Pit from good friend Zach Parker. The business now has three Ole Hickory Powerhouse smokers. With Mark and John as mentors, Ranger Rob’s continued to grow, they have both been important in growing his business with their valuable knowledge and mentorship. Ranger Rob outgrew his 1st Ranger Wagon and had to purchase a larger one that he currently uses. Rob works closely with Ole Miss Athletics and cater in the Grove @ Ole Miss during Football Season. He has also catered for the Morgan Wallen Concert and former Governor Phil Bryant. His food truck has been in many cities and his BBQ is known and loved by many. “Don’t Be A Stranger to the Ranger”, is his well-known moto. Catch the Ranger Wagon at a city near you or at The Grove during football season. His wife Jill and two daughters, Addison and Emi, also help make the Ranger Rob’s BBQ successful-So remember…” Don’t Be a Stranger to the Ranger.”