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Check Out Justin Smalley’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Smalley.

Hi Justin , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
🍔 Origins & Founder
• Justin Smalley, originally from Oklahoma, retired from the military in 2021, then joined FedEx where he worked in HR.
• To engage employees and build morale, he began hosting events—particularly around Veterans Day—during which he served nearly 400 smash burgers annually.

🎯 Establishing the Concept
• The practice became a signature part of his annual engagement activities, celebrating fellow veterans and colleagues.
• Out of these recurring events, the concept of Smalley’s Smashburger emerged in 2023, formalizing the idea into a named concept or brand.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So far seems to have grown in the past 3 months and continues to grow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Spent over 20 years in the United States Coast Guard. Always had a passion for cooking. After spending 4 years out in the civilian workforce and from tremendous feedback from cook smashburgers for engagement morale events I decided to pursue making smashburgers full time.

What matters most to you?
Providing quality smashburgers and hand cut fries everyone can enjoy.

Contact Info:

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