Robert Kolb, a Manning native and retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, has embarked on a new venture, turning his passion for barbecue into a business. Alongside his friend and fellow veteran Ben Johnson, Kolb has founded Jethro and Jenny’s Southern BBQ Sauces, a company specializing in hand-crafted southern barbecue sauces.
Kolb, who graduated from Manning High School in 1988, attended The Citadel, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1992. After his military career, he pursued a Master of Science degree in Management from Lesley University in 1996.
Kolb’s military career is distinguished, spanning over two decades in various strategic and leadership roles. He held positions including Chief of Staff at the National Reconnaissance Office and Senior Emergency Actions Officer at the Pentagon. His extensive experience also includes leading divisions at MAXAR and Radiant Solutions.
The idea for Jethro and Jenny’s was born from Kolb’s love of barbecue, a passion he shared with Johnson. The duo met in 2000 while Kolb was stationed at Cavalier Air Force Station in North Dakota and Johnson was serving as his controller in Colorado Springs. Their initial interaction was strictly professional, with Johnson calling in voice reports to Kolb. However, their shared interest in barbecue soon surfaced during their conversations, leading to a deep friendship.
“Ben and I connected over our love for barbecue,” Kolb said. “We started exchanging recipes and tips over the phone, and that camaraderie built a strong foundation for our partnership.”
Their friendship blossomed when they finally met in person during a temporary duty assignment in Hawaii. There, they cooked their first pig together, solidifying their bond over a shared culinary passion. This encounter sparked numerous discussions about creating their own barbecue sauce, which they experimented with and perfected over the years.
The journey from hobby to business wasn’t straightforward. Kolb and Johnson started by perfecting their recipes and bottling their sauces in small batches. Their initial efforts involved manual labor, with family members helping to label and package the bottles. Over time, they scaled up their production, partnering with Carolina Co-Packer in Hendersonville, NC, to ensure FDA compliance and quality control.
The company currently offers three main sauces: a mustard vinegar sauce (Jethro’s), a vinegar-based sauce (Jenny’s), and a red sauce (Q Sauce). These sauces are now available for purchase at several locations: Piggly Wiggly stores in Manning and Camden, Anderson’s Pharmacy, and Carnivore Butcher and Bottle in Sumter. Additionally, customers can purchase the sauces online.
Despite the challenges, including Kolb’s battle with stage four prostate cancer diagnosed in 2020, he remains optimistic and driven. “When I found out I had cancer, I realized life is short, and I wanted to pursue this dream,” Kolb said.
Kolb’s dedication to his craft and community is evident. The sauces have gained popularity not only in South Carolina but also across state lines, reaching customers nationwide. “We started small, but the response has been overwhelming,” Kolb noted.
Kolb’s family has been a significant source of support throughout his journey. He and his wife, Laura, have four children: Gigi, a nurse in Manning; Wiley, a Merchant Marine; Abby, also a nurse; and Corby, a teacher and lacrosse coach at Laurence Manning Academy. The family’s close-knit nature and shared values have been instrumental in the success of Jethro and Jenny’s.
Looking to the future, Kolb and Johnson have ambitious plans for Jethro and Jenny’s. They aim to expand their product line and distribution network, bringing their Southern BBQ flavors to an even wider audience.
For more information about Jethro and Jenny’s Southern BBQ Sauces, visit their website at jethrosauces.com.
