Swish and Smoke
By: Wyatt Richardson
Eric Cotton, owner of Cotton BBQ, has traveled across the country, sharing his love for basketball and barbecue for the last 25 years. From 10 NBA All-Star games to owning a food truck, he brings people together with his skills on the court and behind the grill.
Following in his father's footsteps, Cotton embarked on his professional journey at Huffy Corporation, where he was hired on his 18th birthday. This early start marked the beginning of Cotton's long and fruitful tenure in the industry, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in product marketing and beyond.
Following in his father's footsteps, Cotton embarked on his professional journey at Huffy Corporation, where he was hired on his 18th birthday. This early start marked the beginning of Cotton's long and fruitful tenure in the industry, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in product marketing and beyond.
Following his departure from Spaulding in 2021, Cotton embarked on his BBQ food truck venture. He would attend competitions and set up his truck around Bowling Green, Kentucky, showcasing his culinary creations to the community. "Even working at working we always talked about having a food truck,". Cotton said.
As Cotton rose through the ranks within the company, his dedication and hard work made him one of the top backboard installers and product marketing managers in the country. Traveling across the United States, Cotton dedicated himself to ensuring that basketball hoops were properly installed for anyone in need.
Cotton measures the flexibility of the basketball hoop and making sure it is set to 10 feet before the SEC basketball tournament on March 12, 2024 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. He continues to stay involved in his field, occasionally taking on contract work in the Nashville area a couple times a year.
One of the highlights of his career was installing three backboards for the legendary 10-time NBA All-Star, Jason Kidd, during Kidd's tenure with the New Jersey Nets. It was a moment that showcased Cotton's expertise and allowed him to contribute to the game at its highest level.
Cotton treasures a collection of memorabilia items from players he has assisted and interacted with over the past 25-plus years. "When I was in high school my dad worked for the company. It was a local company at the time and I applied and got the job and took a liking to it," Cotton said.
In 2003 and 2004, Huffy faced significant financial setbacks, losing a total of $8.9 million. This led to their bankruptcy filing in 2004. Sensing Huffy's decline, Spaulding took advantage of the situation, positioning themselves to dominate the backboard industry. Cotton served as a product marketing manager and backboard installer for a cumulative period of 20 years, dividing his tenure between Huffy and Spaulding. However, in 2019, his journey with the companies came to an end when he was let go.
Cotton served as a product marketing manager and backboard installer for a cumulative period of 20 years, dividing his tenure between Huffy and Spaulding. He started his Texas style BBQ food truck on May 4, 2019 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Following his tenure with Huffy and Spaulding, Cotton decided to pursue his dream of owning a food truck, specializing in Texas style barbecue. Embracing the freedom and creativity that comes with running a food truck, he embarked on a new chapter in his career, determined to make his mark in the world of barbecue in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
During the challenges of Covid-19, Cotton seized the opportunity to expand his food truck business by purchasing a larger truck. This investment allowed him to increase production and serve even more delicious food to his growing customer base. "We went all in and bought a big pit and the rest is history from there,".
"BBQ was always the passion"
Cotton BBQ was established on May 4, 2019. He goes to BBQ Competitions as well as sets up around Bowling Green, Ky on Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays from 11-3 or until they are sold out. One of Cotton’s favorite competitions of the year is the “Smoke on the Shores” event in Lebanon, Tennessee. This year, Cotton BBQ took 3rd place in the rib burn and 9th in the turkey smoke.
Eric Cotton fires up his pit bright and early at 6:45 A.M. every Tuesday to Saturday. With dedication and passion, he prepares mouthwatering dishes such as ribs, brisket, homemade sausages, as well as tacos and other delectable treats for his eager customers throughout the day.
COVID-19 brought about a challenging year that many people prefer not to dwell on, but for Cotton, it marked a significant turning point in his entrepreneurial journey. As sit-in restaurants closed their doors due to the pandemic, Cotton's food truck emerged as a hot spot of opportunity. Transitioning to a pick-up service model, he found unexpected success as customers flocked to his mobile eatery.
Cotton assists hundreds of customers every week, whether it's catering private events or setting up his BBQ truck in Bowling Green.
Cotton is supported by a dedicated team of helpers who assist him in serving the community on the days when his BBQ business is in operation.
Cotton crafts his own signature spices and seasonings, meticulously designed to enhance the flavor of his ribs and briskets.
Cotton BBQ was founded on May 4, 2019, and it has become so popular that there's often a line of eager customers waiting before Cotton even opens the window. To ensure top-quality barbecue, Cotton dedicates 12 to 15 hours each day to preparation for the 3 to 4 hour selling shift.
"It was a natural transition to start with BBQ"
Cotton's BBQ food truck remains a consistent hit, with eager customers often lining up before he even opens the window. Both loyal regulars and newcomers alike continue to show unwavering support for their local BBQ spot year-round.
