Who's Who 2012 - Ryan Eftink

"I love to cook, and I love to help people," says Ryan Eftink, sales manager of Double D Supply Co. and co-owner of Smokin Brothers. "Love what you do and you will find success in it." That has proved true for the Oran, Mo., native who joined the family business, Double D Supply Co., in 2002 and founded Smokin Brothers as a barbecue team with his brother-in-law in 2005. Now, instead of selling other manufacturers' lines, Double D sells Smokin Brothers wood pellet grills as well as sauces, seasonings and accessories. Eftink has turned his love of cooking into a way to help others, catering several charity cookouts for local organizations and schools and, of course, Happy Slapowitz's Toy Bash. Eftink and his wife Jessie are parents to their loving dog, Shag.

__What inspires you?__

This is what inspires me in one simple but complicated answer: my parents. They have never put themselves first; it's always been God, their children and the community.

__What community issue is most important to you and why?__

The largest cause to me is the children. I would say that is why I was drawn to the Marines' Toys For Tots. Several years ago my roommates and I decided to throw a Christmas party. Everything was coming together, but I wanted to make this party mean something. That is when I had the idea that admission would be a new toy or a cash donation. In return the guest would receive a free drink and food: my special barbecue. ... When we moved the venue to Happy Slapowitz's Rude Dog Pub, our Christmas party was officially named Happy Slapowitz's Toy Bash. ... Several people donate their time and talents to the event, such as the local bands, our Smokin Brothers cooking team and several local businesses. Most of the downtown bars participate in this worthwhile event every year by providing the venue. I firmly believe the children are the most valuable asset of any community, therefore the more we can help them the better our future will be.