The Puzzle of the All-American BBQ Scrubber

Search Engine Podcast Episode Released on March 14, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Search Engine, host PJ Vogt delves into the intricate challenges of American manufacturing through the lens of an innovative product: the All-American BBQ Scrubber. The episode spotlights Destin Sandlin, an engineer and YouTube personality behind the channel Smarter Every Day. Destin's journey from a blue-collar upbringing to tackling modern manufacturing hurdles serves as the backbone of this insightful discussion.

Background: Destin's Roots and Early Influences

Destin Sandlin opens up about his upbringing in Morgan County, Alabama, where manufacturing was the lifeblood of the community. Growing up as the son of blue-collar workers in auto manufacturing, Destin witnessed firsthand the physical demands of the trade. He reflects:

"This is incredible. And I just had no, You're a kid. You don't know... this is how you earn a living for your family."
(Destin Sandlin, [05:18])

These early experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for manufacturing craftsmanship and the sacrifices made by his parents.

Career Path and YouTube Endeavors

Pursuing his passion, Destin studied mechanical engineering and undertook internships that shaped his professional trajectory. Notably, his time at Eaton Aerospace and Little Debbie Snack Cakes provided practical insights into engineering and manufacturing processes. Destin candidly shares his initial struggles:

"A lot of times you just did trial and error. So really, you're an extension of the engineer that's teaching you."
(Destin Sandlin, [13:08])

Parallel to his engineering career, Destin nurtured his YouTube channel, which grew from a hobby into a full-time endeavor by 2018. His channel Smarter Every Day became a platform for exploring complex engineering concepts, even interviewing former President Barack Obama in January 2016.

COVID-19 and the Pivot to PPE Production

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges and opportunities. In April 2020, Destin pivoted to address PPE shortages by 3D printing face shields, engaging the local community in Huntsville, Alabama. He emphasizes the communal effort:

"You have to work together. Now go find your team. Remember your city. Fighting Covid."
(Destin Sandlin, [19:29])

This initiative not only provided essential equipment but also highlighted the potential for localized manufacturing.

Meeting John Youngblood and the Birth of the All-American BBQ Scrubber

June 2020 marked a pivotal moment when Destin met John Youngblood, an entrepreneur passionate about American-themed products like the Big Green Egg Grill. John introduced the concept of a safer BBQ scrubber, aiming to eliminate the dangerous metal bristles that could harm consumers. Destin was immediately intrigued by the idea of creating a product entirely made in America.

Challenges in American Manufacturing: The Tool and Die Shortage

Destin's ambition faced a significant hurdle: the scarcity of tool and die expertise in the United States. He explains:

"If we're not building them, we're not going to service them. That's the way we've taken our sand on trying to keep everything in house in the U.S."
(Chris Robeson, [38:56])

Partnering with Chris Robeson, a seasoned tool and die professional, Destin embarked on a mission to recreate the necessary tooling domestically. This collaboration underscored a broader issue: the diminishing pool of skilled tradespeople essential for manufacturing.

Development of the All-American BBQ Scrubber

Through relentless effort and collaboration, Destin and John progressed from design to production. Utilizing CNC milling and injection molding, they developed a robust, stainless steel BBQ scrubber designed to last. Destin reflects on the creation process:

"It's the only reason we can take the gamble like this, because I have a YouTube channel and I can tell the story, and the story hopefully will sell."
(Destin Sandlin, [58:20])

The scrubber's assembly involved local labor, including Destin's own family members and teenagers, emphasizing community involvement.

Present Status and Future Prospects

By November 2024, the All-American BBQ Scrubber was available for sale online at a premium price of $59.99, a stark contrast to cheaper, foreign-made alternatives. Destin remains optimistic yet realistic about the product's market acceptance:

"The market's gonna tell the truth."
(Destin Sandlin, [59:10])

He acknowledges the financial strains but remains committed to proving that American-made products can be both sustainable and profitable. The endeavor serves as a blueprint for other American inventors seeking to revive domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Conclusion

"The Puzzle of the All-American BBQ Scrubber" offers a nuanced exploration of the challenges and triumphs associated with reviving American manufacturing. Through Destin Sandlin's journey, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intricate balance between passion, practicality, and national pride in the modern manufacturing landscape. This episode not only sheds light on a specific product but also ignites a conversation about the future of American craftsmanship.

Notable Quotes

• "This is how you earn a living for your family."
  Destin Sandlin, [05:18]

• "A lot of times you just did trial and error. So really, you're an extension of the engineer that's teaching you."
  Destin Sandlin, [13:08]

• "You have to work together. Now go find your team. Remember your city. Fighting Covid."
  Destin Sandlin, [19:29]

• "If we're not building them, we're not going to service them. That's the way we've taken our sand on trying to keep everything in house in the U.S."
  Chris Robeson, [38:56]

• "It's the only reason we can take the gamble like this, because I have a YouTube channel and I can tell the story, and the story hopefully will sell."
  Destin Sandlin, [58:20]

• "The market's gonna tell the truth."
  Destin Sandlin, [59:10]

Key Takeaways

• Revival of American Manufacturing: Destin's project underscores the challenges of reinvigorating domestic manufacturing, especially without the essential skills in tool and die making.

• Community and Collaboration: Success hinges on local community involvement and partnerships with skilled professionals like Chris Robeson.

• Sustainability vs. Cost: Balancing the higher costs of American-made products with their long-term sustainability and quality remains a critical challenge.

• Inspiration for Future Innovators: Destin's journey serves as a motivational blueprint for other American engineers and entrepreneurs aiming to create products built with national pride.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Search Engine masterfully interweaves personal narrative with broader economic and industrial themes, offering listeners both inspiration and a call to action. Destin Sandlin's pursuit of the All-American BBQ Scrubber is more than a product launch; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of American ingenuity and the quest to reclaim manufacturing prowess.