What do freedom, family, and a food truck have in common? They’re all key components of What’s Smokin’ BBQ, owned and operated by Troy and Lori Hellen of Jefferson.
Troy, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, began his service not long after his high school graduation. “I went to college at California University of PA as a computer Science major,” he shares. “After college, I decided to enlist in the military.” And so, in 1988, Hellen did just that.
Based in Wyoming for the duration of his time of service, Hellen worked as a security specialist where he was assigned to the 88th Missile Security Squadron escorting maintenance and providing security to the Missile Fleet located in Wyoming and Nebraska. He also provided security for convoys related to missile transportation.
Hellen was awarded the Air Force Accommodation Medal for his role in the START program (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) and trained for air base ground defense during his 4-year assignment at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Hellen served during the early days of Operation Desert Storm. Although never deployed to the Middle East, “I was the next on the list,” he says.
Hellen met his wife Lori before signing up for the USAF while residing in Greene County. While in Wyoming, they were married and had their first child, Josh. The family returned to the East Coast, where Troy entered a 25-plus year career in retail management for a variety of corporations.
Troy later took a position with Consol Energy Coal for about 12 years in the mining and extraction field, where he earned a degree in Mining Technology at Penn State University. But there was always another dream itching to climb out and become reality.
“We were always waiting for the right time, “ explains Hellen. “I had always wanted a food truck…and registered for a name back in 2008. Then 2020– that was going to be the year.” And although COVID times took a toll on many aspects of many lives, 2020 proved that it was, indeed, the year.
“Our kids were graduating, moving out, and getting married,” says the full-hearted Dad. “I kind of decided and my wife ‘rode along!’”
Hellen ordered the truck from Custom Trailer Pros and picked it up just in time for the business’ debut outing. During the pandemic, Waynesburg Lions Club Park hosted a food truck festival where the BBQ truck made its debut. “The first day was insane. We got our butts handed to us,” he recalls, laughing. “But each time, we did something to make it smoother.”
And so, the businesses grew, in both customer base and staff. Lori, who previously worked for First Federal Savings and Loan, decided to take the jump and head out on the truck full-time. Troy and Lori’s daughter, Jenna is also a fixture onboard the BBQ truck, along with her one-and-a-half year old daughter, Emmie, who loves greeting customers from the truck’s back porch. Lori’s niece and sister also lend a helping hand often, making the business a truly family-orientated one.
“Working this close to family is fun and a challenge,” says Troy. “I may have started [the business], but we make decisions together. Sometimes we argue, but it’s all for the best.”
“The women always win,” Lori adds. “I let them,” replies Troy, good naturedly. “To literally work beside each other every day– it’s a dream.”
This summer cooked up lots of business– and delicious new menu items, along with the trusty favorites customers have grown to rely on. The new Smoked Brisket Philly Sandwich made headlines as the menu’s bestseller. What’s Smokin’ is also preparing to bottle two of its signature sauces, the house-made sauce of the same name and the Applebutter.
The What’s Smokin’ truck made appearances at many local festivals, including Waynesburg’s weekly Farmers Markets, the Carmichaels Covered Bridge Festival, Greene County Historical Society’s Harvest Festival, and No-Cook Wednesdays at Wana B. Park. It also pulled into a number of fundraisers, namely “Riding for a Legend” in honor of Colby Simkovic, and the Veteran’s Picnic with Senator Bartolotta, both causes dear to the Hellen’s hearts.
The food truck also spends time catering events, from personal moments like weddings, school events, and open houses to corporate lunches, trainings, and VFW events.
Troy and the family are grateful for this mobile platform to serve community guests from all walks of life and look to especially provide support and encouragement to fellow veterans.
Troy shares, “All roads I have taken have led me to this point. [The military] was a good foundation; it taught me discipline, respect, and how to be a good father, a good husband, and a good business owner.”
Through this avenue, he passionately empowers other veterans who may be struggling with how to move forward in civilian life following their tour of duty. “There are other things you can do out there– there’s no ceiling! You CAN apply your skills.”
With this encouragement and some home-cooked barbeque, What’s Smokin’ will have you geared up and ready for whatever this season brings.
*Troy Hellen will be featured on the GreeneScene’s upcoming podcast to highlight even more of his story.
Visit WhatsSmokinBBQ.com to find out where the food truck will be heading next!
