Just out of high school, Ken Harris believed that his future was already mapped out for him. A baseball scholarship ensured that he would earn a college education, which would lead to a great job and eventually a family.

Unfortunately, his life took a few unexpected turns that changed his academic and career plans. After his baseball scholarship fell through, Ken put his education on hold and joined the workforce. One year led to another, and Ken’s dreams of completing his degree seemed to be just out of reach.  It wasn’t until the years of physical labor began to take their toll that Ken knew his life needed to take a different turn.

Through his studies, Ken has gained knowledge in marketing, communications, human resource management and other soft skills.

A northern Alabama transplant, Ken always had a passion for southern barbeque. With a lot of hard work, good business skills and the help of his loving wife, Ken started his own catering business, Double H Southern Barbeque. For three years, Ken and his wife ran their business out of their home kitchen. Just over a year ago, they expanded the operation and opened a restaurant in Bryan, Ohio.

Double H Southern Barbeque serves up an offering of brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken and various sides. “It’s true southern barbeque, nothing fancy,” said Ken.

Although Ken had management and business experience before opening the restaurant, he said it was “smart planning” to go back to school and earn a college degree. For example, Ken said, “I knew nothing about accounting, but if you’re going to run a business, it is an important skill to have.” Although he doesn’t manage the books for Double H, his accounting knowledge helps him understand and oversee the work his accountant does. It also helps him understand what is financially possible, and financially smart, for the business.

Education isn’t all about numbers, though. Through his studies, Ken has gained knowledge in marketing, communications, human resource management and other soft skills. “I’ve been in management before, but the companies had departments for those things,” he said. With all of those departments now falling under Ken’s job description as owner, his expanded knowledge is being put to use.

In 2012, Ken graduated from Northwest State Community College with an associate degree in business management. Although working full time, running a business and taking classes was never easy, Ken believes in the value of an education.  Not ready to hang up his book bag just yet, Ken is currently enrolled in the organizational management program offered through Bluffton University on NSCC’s campus. He expects to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in 2014.

Ken’s education has done more than hone his business skills–it has set an example for his two children. At one point, Ken had a full-time job with the US Postal Service, the catering business and a full-time schedule at school, all while maintaining a 3.2 GPA. After witnessing the hard work and dedication that his father was willing to put into both his education and his career, Ken’s son began to work harder to improve his own grades.

While Ken isn’t sure if he’ll pursue another degree after his bachelor’s, he does want to pursue new adventures for Double H Barbecue. His business plan calls for an expansion, both in space and equipment, within five years. He would like to buy property and build a restaurant, including a kitchen designed to his specifications.

Ken Harris has traveled far, both in his journey from northern Alabama to northwest Ohio and in his journey from postal carrier to barbecue entrepreneur. His strong work-ethic, business savvy and appetite for knowledge are sure to help him, and Double H Barbecue, travel even further along the path of success.