COMMUNITY
Community Advocate, People Enthusiast and Pitmaster
ceiver, and safety. When Carson entered High School, he was a pitcher and outfielder on the Babe Ruth travel baseball team. “I wasn’t the best player on the team, but I was the happiest,” he stated. “We won the World Series my freshman year and I will Carson is a high school senior who is never forget it!” about to turn 18 and head to Valencia College to study accounting and finance while working full-time at BBQ50. His goal is to invest in property, expand BBQ50 state-wide with a unique client-centric focus. He is constantly researching food trends, customer experiences and strategic business transactions. Carson Ashby is a natural born leader with big dreams. He is the second youngest to five siblings and was raised in Avalon Park. You probably know his father, Dan, who owns and operates BBQ50 at Marketplace.
The Pandemic Affected Us All in Different Ways In 2020, during COVID-19, Carson tried LaunchEd but like most students discovered he couldn’t thrive in that type of learning environment. He decided to try Orange County Tech School across the street. And he is thriving there with tenacious drive. “During the pandemic I helped my family give back to essential workers by delivering donated catering to bring a smile to those who were on the frontlines,” Carson said. “During this “Carson is the one at BBQ50 who time, I learned the finesse of presentamakes dining memorable, said Jen tion and how good it felt to give.” Ashby, his mother. “He prepares and delivers food with a smile and always Spirit Nights goes the extra mile asking people An important event to Carson and about their day and checking back spearheaded by a three pronged efhalf-way through their meal. He is fort: Avalon Park Group, Marketlaser focused on the guest experience place and BBQ50, a spirit night every and repeated business. He truly cares month takes place for the surroundabout people – not just the patrons ing schools which rotates. A percenthere, everyone in the community in age of sales for each event is donated directly to the school or their respecwhich he was raised.” tive charity/department where they need funding. The first Spirit Night How it All Started His parents recognized Carson’s was for Avalon Elementary School, strong leadership at a young age. In and it attracted 600 families. “These elementary school he was Patrol Of- spirit nights attract a lot of families, ficer and was the first one there, last and we make it fun by having face one to leave. In middle school he painters, balloon stations and decojoined the Recycle Club and was very rating in school colors, said Jen. “We dedicated to their weekly projects. He hope to see it grow and stay here for played in Magic Curtain and was in years to come.” chorus the year they sang the National Anthem at a Braves spring training There is No Smoke Without Fire Carson is a young man who is ahead game. of this time. He is a lefty with a creAs a sports enthusiast, Carson played ative brain. He has what he calls “exyouth tackle football for the East Or- treme ideas.” Carson’s future expanange Thunder and was a repeated sions encompass food trucks and pop MVP player as quarterback, wide re- ups along the coast with a touristy
flair. He sees BBQ50’s brand in big cities like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Daytona Beach. He also recognizes the importance of helping each community BBQ50 has a presence in. “His brilliant two-pronged approach is certain to capture the attention of unwavering support of local investors,” said Dan Ashby, father. “He always carries his shoulders high and treats everyone equal. With Carson’s leadership we are sure to expand into a franchise as we build a great foundation fan-base and a diverse menu.”
What Carson Ashby Means to Rotary Carson’s father, Dan, is an active member of Rotary who serves on the Board and is our 2020 Rotarian of the Year. We have supported Dan as he launched BBQ50 and have seen his family give back to the community in more ways than anyone will ever know. Our goal for this article is to support Dan and his future Rotarian son, to bring recognition to the Marketplace Spirit Nights and to highlight a local student. This aligns with our mission: For people to unite and take action to create lasting change, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Rotary, Opens Opportunities. Come join us each Wednesday morning @ 7:30 at the Pavilion located at 13401 Tanya King Blvd. Meet your neighbors, find out what Rotary is about and how you can Serve to change lives. For more information click on this link: Take Me There!
