Where are you from and how did you end up in New Mexico?
I am from Southside Chicago. I ended up in New Mexico because I thought I wanted to retire but decided to open another company.
Have you always been a rancher?
Yes, I have always been a rancher. I owned a farm in Southern Illinois. I have been ranching and farming for approximately thirty-eight years.
What is it about ranching that you love?
What I love about ranching is everything! Providing for the ranch and animals to the table; raising them from birth to finish. Next, getting them processed and put into the freezer. Not to get biblical, but I can predict from start to finish which God intended for us.
When did you decide to open up No Bull Prime Meats and why did you choose the North Valley of Albuquerque?
I decided to open No Bull two years ago. The reason I chose the North Valley is because of the neighborhood. I just love the neighborhood. I love and enjoy the people from the area and surrounding areas.
No Bull is known for great customer service. What does customer service mean to you?
What customer service means to me is everything! Without customers we have no business. Everyone says I am the boss, but when it comes to who the real boss is it’s the customers. I look at the customers as the boss. To me, it’s all about the customers.
Tell us about all the amazing Italian specialty items you sell in the store!
I sell Italian specialties due to my ethnic background. My father was from Italy. I took my wife to Italy, Sicily, and Rome. Italians have passion for food! I felt it was necessary that I provide that type of food in my store. Living in Chicago there were a lot of specialty shops. In New Mexico we don’t have those, so I felt that it was my job to bring that to No Bull.
You also have a wonderful selection of local items. Did you always plan to sell non-food items in the store?
I always thought a successful business needs several items. It is important to have a huge variety. I strongly believe in natural ingredients and products and feel that others should consider natural products. That is why I provide the items I have in my store.
What is your favorite thing to cook?
I love steak and I love to grill, but my overall favorite meal to prepare would be the classic Italian Braciole made with No Bull Prime Meats flank steak.
Tell us the secret to cooking a great steak!
My secret to a great steak is to first buy a steak from No Bull Prime Meats that is dry aged for 60 days! Defrost it, rinse it off and put it in the fridge on a plate for two days uncovered to age. After two days pull it out and wipe it down with a paper towel to take moisture off the plate. Prepare your grill with charcoal, sear it on the highest fire for three minutes on one side and three minutes on the other side. Place steak on no flamed grill side for an additional three minutes. Total cooking time nine minutes. Take off grill, place it on plate, pour yourself a glass of Cabernet wine and Buon Appetito!
