A founder, pitmaster, and former petty Navy officer, Shreveport-native Aqualita Brown is a natural servant leader who encourages others to find their purpose and live their journey on their own terms.

As founder of A&M Smoked Meats, Brown curates and produces the highest quality of smoked meats from farm to shipping. She leads the USDA manufacturing industry and the community through her unique legacy smoking process with a family formula, intentionally sourced cattle, pecan-flavored wood, high-quality seasonings, and without additives, injections, or brines. ​Brown’s impact challenges others to think differently and consciously about what and how to serve the industry.

Additionally, Brown led as pitmaster at Smokin’ On The Bayou, a food truck taking casual eating to new heights. She left flavorful imprints with originally crafted pecan-smoked meats and signature Louisiana-based staples that the Beltway Region, Maryland community could not get enough of.

Prior to her time as pitmaster, Brown served as a Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. As one who is stimulated by challenges, she worked as a lithographer designing prints and graphics. Brown’s experience in the Navy had a significant impact on her personal and professional development because of its discipline and overall structure.

Brown’s commitment to being the best and her intuitive, divergent thinking propel her forward while creating her own lane. A pioneer in spirit and action, she always thinks about what’s next. And it is through her self-discipline and perseverance that she achieves new heights.

Given Brown’s familial legacy of her father being a brisket smoker, her BA in logistics, materials, and supply chain management from Phoenix College, and her MA in entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial studies from Joseph Business School, she continues to expand her community impact. Profits of A&M support an important mission, which involves building a place for overlooked children and allowing them to live enjoyable, productive lives.

Ultimately a communal architect of elevation and expansion, Brown motivates others to progress society from one generation to the next as they tap into their own possibilities and being – encouraging them to always bring their best to the table.