Thomas, also known as Smoke Faced Grilla, has been seriously BBQing for nearly 3 years now. His passion for cooking over fire was ignited during his trips to South Africa, where he learned the techniques of the braai. In 2021, Thomas experienced a serious house fire that resulted in him suffering from level 3 PTSD. To cope with this trauma, he turned to his love of cooking over fire as a form of therapy and a way to reclaim control over his life.

This therapeutic approach proved to be immensely helpful, and Thomas went on to win 2 BBQ competitions, including the prestigious "Steak or Break" competition organised by Big K, a charcoal company. Following his competition wins and the growing interest in his expertise, Thomas decided to launch "Smoke Faced Steak Masterclass," a mobile BBQ class focused on steaks and their delicious glory. His deep passion for steaks and commitment to continuous learning and education has driven him to share his knowledge and skills with others, further solidifying his reputation as a steak master.