13 Oct 2026
LocalBizCast Episode 95 with guest Phil McNeil of Phils Grills
From Ace Hardware to Grill Master: How Phil McNeil Built Phil’s Grills into a Tri-State Success Story | LocalBizCast
What started with assembling grills at Ace Hardware turned into a thriving business that now takes Phil McNeil from Montauk to the Delaware Water Gap—and everywhere in between servicing and cleaning grills!
On this episode of LocalBizCast, Dr. Pete sits down with Phil McNeil, founder of Phil’s Grills, to talk entrepreneurship, turning a skill into a successful business, and everything you ever wanted to know about grilling.
And trust us, this guy knows grills!
About five and a half years ago, during the uncertainty of COVID, Phil took a chance on himself and launched Phil’s Grills. But his story actually began years earlier, working at Ace Hardware, where he started assembling grills for customers.
When customers brought broken grills back to the store, Phil became the guy responsible for figuring out how to fix them.
He even shares the story of a special mentor from Weber Grills in Chicago who played an instrumental role in developing his expertise.
Fast-forward to today, and Phil has built an incredible reputation as the guy who can service, repair and clean just about any grill imaginable.
From inexpensive backyard grills to luxury outdoor cooking systems, Phil has seen—and fixed—it all.
And he's willing to travel for it!
His service area stretches across the tri-state region, including Montauk, Long Island, Asbury Park, Western New Jersey near the Delaware Water Gap, and north to Poughkeepsie, New York.
But what makes this episode especially entertaining is that Phil doesn't just talk about building his business. He gives us an education in the world of grilling.
Gas vs. charcoal grills: What's really the difference, and which should you choose?
Pellet grills: Why have they become so popular?
The Big Green Egg: What makes this style of grill different?
Expensive vs. inexpensive grills: Are you actually getting what you pay for?
Grill maintenance and repairs: What homeowners should know to keep their grills working properly
Weber and other major brands: How different manufacturers and grill designs compare
The art of troubleshooting: How Phil became an expert before online video tutorials were everywhere
Building a business during COVID: How he turned years of hands-on experience into an entrepreneurial opportunity
Customer service and reputation: What it takes to build a business that serves customers across such a large geographic area
Phil has some interesting insight into what separates different grills, which features matter, and what people should consider before making their next purchase.
You'll have to listen to hear his take!
Sometimes, you just need to become exceptionally good at something people need, recognize the opportunity, and have the courage to go out on your own.
Phil did exactly that.
Whether you're a backyard BBQ enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, homeowner shopping for a new grill, or someone who loves hearing how ordinary people build extraordinary businesses, this episode has something for you.
And fair warning: After listening, you might never look at your backyard grill the same way again!
🎧 Listen now to hear Phil McNeil's incredible journey and discover what you should really know before buying, servicing, or upgrading your next grill.
And don't forget to LIKE, FOLLOW, and SUBSCRIBE to LocalBizCast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.
Every follow, share, and subscription helps us shine a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurs, business owners, and personalities who make our communities special.
Local businesses. Big stories. Real people. That's LocalBizCast.
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