Big D transitioned from solely competing, to being one of the most sought out BBQ mentors and trainers in the world. In 2002, he had the honor of being part of the team that won the Jack Daniel's International Grand Championship cooking whole hog with the Jamaican team. He followed that up with winning a Reserve Grand Champion in 2003 and 2004 cooking whole hog. Big D has been flown to the Caribbean, Europe, and some of the most luxurious locations in the world to train chefs. Eric Greenspan invited Big D in 2014 to film his show, Eric Greenspan is Hungry which aired on the National Geographic channel. 

In the early 90’s he entered his first competition cook off. In his first contest he cooked a whole hog and got in the finals. He was hooked. 

He began to mix his own spices and rubs. A winning combination across the United States and internationally. 

Big D cooked on the world championship rib team in The Memphis in May contest. His team has returned to the Memphis in May stage for both shoulder, Grand Championships, and Reserve Grand Championships. Using his own rubs and sauces, he has won many awards, in the likes of the Mississippi State Chicken Championship and the Mississippi State Championship in ribs and brisket.