Life & Work with Burt Thompson of Brentwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Burt Thompson

Hi Burt, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started with brisket. I’ve been smoking meat for years, and if you’ve ever prepped a brisket, you know there’s a ton of fat that gets trimmed off. We always tried to find ways to reuse it—mainly for cooking and frying—but we still had so much leftover. That’s when my wife came across the tallow skincare world, and we started looking into it.

At first, we just made small batches for ourselves, testing different blends and seeing what worked. Turns out, tallow is incredible for skin—it’s packed with nutrients, absorbs easily, and doesn’t have all the junk found in most store-bought lotions. After seeing amazing results and hearing the same from friends and family, we figured, why not share it?

We’ve always been careful about what we bring into our home—no toxic ingredients, no unnecessary chemicals, just real, natural skincare. That mindset led us to launch B&K Tallow, where we keep things simple: whipped, creamy, ultra-moisturizing tallow balms made with only the best ingredients. What started as a way to use up brisket trimmings turned into something way bigger than we expected, and we’re loving the journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a learning experience, and far from a smooth road. There was a lot of trial and error in the beginning—testing batches, tweaking the recipe, figuring out the right texture and consistency. Even now, we’re always looking for ways to improve and refine our products based on feedback.

The biggest challenge has probably been the marketing and sales side of things. Neither my wife nor I come from that background, so stepping into a space where branding, social media, and getting our products in front of the right people is just as important as the product itself has been a big adjustment. We’re learning as we go, listening to our community, and figuring out how to grow in a way that stays true to what we believe in. It’s a process, but we’re enjoying the journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve spent years in recruitment, specializing in creative, business, and marketing roles across various industries. My work goes beyond just filling positions—I focus on building strong, long-term talent strategies that align with a company’s goals. I’ve worked with startups, mid-sized companies, and large enterprises, helping them refine their hiring processes, implement ATS systems, and attract top-tier talent in competitive markets.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on both companies and candidates. Seeing a business thrive because they hired the right person, or hearing from a candidate that their new role changed their life, is what keeps me motivated. I’ve also played a key role in mentoring and coaching other recruiters, helping them refine their skills and approach to talent acquisition.

What sets me apart is my blend of data-driven strategy and relationship-building. I don’t just rely on job boards—I take a proactive, strategic approach to sourcing, leveraging analytics, employer branding, and targeted outreach to find the best fit. I also believe in genuine, transparent communication throughout the hiring process, ensuring a great experience for both the company and the candidate.

At the end of the day, recruiting isn’t just about filling a job—it’s about connecting the right people to the right opportunities and helping businesses grow. That’s what I do, and that’s what I love.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Honestly, any support—whether it’s feedback, sharing our products, or just spreading the word—means the world to us. We’re still learning and figuring out how to navigate this space every day. Seeing what works for others in the industry, understanding what customers love, and continuously improving is all part of the process.

At the same time, we’re big believers in community over competition. We’re here to support local businesses and even our competitors because, at the end of the day, it’s not about us—it’s about educating people on better, non-toxic skincare options. The more awareness there is about natural alternatives, the better it is for everyone. If anyone wants to collaborate, share ideas, or just chat about clean skincare, we’re always open to it.

Pricing:

• $25 for the whipped tallow balms
• $15 for our mens haircare styling balm
• $20 for baby balm
• $8 for lip balm

Contact Info:

• Instagram: bktallow
• Facebook: bktallow
• Twitter: bktallow