"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." — Henry David Thoreau We never set out to create THE SMOKED OLIVE™, it was more a series of discoveries. People often ask us “what possessed you to smoke olive oil?” It wasn’t us — it was Al. Born into a family of gifted artists and Chefs, cooking and art are entwined in his soul. While his family painted more classically, Al’s style leans toward abstract. I always say he views life through Picasso eyes. How else could one have imagined smoked olive oil? © Lee McLaughlin — www.eTrips.com The concept was a flash of inspiration, while the realization required many years of struggle and innovation to perfect. Al’s complex process proved to be so incredibly unique, we have a patent pending. So, how did his smoked olive oil become THE SMOKED OLIVE™? That’s where I enter the picture. Fortunately, in business as well as in our personal lives, we have wildly complementary skills. My small business background and sense of style melded perfectly with his inspired creativity. THE SMOKED OLIVE™ is a mosaic of every talent, skill, passion and dream we’ve ever had. It is the life we imagined. We are enormously grateful for our amazing customers; ranging from well-known Chefs to little 5-year old Leo…who now loves his vegetables. They have offered their most generous and heartfelt support, and remain the best salespeople that money can’t buy!