Growing up in Stockholm, Johan started to bake and cook at home at an early age. After three years in a High School Economics school, it wasn’t long before he realized that cooking was more fun than economics. He finished his studies, then promptly left Stockholm to explore the world and its food, visiting and working in Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Thailand, Korea, Australia and more. He sought experience and knowledge in different kinds of cooking techniques, food & beverages. 

After a couple of years at Grythyttan Culinary University in Sweden in the late 90's, Johan started a Food Consultant Firm and became a Cook Book writer and food stylist. Ironically, it wasn’t until after he completed his book, RÖK (Smoke), on using smoking as a technique in cooking, and discovered barbecue, and his next chapter opened up. Johan met his now business partner Johan Fritzell in Bräcke after his first visit to Holy Smoke BBQ. That season he went back and forth on weekends between Stockholm and Bräcke, working, smoking, cooking and learning as much as he could about barbecue, and was hungry for more. After that season, Johan and Johan joined forces, becoming known far and wide as “the Johans” for the barbecue they’re putting out at Holy Smoke BBQ. 

Johan loves the barbecue life, learning new things and meeting interesting people from around the world, all with a shared love of using live fire.