The Men Behind Boki's Kitchen: Tom and Bob
No man hating over here! We want to showcase the guys who make Boki’s a reality. From the man who has supported these women since the ‘80’s to our namesake, Tom and Bob make Boki’s Kitchen everything it is to this day.
Tom Neisen is the steady force behind us all. He’s spent over 60 years of his life milking dairy cattle, and we are happy to have him around to help with odd projects, washing a few dishes here and there, and his expert guidance when we hit challenging moments. I am thankful for Dad– he’s taught me so much about farm life and beyond. Finding a partner who truly supports a woman’s endeavors is special, so we’re grateful he’s been by Kathy’s side for over 57 years. If you ask them about it, they’re not sure if they’ll make it to 58… just kidding!
Dad helped me to learn some hard lessons growing up. Whether it was dealing with loss at the farm or learning that sometimes work and play intertwine, he was there for those moments. Being a dairy farmer meant he milked his cows every single day, and sometimes that meant he missed things I perceived to be important at the time. Age has brought wisdom, and I now realize what Dad sacrificed for me, and I am forever grateful for his continued guidance.
Bob Nichols is the man you’ll see at events and deliveries, but that’s not all he does. On hot summer days, he’s “playing with fire” or “gluing metal” (as he likes to say). He’s been a full time welder at Knapheide Manufacturing in Quincy, Illinois for over 10 years. He takes an immense amount of pride in the truck bodies he builds for a company that’s ingrained in our community. His food knowledge runs deep; he’s been cooking personally and professionally for over 30 years. Combine this with 10 years of grocery management experience, and it’s safe to say Bob knows his stuff when it comes to food. We're so glad he brings his energy to the kitchen after a long day of welding.
I’ll never forget the first meal Bob cooked for me. It was approximately 2 a.m., let's just say there were a few beers shared between us in good old Canton, Missouri.
“We should eat something,” Bob insisted.
“For real! Do you have any chips or anything?” I replied, eager to eat my next few hundred meals with this man.
Bob scoffed slightly as he pulled some already-browned burger from the fridge and began heating a skillet. Next, I saw flour and milk, and the smell of lightly toasted bread filled the tiny apartment kitchen.
That's right. The first meal Bob Nichols cooked for me was Shit on a Shingle (or S.O.S. for short). I was impressed by him from that first meal, and he has only built up his repertoire from that moment early in our relationship.
In the photo below, you’ll see Tom next to a newly planted tree. What made this moment extra special was that we were all together doing what we all love– working together while providing food for tomorrow. This is what Boki’s Kitchen is all about.
Big thanks to Bob and Tom for your continued efforts! Both of their gardens are planted and growing, and it will be wonderful to harvest fresh veggies as we roll into summer.
Is there a special man who completes your table? Share his name and why he's special in the comments! As we inch closer to Father's Day, our men deserve some recognition for their hard work and support.
