Pat Neely writes candidly about his family’s hardships in “Down Home With the Neelys,” the best-selling cookbook written with wife Gina.
Mr. Neely’s father died when he was 11, leaving his mother with five children to support. Mr. Neely and his four brothers had to work to help their mother meet household finances. The brothers learned the restaurant business from their uncle, then opened their own Neely’s Bar-B-Que.
He credits this experience with developing the work ethic he has today.
During their appearance July 11 at the She expo, the Neelys were asked how they are instilling their work ethic in daughters Spenser, 20, a former UTC student, and Shelbi, 15.
“They’ve got it easier than we had, but they work,” said Mrs. Neely.