Jack Lyons

Jack Lyons is a fourth generation Nevadan with a bachelor's degree in
business from the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2003 Jack and Mike
started Men Wielding Fire out of their passion for fine food, barbecue and
good fun. Today, Men Wielding Fire has taken off like wild fire catering to
weddings, corporate events, private parties, large sporting events and
casual and elegant affairs. Jack has two young boys and has been
married to his wife, Betsy for eighteen years.

Michael Sylvester

Mike has been a resident of Reno for
eleven years. He is a graduate from the
University of Colorado, Boulder where he
lettered four years in football for the CU
Buffs. He first became interested in
barbecue and catering while working for his

uncle, "J Lee Roy," who was one of the
original Rib Cookers (and champions) in
the "Best of the West Rib Cook-Off" held
annually at John Ascuaga's Nugget. He
has also participated and has also been

Betsy Lyons

Betsy is a native Californian with a bachelor's degree in business and also
trained as a pastry chef at the California Culinary Academy in San
Francisco and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in the Napa
Valley. She turned her passion into a successful pastry business and
opened a long-awaited bake shop in downtown Reno. After the birth of
her first son, she closed her shop and focused on her family and baked
only for private parties. Now, after the birth of their second son, she
prepares the desserts and side dishes for Men Wielding Fire. You could
say that Betsy is the woman behind the men who wield fire.

successful at the "Best of the West Rib Cook-Off" for eleven years.
Mike has been married to his wife Dana for nineteen years and has two
children, who attend Bishop Manogue High School.