For almost 60 years, four generations of the Hanni family have been dedicated to mastering the craft of smoking and seasoning. PS Seasoning & Spices was formed in 1984 as a natural progression from our industrial meat smoker company: Pro Smoker 'N Roaster formed in 1977. Our experience dates back well before our companies were born.

Harold Hanni founder of PS Seasoning & Spices and Pro Smoker 'N Roaster was born during the midst of the Great Depression in 1931. The Hanni family relied on old world cheese and sausage making skills to stretch their resources during those tough times. Harold’s father Gottfried Hanni taught him everything there was to know about making great cheese and smoked sausage. When Harold Hanni returned from serving his country during the Korean War he had a renewed interest in the art of sausage making. As the Hanni family grew Harold shared his love for sausage making with his five sons. Harold’s passion for the craft inspired him to build a homemade smoker from an old chest freezer.

One cold Wisconsin winter day in 1976 Harold’s homemade chest freezer/smoker caught fire and nearly burnt the house down. This near disaster inspired Harold to design a safe way for the home sausage maker to smoke sausage. Harold’s pursuit of a safe smoker became a reality with the Model 100. Harold and his sons began making smokers for grocery stores and specialty shops.

Ken Hanni (Harold’s son) and Ken’s wife Kate formalized the Hanni family’s love of sausage making by officially incorporating PS Seasoning as a business with Harold in 1984. Harold was the model for the company’s trademarked mascot. The cartoon icon of Lil' Harry became synonymous with old world flavor and craftsmanship.