Bob Avila Interview - Feb 2021

Q- You’ve seen Sun Circuit grow over the years. How big a contributor to that success do you think WestWorld of Scottsdale has been?

A- Westworld is a top notch facility, no doubt it has contributed to the success of the Sun Circuit, along with everything Scottsdale has to offer. The weather and great restaurants are at the top of most peoples list that come here. But Westworld’s ample facilities definitely make the show a success. Very few places in the country could take on a show of that size and handle it so well. Also the addition of Doug Huls management to the show has been a homerun! He has taken it to a new level. Somehow he manages to get as much of the show done at a decent hour so people can go out and enjoy being in Scottsdale. That is no easy feat with the number of horses and entries at the Sun Circuit every year.

Q- Del Mar Show Grounds was a favorite, and successful, place for you to show. How do you feel about it being shut-down?

A- It is heartbreaking to see the facility close or ANY show venue anywhere in the country close. Sadly that one is in a spectacular location that was a big draw for multiple disciplines. Having recently moved out of California it appears to be just one more symptom of the decline of that state. Equine enthusiasts are fleeing the state due to more and more regulations. Our industry needs to be growing not shrinking.

Q- Cinch, and other corporate sponsors like to associate with your brand. How have you maintained those relationships over the years?

A- I am very fortunate to have some GREAT endorsements, many I have had for over 20 years. For instance…..I have been with PROFESSIONALS CHOICE for 33 years, and CINCH for close to 23 years. I was speaking with Larry Roberts of WESTERN HAULER the other day and realized I have purchased every one of my vehicles from them for the past 30 years. My feed endorsement from LMF FEEDS has been an outstanding partnership for 22 years. Randy Bloomer and BLOOMER Trailers take such good care of us we will NEVER pull anything but a BLOOMER. I have ridden BOB’S CUSTOM SADDLE’S for 25 years, they are outstanding products. One of my ‘newest” endorsements is with FARNAM and we have been together for about 15 years, the scope and quality of the products they provide our industry is outstanding, along with huge sponsorship and support of our industry. Another big supporter of our industry is RIOS OF MERCEDES they make some of the best boots you can possibly wish to have, their quality is outstanding and AMERICAN made. BEX sunglasses is my most recent partnership and their sunglasses are just simply made for what we do they are fantastic. These are relationships I am very proud of. I work very closely with all of my endorsements. Be it promoting their products, product development and testing, or being available for promotions and marketing. Every company’s needs are different you have to be a compliment to the company.

Q- What advice can you share on how to acquire corporate sponsors for up and coming players in the game.

A- Everyone seems to have their hands out for endorsements these days, what I think most people don’t realize is that it MUST be a 2 way street. You are no good to a company unless you actually bring more to the table than getting free stuff and putting a name on your shirt.

Q- Your brand is today and has for decades been recognized as top of the class, it’s hard to understand how you’ve kept your game so strong, for so long. What are three-keys that made you, and make you Bob Avila?

A- Hard work, Hard Work and Hard Work! There is no substitute for it and anyone that thinks otherwise is getting passed up by those few that are willing to put in the EXTRA effort.

Q- You are a role-model for those that dream of achieving success in the horse world. What are three-tips, you can share, for those seeking fame and fortune in the horse business.

A- Fame and fortune…wow better rethink that one! LOL Those are definitely the wrong reasons to be in the horse business. It first and foremost requires a love of the animals and the sport. This is a 24/7, 365 day business and that is the easy part. It can take a toll on families, lifestyle, vacations and freedom to do as you please because you assume are self employed. The horses and their needs always come first. Hard work, it requires going the extra mile all the time. We have passed on lots of trips, nice dinners and social events because there is work to be done or horses that need something, be it prep for a show, a sick horse, or a customer that needs a little extra help before an upcoming show. Transparency and honesty will carry you a long way in this business. I have always been upfront with my customers. Often I came bearing the information they didn’t want to hear but I was honest with them about their horses ability or potential or lack of. I don’t want people putting money into a horse that is not worthy of the investment. While some didn’t take it well at the time almost all have thanked me later for being upfront with them.