4 minute read
HOWARD KEIM INTERVIEW
By Tracy Wager
Q - As a young man you ran a significant publishing house on the east coast. How did you end up in Scottsdale?
A - I was group V.P. of Fairchild Publishing and Wade Fairchild, a dear friend and colleague, wanted to move with me to Scottsdale to start an aerial map firm.
Q - Before your experiences at WestWorld of Scottsdale, the City of Scottsdale contracted with you to develop the first water-treatment plant on the Central Arizona Project a considerable engineering and building first in Arizona. How did you get that accomplished?
A - This required an excellent relationship with Mayor Drinkwater and the acting City Council members. They recognized our need to build the water plant and I was able to assemble an exceptional team.
Q - For many years, if not still today, you were one of the most powerful forces in Scottsdale. How did that come about?
A - While I don’t see it that way, my love of Scottsdale and supporting such an amazing community was worth all the effort.
Q -Time is precious and You and your family invested many good years in growing and managing the amenities at WestWorld, in lieu of other opportunities. Was it worth it?
A - Horses, Scottsdale and the Western Life was always a part of what I loved and I am proud to be a part of the legacy of Westworld.
Q - When did you realize that the leasehold estate Scottsdale has with the Bureau of Reclamation would make it almost impossible to borrow construction or long-term financing?
While there were always different hurdles, but truly the economic times make it most difficult at the time.
Q - Barrett Jackson, the Arabian Show, Sun Circuit, and many horse show events all moved to WestWorld during your management, and they are thriving today.
How does that make you feel?
A - It makes me proud to see these shows thriving today and that Westworld of Scottsdale has International recognition.
Q - In 1995 did you foresee the explosive growth potential of Barrett-Jackson?
A - From the beginning we recognized the economic impact of this International event and moving it to Scottsdale was a priority of mine and Mayor Drinkwater’s.
Q - You have been around a long-time, and seen many changes. Are you surprised at the resilience and strength of the horse community in producing events at WestWorld now for over 40-years?
A - Not at all - this was what I expected and hoped for in planning and supporting these equestrian events.
Q - You have a new friend in the horse world, his name is “Fireball”. Red Hot Whizkey is an AQHA/NRHA Reining horse that competes in Open and Non-Pro classes, and you first met him last year at the Sun Circuit at WestWorld.
What is it about “Fireball” that brought back great memories about why you built WestWorld and your love of horses?
A - Fireball reminded me of how special Westworld is for people and horses (including Fireball). Fireball, is a great representation of the wonderful memories and exceptional horses I experienced over the many years I spent at Westworld. It’s why people came from all over the World to experience Scottsdale and the “Wests Most Western Town.” PS I have “Fireball” on my Screensaver :)
In closing, I would like to state that I enjoyed every minute of my time at Westworld and spending time with the horses like Fireball…made it all worthwhile.
