LIFESTYLE
THE
WE LIVE Enjoy the lifestyle stories of 12 of our employees. You might even want to give their Top Picks a try. mark pingel
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I chose NRS Tack because it is made in the U.S.A. It is a quality product for a great price. Mark Pingle – Decatur Store and International Affiliates Manager 27 Years
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NRS Tack MARK PINGEL was born in Germany, but spent his childhood in some of the best parts of the United States. He took horse riding lessons and helped care for the horses in return for the opportunity to compete in horse shows. At age 15, he began riding bareback horses with the Little Britches Rodeo Association. He continued competing until starting college at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. At the young age of 19, Mark took off to Caldwell, Idaho to begin working for Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Dee Pickett. Three years later Mark moved to Texas to acquire a BBA from Tarleton State University. In 1993 Mark started his career with National Roper’s Supply. He has worked in many levels of the company. During his time with NRS, Mark attended the Ranch Management Certification Course at Texas Christian University, as well as, completing his certification in equine dentistry. Around the same time Mark learned to speak Portuguese, a skill that has played an essential role in cultivating relations for NRS within Brazil. This is a large part of Mark’s current role as Store/International Affiliates Manager.
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I like this coat because it has kept me warm during the long hours of work, with no rips or tears.
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Brad Davis – Vice President of Operations 15 Years
Wyoming Traders Canvas Tan Ranch Coat Brad Davis was raised in Oklahoma. His family owned an operation called the Davis 20 ranch. This ranch has been in his family since 1920. Brad began team roping in his spare time in 1990, a few short years before he began playing college baseball. Brad graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Finance from Oklahoma State University. He purchased his families’ Thornberry Texas ranch from his cousins. The ranch participates in several sectors of our industry including, cow/calf, stocker cattle and farming. Before his time at NRS, Brad worked in logistics for Walmart. His experiences have played a crucial part in his role as Vice President of Operations at NRS. In his spare time he enjoys hanging out with his two sons Will and Cole. Will is an avid fisherman and enjoys hunting water fowl. Brad’s son Cole has been roping since the age of ten. Cole continues to compete competitively on both ends.
brad davis with sons will and cole
We want to know your top pi your purchases online or p “ The Competitor Series saddles are “made with
jessica bryan
the competitor in mind” but can also be used for just about any discipline or just everyday riding. Jessica Bryan – NRS Tack Department 15 Years
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NRS competitor series saddles Jessica Bryan grew up in North Central Texas. Her family both works and competes in various segments of the equine industry. Her father is a farrier, so with Jessica able to watch him work every day, it’s no surprise that she fell in love with horses. Jessica competed in High School Rodeo goat tying, breakaway roping, barrels and poles. She also was on the association’s board of directors. 15 Years ago, Jessica began working with National Roper’s Supply while still in high school. Following graduation, she continued her career with NRS, where she joined the tack buying team. Jessica said, “Working at NRS has helped me gain an incredible amount of knowledge about our industry. I have learned so much about saddles from various sources over the years.” Fast forward to present day, she is married with two young daughters. They raise beef cattle and ride horses for fun. She feels very blessed to work for this company and be able to do what she loves every day.
“ The Ride Ready collection is my favorite, because
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of the thought that my team puts into each boot. Taking in the true needs and wants of a western rider, both inside and outside of the arena.
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Haley Shurden – NRS Merchandise Manager Footwear and Hats Nine Years
NRS Ride Ready Boots Haley Shurden was born and raised in North Texas, where she grew up competing on all-around performance horses. In High School she judged horses, and continued her judging career at Texas A&M University. While studying for her bachelors degree in Agriculture Leadership and Development, she taught Agri-Life Extension Horsemanship Clinics. Following her undergraduate degree, she earned her masters of science in Agricultural and Consumer Resources from Tarleton State University. Haley began her career with NRS nine years ago as a purchasing agent and worked her way up to the men’s apparel buyer position. After excelling in this position for six years, Haley was promoted to Merchandise Manager for the footwear and hat departments. For three years, she has used her experience and knowledge to successfully grow this department. In her spare time Haley gives back to the industry she is passionate about by coaching 4-H horse judging teams. Many of her youth have received scholarships from organizations including the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. In 2020, her team took the Championship Horse Judging Title at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, besting top teams from around the state.
icks! Share ‘em by reviewing posting to NRS instagram. “ I really enjoy the snappy feel and consistency of the Spydr.”
Lane Hedeman – – NRS Amazon Merchandise Manager Five Years
lane hedeman
Spydr Head Rope by Classic Lane Hedeman grew up in Lipan, Texas. He spent his life immersed in the agriculture and rodeo industry. Lane’s mother raised show cattle, an interest she continues today. His father, Tuff Hedeman, grew up on a horse racing track in El Paso. Watching the horses compete began his love for the industry, as well as, a desire for the same thrill and adrenaline. This led Tuff to his passion for riding bulls professionally. His parents love for agriculture and passion for rodeo rubbed off on Lane at an early age. When most kids were learning to throw a ball, he was learning the proper way to swing and throw a rope. At the age of seven he began showing steers and heifers and continued until high school graduation. While showing cattle he also participated in team and calf roping with the National High School Rodeo Association. He continued roping at Weatherford Community College and Tarleton State University. Following graduation Lane and his new wife Bridget settled in Decatur, where he began his career as the Farm and Ranch Equipment Representative. Later Lane was promoted to Amazon Merchandise Manager. When thinking back on his last five year’s Lane admits, “I feel blessed to have a job that is centered around the lifestyle I love.”
“ Ride ready boots are great for when I am
working at the arena or competing at a show. I can always depend on their quality. Kinzee Shull – NRS Event Center Logistics Five Years
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NRS Ride Ready Boots
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Kinzee Shull is a Colorado native, where her family ran a small cattle and horse operation. Growing up around horses inspired her to pursue many disciplines within the industry. She has competed on a variety of breeds ranging from three day eventing horses to Paso Finos. Kinzee’s biggest desires in life were to teach youth athletes to be honest horseman and to raise all around horses. With a Associates Degree in Equine Science from North Central Texas College, she came one step closer to her goals. Next, Kinzee obtained her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Equine Business and Industry from West Texas A&M. Kinzee has put her degrees to good use at the NRS Event Center in Decatur, Texas. In addition to managing the NRS Event Center logisitcs, she has coached multiple American Paint Horse Association Youth World Champions, and two Reserve World Champions in 2019 and 2020.
LIFESTY
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The ADM GroStrong Mineral is not only a great mineral, but it has added electrolytes. Chelsy Stewart – Decatur Feed Store Associate Four Years
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ADM GroStrong Horse Mineral Chelsy Stewart is from Garden Valley, Idaho. She grew up on horses and fell in love with the sport of Rodeo. Chelsy competed through the ranks of Junior High and High School Rodeos, which eventually led to her joining the rodeo team at TVCC in Ontario, Oregon. She qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in Breakaway all three years. In 2007 Chelsy won the breakaway for the Northwest region. In 2017 she went to Wickenburg, Arizona to rope. A few weeks later she came to call Wickenburg her new home. When NRS bought the store where Chelsy was working she signed on and her four year NRS journey began. Chelsy stayed in Wickenburg until the spring of 2020 when she decided to make the move to Decatur. Chelsy says” I am thankful to be working at NRS Feed, I get to learn something every day; keeping our pets and livestock healthy.”
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My favorite product is the PRIEFERT S04 SQUEEZE CHUTE. This product was utilized by my family growing up and I am a firm believer in what BLUE can do for your operation.
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Ryan Pleasant – Ranch and Rodeo Equipment Representative Four Years
Priefert S04 Squeeze chute Ryan Pleasant grew up in the town of Albany in West Central Texas. He is the third generation of farmers. The Pleasant family operate on a combination of leased and owned land in Shackelford and Stephens Counties. They grow grain and hay crops to sell on the market and utilize for livestock feed. His family is also developing a cow-calf herd. They send calves to winter wheat each year along with shipping a few hundred calves to market in Woodward Oklahoma. In 2010 his family also bought a custom harvesting service. This niche service allows them to diversify and grow. While Ryan is not directly involved in the day to day operations, he is able to share knowledge gained from research, his Ag Degree and practical ideas picked up from customers and other Ag producers. Ryan is married to Georgi and they have a dachshund, Henry. He says that Georgi being a CPA has added a new dynamic to the family farm. Ryan’s experience helps him excel as our Ranch and Rodeo Equipment Representative. His favorite accomplishment is helping NRS grow to be the #1 Priefert Dealer in the United States.
ryan pleasant
YLE WE LIVE “ I’m excited to offer the Ariat VentTek II shirts in our spring/summer catalog; I think our customers will really enjoy the performance features built in to these great looking shirts! Mackenzie Beard – Apparel and Accessories Buyer Four Years
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Ariat VentTek II Shirts
mackenzie beard
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I love Rewind because it is an antiinflammatory supplement for humans, in addition, to Strides already existing supplement line for animals..
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Shannon Vincent – Decatur Feed Store Manager Four Years
Rewind by stride Animal health Shannon Vincent was raised in the windy parts of Western Kansas. His family raised and worked with horses and livestock on many different operations there. As he got older Shannon begin breaking and training colts, while competing in high school rodeo. Later he moved to Colorado, where he resided for thirty years. While there he owned a successful feed store. After meeting his wife, they moved to Texas and grew their family to four boys and a beautiful granddaughter. Shannon began his career with National Roper’s Supply in 2017. He uses his vast experience to deliver the best products to customers as the NRS Feed Store Manager. Shannon said, “NRS has given me the opportunity to continue to build trust with new and loyal customers alike. My daily goal is to share what I have learned with each them, along with my staff.”
Mackenzie Beard was born and raised in Pendleton, Oregon. Her family comprises three generations of rodeo history. Her Great Grandfather, Johnny Van Belle was a stock contractor and her Grandfather, a bronc rider and horse trainer. Mackenzie’s mother competed as a barrel racer and her father as a saddle bronc rider, team roper and professional pick-up man. Her rodeo heritage created a passion for the western industry, especially the craftsmanship and values that its members hold dear. At the young age of 15, she begin working at a high-end western retail store. In 2011 she used her elegance and determination to win the title of Pendleton Round-Up Queen. Her leadership earned her a spot at Oregon State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Merchandising Management. Mackenzie now uses her college education and vast experience in the industry to serve as an apparel and accessories buyer for all NRS Locations. Her areas include, ladies and girls’ apparel, as well as, men’s, ladies and children’s belts/accessories. She says “I love my NRS family and working with so many friends within the western industry, just as my family did.”
shannon vincent
At NRS a large portion of our story is told through our experienced employees. Our special fold-out section walks you through the events and products that have (and still do) shape their lifestyles.
robert roberson
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I’ve used my fair share of ropes, but my top pick is the Rattler GT4 by Classic. If you’re just starting out, I encourage you to try one of the Rattler or Classic brands.
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Robert Roberson – Decatur Tack Department Manager Two and a Half Years
Rattler GT4 by Classic Robert Roberson is an El Paso, Texas native. As a young boy, Robert began riding horses. He quickly became infatuated with the sport of team roping and craved the competition. Robert has held tight to his passion for team roping, rodeoing and training horses. He still team ropes as often as he can. With two and half years with NRS, Robert’s knowledge and experience of the industry play a crucial role in the recommendations he offers when talking with customers.
“ The Twisted X Bomber Moc is one of my
favorite products; whether I am working in the arena or taking entries in the office, it is both durable and comfortable.
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Taylor Stockard – Corporate Marketing Strategist One Year
twisted x bomber driving mocs Taylor Stockard was raised on the family ranch in Bowie, Texas. Taylor’s family has a passion for team roping. They have been producing them for twenty-eight years. Taylor participated in youth rodeos, until she began exhibiting livestock. She became involved in 4-H and FFA, where she won the Swine Production Entrepreneurship Award at the state level. Taylor’s involvement in agriculture and rodeo producing taught her how to run a business and produce a quality event. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Development, with an emphasis in Animal Science and Agriculture Economics from Texas A&M University. Following graduation, she became the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Horse Show Assistant where she helped produce this annual 18 day event for three years. She stepped right into her position as an NRS Corporate Marketing Strategist and never looked back. On weekends, Taylor continues to help Straight Up Productions produce successful Team Ropings. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the things she values; family, friends and team roping.
taylor stockard