2021 NRS Fall Employee Picks

LIFESTYLE

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WE LIVE Enjoy the lifestyle stories of 12 of our employees.

You might even want to give their Top Picks a try. doug norman

Doug Norman – NRS Corporate IT Six Years

DOUG NORMAN was raised in North Texas. He gained his love of the western lifestyle by spending time working at his grandparents feed store in Ft. Worth. They always had horses and cattle. Throughout his childhood, Dough spent many Saturday nights at the Kowbell Rodeo in Mansfield, Texas. In high school he was a member of the Lone Star High School Rodeo Association where he competed in the Bareback Riding event. Following high school, Doug attended Texas Tech University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology. Doug also earned an Education Degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. Doug made his career in Public Education as a science teacher and coach. He had the privilege of coaching football, basketball and track for several North Texas school districts. During his teaching career, Doug worked many summers in the warehouse of the old NRS location. Since his retirement from education, he has worked full-time for NRS in several capacities. For over three years now, he has been working in the NRS IT department. In his spare time Doug enjoys tie-down roping and bass fishing. Although, he doesn’t compete much anymore, he likes to start and train young roping horses from time to time. In addition, Doug has spent time the last several years driving for professional calf ropers during the 4th of July run. Doug said, “It’s a grind, but it’s a lot of fun! It also takes me to beautiful places that I would otherwise probably never see in my life.” He feels fortunate to work for NRS because he can relate to the western industry and has met many interesting people and friends throughout his career.

Cinch Shirt “

This latigo lined, lightly oiled headstall is sturdy and versatile. Not to mention, the NRS Exclusive buckle as an extra custom touch.

Timber Rice – Tack Merchandise Manager Six Years

“ I like Cinch because of the classic look and great fit.”

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NRS TLC Series Lightly Oiled Browband Headstall with Tulip Cart Buckles Timber Rice was raised in the small rural town of St. Elmo, Illinois. Her family has had horses for generations. Timber cannot remember a time in her life that she was not on the back of a horse. Her love for rodeo began when she would attend small play days and 4-H shows with her family. At an early age Timber participated in both the NJHSRA, as well as, the NHSRA. She started her journey competing in Goat tying, but she also fell in love with barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping and heeling!

Timber transitioned to Texas shortly after she graduated from Equine Dentistry School.

She started out working for NRS at their Weatherford location as a sales associate.

After a year or so, Timber was promoted to the Corporate Office in Decatur, as the Junior Tack Buyer. Since this time she used her experience and background to thrive in the role of Tack Merchandise Manager. Both Timber and her husband, continue to be heavily involved in the Western and Equine Industry. Today you will find them on the weekend with their two boys riding and caring for their horses.

timber rice

At NRS a large portion of our story employees. Our special fold-out sec and products that have (and s “

The Zone pads really ride well and provide a lot of pressure relief. It truly helps to keep my horses comfortable and working their best.

Brian McNamee – NRS Corporate Marketing Four & a Half Years

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brian mcnamee

Zone Saddle Pad by Classic Equine Brian McNamee was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He attended high school at Burns High School, during his time he participated in rodeo and helped produce U.S. Ropings. Following high school, Brian attended Eastern Wyoming College on a rodeo and academic scholarship. He then finished his degree and college rodeo career at the University of Wyoming. During his last semester at UW, he also received his permit to begin rodeoing at the professional level.

Brian spends as much time in the saddle as he does behind the computer, working for many brands in a marketing realm. Brian’s started with NRS working part-time in the tack department. After a couple of years in this position he made his way to joining the NRS Corporate Marketing Team. Brian loves his job with NRS because it allows him access to all the best products for both himself and his horses.

katy rydzik

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Cowboy hats are such an amazing way to express yourself in every season. You don’t have to be like everyone else.

”

Katy Rydzik – NRS Hat and Children’s Boot Buyer Four Years

American Felt Hat, Rodeo King Jute and Charlie 1 Horse Fashion Hat Katy Rydzik was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She then moved to Colorado where she competed in several areas of the Rodeo and Equine Industry.

Katy spent much of her time showing horses, as well as, competing in the Breakaway Roping and Bull Riding. After many years in Colorado she moved back to Texas. While there Katy put her experience to work for some of the top cutting horse trainers in the industry. She continued to do so for over eight years. In 2017 Katy joined the National Roper’s Supply team as a seasonal hat creaser in Weatherford, Texas. Her talent landed her in the corporate office as a purchasing agent, where she worked her way up to the position of Hat Buyer.

In her free time, Katy enjoys working out and helping others to get healthy!

Her life continues to be centered around team roping, cutting horses, and the western industry. Katy often feels very blessed to have a job that fits so well with the lifestyle that she leads.

y is told through our experienced ction walks you through the events still do) shape their lifestyles. “ The Anderson Bean brand is a Texas icon.

These boots are well made, meeting the requirements of the working and rodeo cowboys/cowgirls, as well those who just like living the western lifestyle.

”

Matt Field – Department Manager; Boots and Hats Two Years

matt field

Anderson Bean FQ Ostrich boots

Matt Field spent most of his life in Arizona, although born in Chicago, IL. Matt’s rodeo background started with riding bulls, but led to his career as a bullfighter, which he found more enjoyment doing. He worked with NLBRA and CPRA rodeos, as well as open bull riding events in Colorado, doing mostly cowboy protection with a little freestyle competition. Matt is an Air Force veteran, serving as a vehicle operator and a recruiter. He has moved multiple times between Arizona and Colorado over the years throwing work, rodeo and military career in the mix. In 2012, Matt got the opportunity he had always wanted to move to Texas when he started working for Baskins Western Wear as the store manager. Matt often goes by the saying, “I was not born in the Lonestar State, but I got here as soon as I could.”

He began his journey with NRS at the Weatherford location, where he started as the Assistant Manager in 2013, which transitioned into the Store Manager in 2014. After a short sabbatical, Matt returned to take on his current position as Sales Manager for the Boot and Hat departments, as well as the Roadshow Manager.

Matt often explains “The western lifestyle is in my blood, and I can’t be more excited about the opportunities that NRS has presented me.”

“ “I love most any Horseware Ireland product because they create with every horse, every discipline and every season in mind.

”

Lisa Westin – Animal Health and Feed Merchandise Manager Two Years

Horseware Ireland Protector

lisa westin

Lisa Westin is a West Coast native who spent a larger portion of her life in Tennessee. When describing her childhood Lisa told us, “I can’t remember a time when horses and dogs have not been a part of her life.” Lisa grew up riding hunter and jumper horses, competing in various competitions. Lisa took turned that passion into a 10 plus year career showing and operating a training and sales barn. During those years she learned many lessons from farriers, vets, chiropractors and other trainers. One of the biggest lessons Lisa learned is that every animal is unique with different nutritional, physical and psychological needs. She carried this lesson with her as she went to work for Farm Vet. In July of 2019, Lisa came to work for NRS after relocating to Texas. Her favorite thing about her job is that she can use her passion to provide our customers with a broad selection of supplements and products specific to their animal so they can look, feel and perform at their best.

We want to know your top pi your purchases online or p tayler sullivent

“ The NEX dummy is my favorite practice tool because it ensures that each loop is honest and my tip is down. After all, practice makes permanent.

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Tayler Sullivent – Social Media Manager/Show Team Advisor One Year

NEX Calf Roping Dummy

Tayler Sullivent is from Graham, Texas. Tayler’s family has always been deeply rooted in the Brahman Cattle industry, something they carry on in their small Brangus cattle operation. In her teen years she also spent many summers with her cutting horse family and competed at various shows through the NCHA. Tayler was an active FFA member, serving as an officer, exhibiting livestock and competing in various contests. Tayler’s involvement in the FFA helped her to obtain the privilege of being named a McKnight Scholar at Oklahoma State University. Tayler competed in breakaway roping on the OSU Rodeo Team. She was also a member of the OSU Spirit Team, having the privilege to escort Bullet on and off the field during football games.

Tayler obtained an Animal Science degree and went to work as a Livestock Production Specialist with Purina Animal Nutrition. After three years, Tayler transitioned into her current role as Social Media Manager and Show Team Advisor at NRS. Outside of work, Tayler continues to breakaway rope and work cattle with her family. When asked how she feels about her time at NRS Tayler explains, “Not having to separate my hobbies and passions from the job that I do makes it feel as if I am embracing my true purpose.”

“ I love my American hat because it is a quality felt made by a company who understands the customer they serve.

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Jhett Jackson – Special Operations One Year

American Hat Company 40X Black Felt Jhett Jackson is an East Texas Native. Growing up with two parents who competed in the sport of rodeo, he developed the same passion at an early age.

His rodeo career started through the Piney Woods Youth Rodeo Association and carried him to three qualifications for National High School Finals. Following his youth rodeo days, Jhett took a position on the Weatherford College Rodeo Team and later the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team. During college he began his journey with NRS, as a hat shaper in their Weatherford location. Following his college graduation, Jhett started his fulltime career with National Roper’s Supply Corporate. When asked how he felt about the industry he works within, Jhett explained, “Rodeoing and agriculture will always be a significant part of my life, one I hope to pass down to generations to come. I am so blessed to work for a company that furthers and supports the same industry.”

jhett jackson

icks! Share ‘em by reviewing posting to NRS instagram. madison connolly

“ SMC provides our customers with a durable, quality trailer at a reasonable price!”

Madison Connolly – NTS Sales Associate; Wickenburg AZ OneYear

SMC Trailers Madison Connolly was born in Michigan. Her love for equestrian sports began at a young age, as she competed in barrel racing at youth rodeos. Maddy also worked to sharpen her horsemanship skills by training ponies. She then became involved in 4-H, where she showed all around horses, and competed on an equestrian team.

Maddy used her experience to begin leading a 4-H club, as well as, coaching a youth equestrian team. On the side she also started colts for extra income. Maddy attended college at Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Michigan. While there, she worked for a reining trainer and hauled horses in her free time. Maddy moved to Northwest Wyoming in her early twenties to work on a ranch. What started as only three months in Wyoming, turned into three years as she made the west her home.

Years later Maddy transitioned to Wickenburg, Arizona to begin working for NRS Trailers. She says, “I’m thankful to be in this position, in the “team roping capital of the world,” selling trailers for NRS and gaining knowledge of the industry.”

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My Kimes Ranch Jennifers are my go-to jeans, whether I need comfort in the arena or a classy pair to dress up, these 100% American made jeans are my absolute favorites.

Emily Stephens – Hat Shaper; Decatur One Year

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Kimes Ranch Jennifers Emily Stephens was born and raised in North Texas, where she grew up competing on cutting and ranch versatility horses. At the age of 13, she found a passion for judging horses. Emily’s success judging in high school helped her succeed at a collegiate level. Emily began attending classes at North Central Texas College, working towards an Associate’s degree in Equine Science. In addition to classes, she worked her way to becoming the captain of the NCTC Horse Judging Team. Emily is also a competitive member of NCTC’s renowned Ranch Horse Team.

Following her associate’s degree, she plans to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Media and Communications. Emily’s journey with NRS began when she was only 16. For the past four years she has used her background in the Western and Equine industry to make everyone’s dream hat a reality. Emily has always been infatuated with the art and history of the cowboy hat. When asked why she loves her job, Emily explains, “The fact that you can tell so much about a person by the way they wear their hat, never ceases to amaze me.”

emily stephens

If you have a passion for the western lifestyle and want to be part of the NRS team, explore our variety of opportunities today.

Visit www.nrsranch.com/careers

darcy boyce

“ It is a versatile jean perfect for my lifestyle.

I can dress it up or down and wear it for everyday ranch or office work.”

Darcy Boyce – NRS Granbury Four Years

Darcy Boyce grew up in the small town of Bainbridge, Indiana. She was raised on a large grain crop operation and a small cow/calf operation. Darcy, exhibited cattle at the local, state, and national level. She was immensely involved in FFA and 4-H holding numerous offices throughout her years with both organizations. Her involvement in the show ring would later lead her to a passion of judging livestock where she would find herself taking top honors at the state level in various species. Currently residing in Lipan, Texas, 1100 miles away from home, with her family, she manages her very own cow/calf operation back home in Indiana, as well as the show cattle here in Texas. Her boys, Breck 12 and Kelin 10, can be found exhibiting cattle at the Texas Majors and various National shows. Darcy helps her boys with all of the behind the scenes work, alongside her husband, Aaron. She also currently serves many roles within the State of Texas amongst the livestock industry. Darcy is currently an advisor for the Texas Junior Chianina Association and Director on HCLRA Board. This is her way of giving back to an industry in which she has a deep love for. Darcy can be found working at NRS-Granbury, enjoying time with her boys or showing cattle with friends who have become more like family.

Ladies Ariat JEANS “ Rios lives by the saying “You get out what

you put in.” When you own a pair of their boots it’s apparent that they put every ounce of heart and soul into each boot.

Tucker Crowley – Hat Shaper; Decatur Four Years

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Rios of Mercedes Boots Tucker Crowley was born and raised in the Texas Panhandle on a small family farm. His family farmed crops such as corn, wheat and milo. Tucker’s family also owned and operated a local butcher shop, where he spent much of his time. Tucker has been involved in almost every aspect of the cattle industry, from growing up around feedlots to running stocker cattle with his father. As his family transitioned to North Texas they began running a small cow/calf operation. In the midst of raising cattle, Tucker tried his hand at shaping hats. The past four years he has excelled behind the hat bar for NRS in Decatur, TX. When we asked Tucker his favorite part of shaping hats at NRS he replied, “I love getting to meet customers from around the world and hearing their stories.

tucker crowley