Page 123 - August 2016

Q: If you were not in the horse racing business, what job would you like to have?
A: I’m not sure. I would take a job that wouldn’t be any different than working in the Association management business. I get my enjoyment out of working with people, trying to understand their dreams and ideals, and putting the collective ideas of many into action plans that progress and many times alter industry in a positive direction. I like dealing with the many challenges of the industry, and racing certainly offers up a lot of challenges. So, I’m not sure I would do anything a lot differ- ent than what I’m doing now. Ultimately, I guess I like helping people achieve their dreams.
Q: What is your favorite thing about living where you live?
A: Amarillo carries the heartbeat of Western heritage. There are very few transplants here in the Panhandle of Texas. It is sometimes difficult to attract professional talent from outside the area to move here because Amarillo does not have the “glitz and glamour” of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex or the trendiness of Austin. But what Amarillo does have is a very family-friendly, hospitable community that has a deep apprecia- tion of our Western heritage and culture. The resources of the Panhandle create an environment that attracts big thinkers, entrepreneurs and hard- working people with a wholesome spirit.
Q: If you could vacation anywhere
on the planet, where would it be and what would you do there?
A: My wife and I just celebrated our 25th anniversary last year, and up to that point we had never really taken a vacation together without our boys. So, we stepped out on a limb and trav- eled to the Virgin Islands where we sailed around from island to island with close personal friends. We have never been ocean goers, so this really took us out of our comfort zone. We fell in love with it, and we are definitely going to do it again. I may get my captain license someday to sail a catamaran. The bluest of blue water, the whitest of white sand, and the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. It’s a special time to share that experi- ence with the people you love.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote and, if so, what is it?
A: Will Rogers said, “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” That statement is timeless!
Q: If you could sit down and visit with anyone, past or present, who would it be?
A: There are two historic American leaders that have sparked my interest. Both of them had a major impact on the future and the direction of our country. They made decisions that were game changers under immense uncertainty. George Washington rallied the colonies to go to war for independence knowing full well that paid mercenaries and the entire weight of the British Crown was coming down on them. Abe Lincoln became President at a time when the country and families were hatefully split. The decisions he made cost the lives of countless Americans fighting one another. When we
face business challenges that sometimes seem agonizing, I reflect back on the life-and-death decisions they made for a higher purpose. I can only imagine what their advice might be . . . they might say, “Suck it up, don’t take your eye off the big picture; sacrifice when its important and when you know you’re right.”
Q: Who’s your favorite athlete of all time, and why?
A: My favorite athlete of all time is Nolan Ryan. Growing up Texan, he started out
with the New York Mets and went to the California Angels before coming back home to Texas with the Houston Astros. When he landed with “my” team, the Texas Rangers, he had risen to legendary status
as one of the hardest throwers of all time.
I met Nolan several times over the years of working in the beef cattle industry, and I grew to admire him as a dedicated cattle- man, banker and businessman as much
as his celebrity baseball legend. I have an autographed picture of him putting a knot on Robin Ventura’s head after Robin made poor judgment in attacking that cowboy on the mound.
Q: What’s one thing you don’t like about Quarter Horse Racing?
A: I’d like to see more collaboration across state lines to protect and promote the horse and the sport of racing.
Q: What’s one thing you like about Quarter Horse racing?
A: I appreciate the passion, the work and the result of breeding high-powered race horses, putting them into the hands of expert trainers, and the excitement that comes when that gate opens and, after 20 seconds, all of that planning and effort results in victory. Sometimes that victory pays off in millions of dollars, and other times it’s just a few thousand dollars, but they both provide that rush.
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THE LIGHTER SIDE