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Behind the Bright Lights: Brilynn Bentley of Las Vegas Events & NFR Extra
86 Plays30 days ago
In this episode of the Kick Your Boots Up Podcast, we’re headed to the heart of rodeo in Las Vegas to sit down with the powerhouse behind the scenes—Brilynn Bentley. As the Corporate Marketing Partnerships Manager for Las Vegas Events and Assistant General Manager of the Junior World Finals, Brilynn wears many of hats (and probably a few pairs of boots, too).
From her days as a high school rodeo barrel racer to her role as co-host of the NFR Extra Podcast, Brilynn shares her journey growing up in the western world, what she loves most about working with the NFR, and how 40 years of rodeo magic in Vegas continues to evolve.
We also get a peek into who Brilynn is off the clock—what inspires her, her favorite downtime hobbies, and what advice she’d give to anyone chasing their rodeo dreams. Oh, and yes—we chat about her recent engagement, too!
Saddle up and listen now for an insider’s look at the people who help make the NFR the spectacle it is today.
Follow Brilynn on Instagram and TikTok: @brilynn_bentley
Learn more at: www.NFRexperience.com/nfrextra
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Transcript
Introduction to 'Kick Your Roots Up' Podcast
00:00:00
Speaker
I have a note sheet of what I have to wear every day with details of what jewelry, boots, hats, or whatever the heck goes with it. And I don't feel like I have any time to think, but we put our heads down. We survive the days and you go with it. Usually by day six, it becomes fun.
00:00:16
Speaker
Hey everybody and thanks for listening to another episode of the Kick Your Roots Up podcast. We're in season three. Can you believe we made it? i have learned so much over the past few years and I'm so excited to open up my circle of friends this year, this season with you guys and share with you little bit about the people that I admire most.
Meet Brylin Bentley: Her Career Journey
00:00:36
Speaker
So What better way to segue into the person that is going to be on the podcast now than to introduce you to Brylin Bentley with Las Vegas Events. She's the corporate marketing manager and the assistant general manager for the junior NFR.
00:00:52
Speaker
Mouthful. Did I say that right? It's a lot. It's all right. But it's a lot. Well, Brylin, I'm so happy that you're in studio today, especially because your suit your um schedule has been crazy.
00:01:02
Speaker
Talk about what you're going to be doing while we were able to catch you you here in Fort Worth. Yes. So we are here meeting with a bunch of sponsors just in general for the NFR, whether it's Cowboy Christmas related, NFR itself, or Junior NFR.
00:01:14
Speaker
And with that, we also get to join the ARC, ah Association of Rodeo Committees, and then I will join the 30 under 30 alumni gala elements and then also the American rodeo. So it's jam packed.
00:01:27
Speaker
It's crazy. But honestly, I am actually really happy to see you and happy to see you for 30 under 30. I know this has been a long time coming and so well deserved. So I've got to give a special shout out to you right now on camera.
00:01:40
Speaker
So happy for you. Like, seriously, i um i feel like I've known you longer than I have. and And it's funny, we were just talking about like like how we met and stuff and we'll talk about that in a second. But I've actually known your dad longer than I've known you through Little Riches Rodeo, which is like so fun. I feel like I also got to grow up alongside you just because of like how proud he is of you. Absolutely. My dad literally will never take a moment to not probably mention me.
00:02:03
Speaker
ah Funny enough, he was definitely a big part of why I'm in the rodeo industry, right? Like he is a PRCA bullfighter. Then he was the National Little Bridges Rodeo Director. And that really led into, I think, where I met a lot of sponsors that I still actually get to work with today, which is very, very unique.
00:02:19
Speaker
They have known me since I was 12 years old. Yeah. It's interesting, especially for dads. Sometimes it's hard because i was definitely Bud's daughter for a while as we were talking, right? Like you get into the industry and they're like, oh, Bud's daughter. Okay. Okay. And now it's, hey, you're Brylin's dad. So that's always a thing. And it's very entertaining, but I have definitely cherished every moment moment that he's given me in that area. Oh yeah. And I can tell that you're equally as proud to be his daughter than he is to have you as a daughter. So that's really cool.
00:02:47
Speaker
And, um okay, so we mentioned how we met. So I feel like we've got a share because I was actually asking you before and you're
Navigating the Rodeo Industry
00:02:53
Speaker
like, I don't remember until I said we were in Reno and then she was like, oh yeah. Okay, so you guys have to know, Brylin and i originally met when we were on a golf cart. My former boss was driving and it was hilarious. We were just driving. I don't even know. we were just driving around the rodeo grounds at the Reno rodeo. That's it And literally driving. Yeah, like I think we were like trying to go somewhere. i don't remember.
00:03:14
Speaker
Anyways. he was like, have you met her? I was like, no. And then we like met and then it was just like, oh, rodeo queen, cool, rodeo, cool. And then it wasn't until like much later that I was like, wait, Bud's daughter.
00:03:26
Speaker
Yeah, no, it definitely all comes around for sure. This industry is so small, but so unique because of that, because you're like, No, wait. Oh, yes. Like, oh, I high school rodeoed with them way back in the day. Like, yeah it starts all evolving. And it's so intriguing to see like the phases of life really start to change and catch up with us because you're like, oh, I haven't seen them for 10 years. And then all of a sudden you're like, oh, my gosh, like, where have you been this whole time? Who are you?
00:03:50
Speaker
How did that happen? Oh, you work for this country? Wow. Like, it's so interesting to see how it all changes and like how life changes for everyone in that scenario. Oh yeah, and that was like the perfect thing for me to ask you.
00:04:01
Speaker
Do you feel like you've had to like re-brand yourself from like young girl Brylin, I guess Bud's daughter to now your own self? Because I've struggled with that a lot too, like being the young rodeo queen. You know, it's like I'm an adult now, I have a career.
00:04:15
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, I think internally, like with family was definitely harder than anything. Just because like I wasn't the little kid anymore. Like all of a sudden I was actually like this businesswoman.
00:04:26
Speaker
um But my career path was definitely very different. So most don't know. i actually started in 2017 as just like an event intern. ok I was technically 16 years old working at the junior NFR at that time, the second year it existed there at convention center. And it was literally a part-time thing. Like I would come in just those 10 days.
00:04:44
Speaker
Then I graduated high school at 17 with my associate's degree. And again, did the NFR that fall. And then in 2018, did one more, you know, small internship just during the event.
00:04:55
Speaker
And then that February, 2019 is when I actually was brought in part-time at Las Vegas events. So like I kind of had enough involvement that I really... Had the young Braylon before I was in office, at least. Right. Like, and then when I got in office, honestly, like I wasn't 21 yet. I was barely 19, getting ready to graduate college with my bachelor's degree at 19 years old, which was like a crazy thing that I decided to do because I put my head down and said I was going to do this while college rodeoing for UNLV.
00:05:25
Speaker
And it literally all just kind of like kept going. And it was like, hey, you keep going. Like you're on a train right now. Ride it. Right. Like you can't allow it to stop. So it was like, all right, like, here we go. We have a big kid job now. Like there's no downtime. And then it really just like 2020 happened. We all had to work from home.
00:05:43
Speaker
And that was super unique because like I was really getting ready to move out. And then like it all happened. And i' you're like, Whoa, what just happened? Back with mom and dad. Yeah, like stay here a little bit longer. Okay. yeah and then 2021 happens. And that's when I went full time as the corporate market ah corporate marketing partnerships person. Okay. So still really stayed in the same role, still really handled ah junior NFR elements, which was junior world finals in that moment. That's true.
00:06:08
Speaker
um But really...
Career Growth and Managing Responsibilities
00:06:10
Speaker
Until 2023, that is when I became corporate marketing manager and then also assistant general manager. So like as it evolved, thankfully, like it all played out very well in my time frame. But when I look back at it now, like going into year 26, now I'm like,
00:06:28
Speaker
now i'm like holy crap. Like now I get why everyone was so shocked that I was doing this. Like I look back and it's genuinely still a shell shock. Like I, I still don't know how I was like, how did I do that? Like, oh well what just happened guys? Like, and it was in a blink of an eye, like after college, I don't care who you are life, the lies. And if anyone thinks different, I need you to talk to me about it because like, I don't know how it happened. Like I swear we were just at college rodeos, high school, like everything.
00:06:56
Speaker
kids grow up fast all of a sudden like your nieces and nephews are grown you're like how is this happening it's actually really wild that you say that because you know in corporate world for sure i'm sure small businesses do the same but it's all quarterly you think about things quarterly like honestly right now you're definitely planning the nfr we should be planning our elements of the and like everyone should be doing that right now because q2 just happened or just started like It's just so wild, you're so right. Time is like, I kinda used to always um make fun of my dad or like joke, like, you're just an old man, you don't really, like, yeah, time flies, ha ha ha.
00:07:32
Speaker
But like, no, you're so right. Our nieces are grown now, and like or like nieces and nephews are grown. and um It's just wild. It's such a wild thing. But I will say, I've got a brag on you there too, because it's like a testament to your hard work. Because like a lot of people wouldn't go out on a limb for someone so young and trust them and give them the responsibility that they did. So that's what I love about the industry too, is that it's like very much like you earn your keep.
00:07:55
Speaker
yeah And um you learned it the Cal girl way, you did it the Cal girl way. So my question for you is what is your best advice then for someone that has like, either they're in college and they're ready to get a job or they're like gonna take an internship, they've gotta figure out the next big girl thing, big guy, big boy thing, whatever.
00:08:11
Speaker
Be willing to do the hard work and do the little things. I know that a lot of people like overlook that, but ultimately I feel like when you get into the nooks and crannies of life, it's the person that goes the extra step that really shines through no matter how you look at it. And for me, I was able to pick up a lot of small elements at a young age, but those elements then developed and it allowed me to be like,
00:08:35
Speaker
Okay, like, look, I'm carrying this weight and they were seeing how successful that that small element might might have been tiny, right? Like it might have been completely irrelevant to real job, reality like hey but you as an individual have to be willing to do those small things before you can ever do something big and I know that's so redundant for a lot of individuals but at the same time like you just continually forget that like if you don't do step one how are you ever supposed to get to step 10 like for real you have to do the time don't expect to just have this beautiful flourish career like
00:09:12
Speaker
Sorry, you gotta, you gotta to do the hard work and the grunt work and the paperwork and the scanning and the boring stuff before you get to do the fun stuff. And I was the ultimate like, oh, we have to like, man, I have that stack of papers to just go through sort of like you just want me to sort them out a potential like something so minor, right? You're like, oh, well, then like,
00:09:34
Speaker
That little bit of like paperwork then became, i now get to assist our VP of finance in contracts. I now get to do those things. And I do see it as a benefit because I was sorting those, being a part of it, reading them, learning them. Well, then it got me that much more involved with it that once I got into my now position, like, hey, you're managing those now. Like you write them, you draft them, you send them to me. I'll deal with the final proof.
00:09:59
Speaker
but you handle it. But that all started with just sorting papers as an intern, right? Like those are things that people don't realize that they take. Oh, that I, I'm so glad you said that because the Western industry is really good about understanding hard work, but a lot of jobs out there aren't. And like, I don't know what they're teaching in college nowadays, but it is not like hard work. It's like, Oh, just do this and you'll get hired when in reality, like,
00:10:24
Speaker
ah i My fondest memory, I remember, so yours was like sorting papers. Mine was at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. um Talk about grassroots marking marketing. I um had these like QR codes on papers and went to all the bathroom stalls, men's and women's by the way.
00:10:40
Speaker
I would grab an out of order sign of the men's restroom and run in and stick these papers on the inside of every stall. And I just remember being like, this is the weirdest thing. I think it like, why did I go to college to do this?
00:10:52
Speaker
yeah But in all reality, like it made the biggest impact. And so the first year I was hired 2017 for the junior NFR, literally was just doing day sheets. Something that's so redundant to a rodeo kid, right? Like we all know what a day sheet looks like.
00:11:05
Speaker
We're all, it's not hard. Really? You put the names down, you put tabs, you go get them printed and you pick them up and you bring them to the convention center. But like, that was my thing. But someone needed to do make it. that night and then I'd have to have them at the print shop by 7 a.m go pick them up and then make sure they were there at the convention center but again started as that like that was my first role and now look at you now we're here doing all this talk about like a glow up I mean like seriously you're the career woman you said you're 26 that's incredible you act probably 30 and then the best way that's not like calling you old it's like I'm such an old soul though like I'm the first person Irish goodbye you out of out
00:11:44
Speaker
outdoor function or rodeo function. So if you ever see me go missing, it's really just cause I went to bed. am so glad you said that. Tyler, my husband, if you're listening, it is okay. It's socially accessible, acceptable to Irish goodbye. Yeah. Do you, that might be a hot take. Like if you're listening, comment below and tell us if you think
Personal Life and Values
00:11:59
Speaker
the Irish goodbying is like, okay, because I think it is. Like if you're there with other people, you have to tell what you're traveling with. True. Other than that, no, yeah, Irish goodbye.
00:12:08
Speaker
I'll stand on that one. I love that. I love that. So especially like in social events, like weddings and stuff. i I did it to my best, one of my good friends the other day, actually at her wedding. And I didn't realize until like much later after the wedding, she's like, no, Taylor is actually worried about you. And i was like, oh I didn't think that people would be worried about like so many other people. Like, why were you looking for me?
00:12:26
Speaker
It was your wedding.
00:12:29
Speaker
That's amazing. That's I knew I liked you. i ah Oh, 10 o'clock. It's really past my bedtime. I gotta go. I'm like 830. I mean, usually I'm about 930. We typically travel out of our time zone. So I get like the benefit of being the Pacific time zone. So like then we go somewhere and you're like, oh, it's 10 o'clock. I got to go. It's early here. Yeah.
00:12:50
Speaker
That's amazing. And you're like, oops. see But honestly, as much as you travel, I'm sure you take up like any sleep time you can. Since you travel so much, what are some travel tips that you have? Anything that comes to mind? This is like really putting you on the spot. Travel tips.
00:13:05
Speaker
I would have to say, don't be a me. Don't procrastinate until the last second. i am the worst procrastinator ever. um My mom will get a kick out of this if she listens because she literally gets a phone call typically around 8.30 or 9 o'clock at night. And I'm not a night person, so it doesn't typically go well.
00:13:21
Speaker
And then I'm trying on outfits that I haven't even thought really about. I'm like, oh, I think this would be cute. and then you put it on, you're like, whoa, that is that not going to work. And then there's usually about a couple of those. And then after that, I'm literally clueless. And my mom's like telling me like, what about this outfit? and What about this outfit? And it's like a whole ordeal.
00:13:37
Speaker
So like my number one tip is don't be a procrastinator. But honestly, on my Instagram last night, I was very validated because 80% of my followers and friends in this industry are also procrastinators. So then I felt less bad.
00:13:50
Speaker
But that's really my only tip. And bring your own shampoo and conditioner. I can't stand hotel shampoo and conditioner. That is a hill I'll die on too. I'm a big Amika girl. What what do you use? I'm a Pureology. Okay.
00:14:01
Speaker
Like the purple hydrate bottle. I don't know. I've used it since forever. i have no great reason other than I really love it. I love the smell of it because it's like minty. Okay. And I just.
00:14:11
Speaker
It does. It makes you feel clean. I know. I guess i used it for a while too. Yeah. Yeah. And then this is something that I've started doing lately. I'll be like five days. I can get my hair five days. Do you do that too? like i can't. No. Like I think I just have just like thin and like not thin because I don't thin hair by means.
00:14:25
Speaker
But like fine enough hair that it just gets oily. So I'm like two days max. Oh wow. That's a lot of work. It is work. But i do have cardboard straight hair. Like this is this is natural hair. This natural? I barely blow dried it so I do have that blessing. I know a lot of girls, Jessica that works with us, Peace and our digital team, ah she has like very curly hair so whenever we travel it's like a whole ordeal and if it's humid like her curls activate and they're like there to play and I'm like oh hey like I got straighter hair again. You're like more humidity good, humidity good, I'm gonna have straighter hair.
00:14:57
Speaker
And it gets a little fuller when it's little humider. Okay. Oh hey this is fabulous. Volume maybe. Literally. I saw Jessica. I have not actually officially gotten to meet her. at all I don't think, but she was on stage um at the Miss Radio America pageant this past year.
00:15:10
Speaker
And I remember just being like, she might be my new girl crush just because she's so beautiful and so, so kind. Like, was Jessica on stage or Diana McCall? and bp Diana. I'm sorry. I got them confused. They're both beautiful. But yes, we make a joke and this is very not true, but yeah.
00:15:26
Speaker
and our group of women in the office there's like 12 of us 11 10 I don't know somewhere a lot there's four men versus the rest of us we giggle but like all of the women our office I really do have to compliment they're so beautiful and like in their own ways like we are all so different and I think that's one of the funnest things when you think about like the 30 under 30 groups yes like our women in our office are so different all different ages all different times of life and all of us love each other like it is so entertaining to hear like we call it the LVE girl gang because like all of us are just like best friends. We pop off in the group chat, you know, like we genuinely enjoy spending time with each other. And I think that's another tip that I'll add in here is surround yourself with people you enjoy to work with because at the end of the day, you spend most of your lifetime in your career.
00:16:10
Speaker
And if you don't love what you do, don't do it. Don't do it. Do not settle for that. There's a lot of things you can choose to settle for in life. I do not believe in a career situation being one you settle for just because it takes up such a vast majority of your life.
00:16:24
Speaker
Oh. We could end the podcast right there. That is so true. But like seriously, don't settle. Like go find something new. Be adventurous. Do what you need to do to succeed. Because I had no idea what I wanted to be. I'll be very frank about that. Like people ask me all the time like, oh, did you dream of this? Or, you know, my fiance's little sister, like she wants to be an officer and all these different things. And she's at that phase of life. She's 19, almost 20. And she's going through it. And i'm like, oh, girl, that's such a hard phase. Like just get through it. I promise. Like it'll be so worth it. You just got to get through it.
00:16:55
Speaker
and she's like okay okay like and it's become a thing right well that's one of those things I had no idea like I graduated young was done got an internship offer was like sure let's go I know what I want to do sure this will occupy my time at least I have a job like I was an accounting assistant before that receptionist like I had jobs throughout high school it wasn't like I didn't have jobs but I was like ah sure like I could go do this for a year or two and just have fun and you know we'll make a thing out of it and then all a sudden it was like my life and I was like whoa that just happened did I get here this can work like I love this and then the more I got involved the more I was like okay I can I can talk okay like okay I'm getting in sales meetings and really funny thing because I was so young and I do have to say like Bo took a chance with me my boss
00:17:40
Speaker
Very big chance of me, right? Like I was young, but like there was properties, like we couldn't meet with hotel properties sometimes, or he would have to specify like, hey, we have to go somewhere that she can sit.
00:17:53
Speaker
Like it was a thing when I first started working that like I was underage, even when we'd travel, like I was underage. Like I had to be very aware of it and like plan around it and make sure we weren't meeting for drinks for certain meetings. Like it was a whole thing. So at the end of the day, the story is like, it's worth it.
00:18:11
Speaker
Just put your head down, do the work. It'll all pan out, I promise, but don't settle. That actually reminds me of a funny thought. Did you ever feel like you were going to get to a place and then not be able to meet because they wouldn't let you in?
00:18:24
Speaker
I honestly think it did happen once and I don't remember where, but it did happen. i want to say it was a hotel meeting, maybe Mirage. I don't remember, but yes, we did get there and then like we had to like awkwardly go to like the coffee shop.
00:18:40
Speaker
And then it was like one of those moments where like me personally, I was like, well, this is weird. Like sitting there like, I'm a toddler. Well, this is awkward. Like, I swear I'm a big kid. I'm an adult. promise.
00:18:53
Speaker
um an adult i promise That's really cool for you too though, to like be so young, be, have a seat at the table, but then also like gain the respect of the older men, older women. yeah That's like a testament to you as well. And you've given us so much good advice. So I want to ask you a little bit more about your passions and your fun, the fun stuff
Family and Personal Interests
00:19:13
Speaker
about Ryland. You're just like so full of life. And that's what I love following along and following your journey. Like everywhere you go, you make it seem like you are the party. And that's like the best thing. I bring Vegas to you. You do, like literally, they need to pay you more.
00:19:26
Speaker
Beau, if you're listening, she needs to get the girl a raise. No, I'm just kidding. But um for real, tell us about Brylin outside of work. I know we were joking, like you don't ever have free time, but like what do you do in your free time?
00:19:37
Speaker
Honestly, my free time is just filled with family. like I am so lucky. We talked about my dad, my mom. She is an amazing human. um My aunt Sandy, right? Like everyone knows Sandy Gwotny and the studio industry. yes And like, I literally just fill myself with family, whether that's golfing. I do golf decent amount. Um,
00:19:56
Speaker
Fishing, do go tend to fish. Not actually a real fish person. i am terrified of the sea. That is a very common knowledge thing about me. um Well, really water in general, fish. But I will go fishing. i find that to be entertaining.
00:20:10
Speaker
and camping, really just anything family related. I am a pretty relaxed person when it comes to outside of this world. And I'm Most the time you catch me at a rodeo.
00:20:21
Speaker
I do not have horses at the house right now, but I talk about my horses all the time. They're here in Texas and and Sandy spoils me. There's a couple of young ones coming up that I might steal. So we'll see if I decide to think I'm brave enough to break out again and decide to rope and be that person. But, um you know, those unique experiences really kind of built me. And now I just somehow don't have any free time at that fun age where everyone's getting married, having babies, all those fun, crazy things. And, know,
00:20:49
Speaker
Yeah, here we are. just survived day to day. You're one of the ones getting married. Yes, my fiance, Jeff. um I don't know how to say anything but good things about him when it comes to the person he is. He's definitely the observer. He's very quiet.
00:21:03
Speaker
He won't say much if you do meet him, if you're lucky enough, because I do get to bring him some places. um But technically, ah police officer and an alternate for SWAT there in Henderson. And I get in trouble for mentioning that because he doesn't talk about it much. But...
00:21:18
Speaker
At the same time, like, I'm so proud of him. It's so crazy what he gets to do and like his adrenaline rushes and the trainings they go through and they're part of and he comes home and tells you all about and you're like, whoa. But then you see this big macho armor guy, right? Like he tell you that because that. And then, you know, my proposal was one of those you dream of. he We were in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and He flew his family up there. They actually flew into a separate airport to make sure we didn't see each other.
00:21:46
Speaker
Like the whole thing that you see in the movies, like photographer, the it's raining and like all of a sudden we're walking out in very Brylin fashion. I'm like, where are we going? We're not going to the boutiques.
00:21:58
Speaker
little misadictive. And it was cold, right? Yeah, it was freezing. It was literally like three days after Christmas. And it's freezing, raining. And like we're walking. I'm under this umbrella and I'm just like for like walking around, right? Like waddling, really.
00:22:13
Speaker
And I'm like, why are we not walking to a heated like boutique? What are we doing? I thought we were going shopping and I'm getting all like annoyed. Yeah. So entertaining because then we literally walk around. I walk right by his family, never see them. I'm just hiding under my umbrella.
00:22:28
Speaker
very Brylin fashion. And as we like get to this Mudgee the Moose there in Coeur d'Alene, it's like a walking trail. I'm like, who wants to look at this? It's a moose. And then he's like, you're going to need to move the umbrella. And I'm like, what? He's like, well, I think you know what's happening. Like you're going to need to move the umbrella. So your family and might can see. And I'm like, what?
00:22:51
Speaker
And like it hits. And I was like, oh, and I like turn so fast. I'm like staring off on the hill I'm like, your family's like what?
00:23:02
Speaker
And then I see a photographer. It's like the whole thing. I'm like, how did you manage? Like, I am a type A. I plan everything. I book the hotel rooms. I book the flights. Like, how did you figure out how to plan this? He's like, a lot of effort.
00:23:17
Speaker
Wow. Like, it was so surreal though. And I'm just super excited to spend my life with It sounds like you had truly no idea. Like you really had. Like I knew it was sometime coming in the near future, but like day, time, place.
00:23:28
Speaker
Absolutely not. Wow. Like I was doing the ultimate girl thing where you're like, okay, don't get overexcited, right? Like don't start thinking every vacation is going to be like a proposal. Don't start thinking a nice dinner or whatever. like But also have your nails done every time. Right. Like, hey, we're in this phase where maybe you should start getting your nails done a little bit more consistently because i am a really bad um nail person. Oh, I will tend to keep them not done often.
00:23:53
Speaker
I'll pretend I didn't say that, but you know, it's actually a big thing for me. I'm really bad at it. It's the cowgirl. I think the cowgirl in this is like, gotta to use your hands. Oh yeah. Like my poor nail girl.
00:24:03
Speaker
Thank gosh I don't rodeo anymore because I really don't understand how I'm so hard on my hands. Like I break nails. I get blisters still. I'm like how do I manage? Like I'm not dallying. I'm not even. Like I don't even have a good story for this. Like I picked up a suitcase and all of a sudden Like no good. My nails hanging off.
00:24:20
Speaker
but Literally. Yeah. No, that that's well, I'd love that for you. That is like the cutest we need. We said in another episode that like Hallmark and Netflix, Hallmark and Netflix need to be a part of this. But like truly, if you need an agent, I'm your girl because. You 100% went Hallmark on me. Yeah, that is the cutest. Like the macho man in my head went Hallmark and I was just like.
00:24:40
Speaker
Okay, how did you meet? Did you have like a cute meet cute? um Yes and no. We've known each other for a long time as far as like, I don't know, probably seven years, somewhere in there. um Family friend, Rob Hart.
00:24:52
Speaker
And I'd always see him at Thanksgiving. And it was funny because he did have a long-term girlfriend at one point. and You know, you're like waiting for it. Like I used to joke and tell me Sandy and be like, well, when he gets rid of that girl, like maybe, maybe like I would totally date him.
00:25:09
Speaker
And it was a running joke, like a complete hysterical, like whatever, like you're just being a smart aleck. Well, Thanksgiving happens and like the next day or something, my mom calls and she's like, did you know Jeff's single? And I was like, what?
00:25:26
Speaker
Literally was shocked. Like, what? Tell me more. and she's like, I don't know, but I heard Clarissa talking about it so then course. of course that's Rob's wife. And I'm like calling. I'm like, Hey, is this sort like, really?
00:25:38
Speaker
And she's like, yeah. I'm like, why did no one tell me? Like everyone's just been holding out. Like this has been a year and a half. Like no one told me like this had to have happened before. And they're like, Oh yeah, did.
00:25:49
Speaker
I'm like, No one told me. You're like, I've been here this whole time. was like, whatever. Okay. And then we just ended up hitting it off like immediately, like literally hung out during NFR.
00:26:00
Speaker
And I was just like, wow. Okay. Like I really like you. Like, okay, this could be something real, you know? And we just kept dating and his family is incredible and our families get along great. And that's huge for me. Like when you can go spend time with their family and vice versa, like,
00:26:19
Speaker
That was a non-negotiable for me. But as we continued to develop, it was just like, yep, okay, you're my person. He's the one. And I'm not the softie usually, but I'm like, okay, he's the one. Like, all right, I'd marry him. So then the like joke went from like, oh, I'd totally date him. Oh my God, totally marry you. Like,
00:26:35
Speaker
Come on. Oh, that's so cute though. I'm like speechless right now. I'm like, that is every girl out there listening is like, okay, that's the new goal. Like, yeah, every single girl. Yes, it really, no, it really is.
00:26:47
Speaker
And timing is everything. Like truly, Tyler and I talk about all the time. Like if we would have actually tried dating earlier, I don't think we have ended up married. Yeah, because we were just too immature. We hadn't been through life. Same with you guys. Like he needed to date that girl to figure out what he wanted and didn't want. And exactly it all worked out the way that it did. And I think like,
00:27:04
Speaker
your career also plays into that. Honestly, I hate to say that in this sort of way, but like I put my career first for a very long time and not saying that it's not put first now yeah by any means, but it definitely was something that like when my relationship got more serious, I did have to find better balances and travel plans and those things. And it was this whole new world for me, like not being a free gypsy spirit of like,
00:27:25
Speaker
oh hey let's let's pick up and go in the hour of the day and night and yeah exactly like oh hey there's a rodeo this weekend great let's drive like oh hey there's this let's go let's go like everything was just go ah go go and now it's like okay like hey we could go to this hey you could go to that I can go that like definitely still doing our own things by all means but it's intriguing to see how your phases of life will change so don't think that one way is the right way. Like life will change, keep going, enjoy it, enjoy each phase because they are all so different. Like it's crazy as you get older, how much you're like, oh wow, this could have been very different. Oh wow, this could have like never, never would have worked prior. I was 100% traveling so a lot, yeah whether at work or personal, like I couldn't imagine.
00:28:11
Speaker
No. And even you brought up a good point because there's a lot of people in the rodeo industry that work together. And I guess really in general, um I just was talking to a friend whose parents are both bankers that work in the same bank and they work together and stuff.
00:28:22
Speaker
Do you think it's like beneficial that you and Jeff work in different fields? Or do you think that like you could work together? I don't think I could ever work with Tyler. Like, I love you, babe, but I can't work with you. Like, yeah. Yeah. Honestly, I think it's actually my biggest blessing that we are not in the same industry. Yeah. One of the jokes that went around is Jeff actually had asked my uncle John, ah is she a suits or a cowboy girl?
00:28:42
Speaker
who And that's fair. Like I work in cowboys and corporate. Like, so that was his assumption. And I was like, neither. Like, I don't want anything to do with that industry that I like.
00:28:53
Speaker
Oh, a date in my own industry. It's messy. It's like, I just, I don't know. Just avoid it. all Totally get it. And like, I remember that being so funny to me at the beginning because i was like, what the heck? Why would you assume that?
00:29:05
Speaker
And now I'm like, I kind of love that we don't do anything in our same industry, but like we do in small ways. Like he loves the Western world. He loves horses. He definitely loves to go to rodeos.
00:29:16
Speaker
Yeah. So it's more fun. i think now when I get to like pull him into my world and be like, look what I do and vice versa. Oh yeah. Like it's crazy when you hear his stories and those sides of things, you're like, whoa, okay, I'm going back.
00:29:28
Speaker
Yeah. you think you'd ever want to do a ride along with him? Do you think? You know, I think most people are probably shocked that I haven't yet. Yeah. But I've kind of just avoided it because I feel like it'd be really awkward.
00:29:39
Speaker
And maybe this is just mine. Like, I couldn't imagine him just like sitting in the corner right now. Or like, that's a good point. And being in a meeting room with me. Like, i don't know. Because then I'd have 12,000 questions and he'd be like, can you not?
00:29:53
Speaker
I feel like a I would be the same way, right? Like, yeah, well, we explain these stats and demographics because of this. And when we talk about hotel contracts and the sat feed and this, that and the other, he'd be like, OK, like, why is that relevant?
00:30:07
Speaker
And it'd be the same thing for like, that's so true. Why does that matter? Like, oh, why'd you do that? Why'd you like? Well, because that's a lot. Oh, Right. Okay. Funny. Weird. Okay. Like, I just feel like I would annoy him and vice versa. Yeah.
00:30:21
Speaker
I totally, no, I totally agree. Cause Tyler works in like lawn sprinkler and like, that's fun, but like such a guy thing, right? No, thank you. Yeah. I like to just hear the stories when he gets home. For sure. The stories are like, I'm like, so what million dollar home did you work on today? let Tell me about their inside pool. Look at the gate that I had to drive through.
00:30:43
Speaker
like the ridiculousness behind all of it yeah or like yeah this person totally tried to do like it's a whole thing it is but it's like nice that we get to both come home and like explain our days and talk about them and enjoy that versus like having true input and be like oh we shouldn't you've done this or like this that it like i don't know i feel like it makes us be confident and like grow each other more in each of our own areas because we have such different outlooks on what we do And that's like the beauty of it, the balance where you find each
New Interests and Hobbies
00:31:09
Speaker
other.
00:31:09
Speaker
That's actually something that I always admired about Sandy and John was like, they worked together and there might've been days at rodeos that they were ready to like, they did not agree and they were ready to like kill each other. But at the end of the day, they were still family, still came together, still loved each other. And that was honestly because of them, I was like, I never want to work with my husband or wife or whatever. like So we do have a five minute rule in our family. Okay.
00:31:31
Speaker
This is relevant for especially when we were high school rodeoing growing up. But anything happens in the arena, you have five minutes. You have five minutes to complain. You have five minutes to scream. You have five minutes to be happy, whatever it may be. But you have five minutes.
00:31:43
Speaker
And then you leave it there. And you get the heck over it and move on. ah Be done with it. don't care what it is. Love that. You have five minutes. Celebrate, cheer, be mad, scream, be upset.
00:31:54
Speaker
That's it though. Be done with it. that That works. That translates to a lot too. Like grieve, you know, more than five minutes, but like give yourself a day, give yourself whatever. Yeah. But put a time limit on it.
00:32:06
Speaker
Yeah. Understand that there's still life. Keep moving, pick up, move on. And I think that's why you've made it as far as you have. Cause you've been able to stay like mentally sane. I'm taking notes from you. Cause I'm like, mentally there's a lot that happens, right? Like, and Mentally, there's like so many different spirals that we could go down. And even like competing at Missouri America, that was a whole mental game. Like, yes, just trying to mentally overcome just the um marathon it was or whatever. So I am so inspired by you.
00:32:33
Speaker
yeah like The marathon you run there. Oh, kudos because right there's no way it's it's insane but since we've gotten to know a lot about you in all areas a little bit of rodeo a little bit of boardroom a little bit of even personal I've got to know what are some things that like you're really loving right now any podcast books drinks whatever drinks wise I love an espresso martini I really don't drink much to be honest yeah but if they have an espresso martini you can bet I'm likely ordering it to try it do you get cream in it or just drink it black okay
00:33:04
Speaker
Absolutely. Yeah. Same. Well, I guess it depends if they serve it with it or not. I just like all versions. I love coffee though. Like coffee is my weakness. I start every morning with it, whether I really needed it or not. It doesn't really do anything for me. I just love coffee.
00:33:16
Speaker
Same. Um, book wise, I was not a reader after I, um, submerged myself through school. I think I just like told myself I'm never reading again. Um, um but recently i have started picking up some colleen hoover books and getting lost in them and it's actually a whole new weird thing for me because i'm like whoa like no i'm a book where okay you're getting lost in books yeah like that's great never envisioned myself being that person by any means so yeah pick up a book read it see if you like it if you hate it put it back down for another year and try again next year because for real all of a sudden it might work like i don't know
00:33:52
Speaker
literally I was stuck in an airport in Austin ah randomly I don't even know what for oh deep sea fishing and Diana texted me and she's like go grab this book it's really really good and i'm like okay sounds good I literally like picked up and had it read by like the next day because I was like sunk with the it ends with us right and then the movie came out and all these things and I was like Like, whirlwind, i need I need to dive into this so I can be done by the movie. And, like, it was this whole ordeal. Well, then it just kind of led into, like, all a sudden and I'm reading books again. And I'm like, I pack a book in my bag now? Like, who am I?
00:34:29
Speaker
You're aging well. I guess. And I can still see. So that's I still haven't packed readers yet. That's so true. I actually last year had to go to the eye doctor for the first time in a while.
00:34:39
Speaker
And they were like, so you can't see far away or close up. And was just like, this explains a lot. ah Great. Thanks. So can you fix it? I'm like, yeah, with this, this and this. You're like, oh, great. Add that not to my things to do every day.
00:34:54
Speaker
No, for real. Speaking of that, do you have any, you said you drink coffee in the morning. Do you have any routines that you do daily? Anything? No, I'm probably actually the least routine, most routine person, if that makes any sense. Like my mornings always start the same.
00:35:06
Speaker
um But besides that, once I get to work at eight o'clock, usually, we usually get there early as the corporate marketing team. We just take that time to really meet, make sure we're aligned on everything that we're gonna go through that day.
00:35:19
Speaker
And then like you just go work on whatever you're on and whatever the day leads to. like Whenever you leave, that's when you leave, typically around four, sometimes around five or six, during the end of the year, definitely a lot later. But aside from that, like no, I'm trying to get back into routine because when I had horses, yes,
00:35:37
Speaker
everything was ritual like you did this you got up at this time fed road bla bla blah blah blah right like there's no time to not be scheduled yeah but no no okay well I know we're like almost out of time but I'm dying to know what it's like living in Las Vegas during the NFR how do you manage it do you get to sleep in your own bed no okay So we move into hotels typically five days before, like the Monday or Sunday.
00:36:01
Speaker
um As far as Cowboy Christmas goes, that starts actually like two weeks in advance with the hall, everything going in there, ah signage going up, carpets, everything you can imagine. Electric. Unreal. All the things, yeah.
00:36:13
Speaker
um But no, NFR for me is a whirlwind. I literally do become the ultimate planner. I have a note sheet of what I have to wear every day with details of what jewelry, boots,
00:36:25
Speaker
hat, scarf, whatever the heck goes with it. and I don't feel like I have any time to think, but we put our heads down. We survive the days and you go with it. Usually by day six, it becomes fun.
00:36:36
Speaker
ah You finally get to start breathing. You've got through all the conferences. You've got through all the check-ins on the huge side. Yeah. you know We do a turnover at day five for us. So once I get rolling on the first group, we're like, hey, we're wrapping up. And now we bring in the next group for their back number ceremonies on the finals day on that Sunday, Monday. And like it becomes this whole thing. And then once we get to day six and seven, like, whew, okay.
00:37:01
Speaker
Now we're now we're living the NFR and then we typically will go see an after show of some sort and hopefully sneak a few concerts in and enjoy. But yes, as far as that goes, Cowboy Christmas all day, Junior NFR all day, Thomas and Mac.
00:37:13
Speaker
Then if you're lucky, you'll see me out at a hotel property, but not likely. Yeah, you're like, but also I'll be in bed early. But also I try and get to bed. Like that new start time of NFR, I know it happened because of like the Eastern Standard Time, really just engaging those listeners in that like demographic because we caught them when we came in 2020. Like we realized how many East Coast listeners there were or streamers, however you want to reference that. And like coming back, that was one of the big things that went into play. Also getting them back to hotels and letting them have time to go to a concert after the rodeo. Like it allows you to both if you really want to. Yeah.
00:37:45
Speaker
And so that's... really ended up playing a favor into me personally. I'll be like, thank you. But like really the big picture there was ah lot more going on. Oh, for sure. And I think what's cool about you is like you have the opportunity to walk down the strip at any point in time and go to any restaurant, any hotel. So I'm sure this is like a hard question to ask you since you're in partnerships and you like have really good relationships with the hotels, but what's your favorite like restaurant to eat at and on the strip or in the hotels? And then where's your favorite place to stay?
00:38:15
Speaker
Oh, so stay wise. I feel like that's a hard one because there really is so many good options. There are. Food wise, though, i would have to say i was just pleasantly surprised for the very first time in a long time. Fountain Blue allowed us to go to Dawn Prime. Okay. There in their steakhouse.
00:38:34
Speaker
And it was incredible. um I would say definitely is right there alongside Michael's at South Point. You cannot go wrong. It's an experience on its own. You cannot go wrong. And the Golden Steer.
00:38:45
Speaker
Like those are three that I think you could consistently count on to really show up and be like, whoa. that was an experience and I think that's what's unique about Vegas you talk about experiences NFR specifically there's 116 experiences or NFR after darks that happen after the start of NFR time um so when you think about the opportunity that doesn't count any restaurants that doesn't count any of those things that's just concerts after parties viewing parties whatever it may be 116 really 116 that take place in 10 days wowza I've never counted them But you yeah you being a members girl, you have to count them. We do.
00:39:19
Speaker
It's part of our presentations. But yeah, it's insane to see the true opportunity there in Vegas as a fan. Like, you know, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, that concert went on, but those were 60,000 seat venues, right? Like holy cow that group, we could anticipate probably half of them, um maybe three fourths of them were already there in Vegas, but there's definitely a new demographic playing in this rodeo world. and I think, you know,
00:39:41
Speaker
You taught cowboys cool right now, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, especially like it's a very unique world we're living in with the Western industry. And like the fact that we get to really just entertain it and give them every opportunity in a 20 mile radius in Las Vegas. And we always say, like, stay your way because you can come and stay at the nicest hotel and have this bougie experience let's be real yeah or you can come and stay at a lower end of property and there's nothing wrong with that like you can come go to the free viewing parties you can go to the free cowboy christmas and walk around and be a part of this experience and there's something for everyone and it's so unique yeah just because that you you truly can do it your way anyway and still make it work
00:40:22
Speaker
That is such a good perspective. I've never stopped to think, because I've have heard you guys say, stay your way, but I've never stopped to think about like what it actually meant. So yeah that's so cool. We could talk for hours, and I feel like maybe in the future before NFR, I need to have you back on, maybe via Zoom or something, to like talk through like actual Cowboy Christmas hacks and stuff like that. And junior NFR hacks and stuff. Take Uber.
00:40:42
Speaker
That's a fact. For real. Or like the Tesla Tunnels. tunnel The loop. I'll give you some key. The loop will be available at Westgate, Virgin Resorts World, and Encore, technically.
00:40:54
Speaker
Okay. So there's your Tesla loop. ah The monorail is always a fantastic option. I highly advise not driving to Cal by Christmas or Junior NFR. Junior NFR does get to come back. A very, very fun celebration. Ten years in Las Vegas. Over 745 contestants. 800 plus entries.
00:41:13
Speaker
ah Streaming actually is extended into Brazil now. So the interest is in five different countries. ah Very proud of our producers we work with throughout the year and truly there who make it possible. But...
00:41:25
Speaker
Vegas is the place to be in December, no matter how you look at it. It is for, I mean, multiple reasons. There's so many things going on and um shame on me for not having the Instagram pulled up and ready for them, but it's um at junior NFR, right?
00:41:37
Speaker
Yes. Or NFR finals. NFR experience. okay as far as nfr goes and then junior nfr las vegas okay that's the official app okay because i'm like i have yours i if you guys want to catch up with brylan hers is i don't i don't even know if you want me to give out your personal instagram but i am here brylan underscore bentley and um we didn't even get to really talk about the podcast so i'm sorry about that but if you have loved what you've heard from brylan and you want to see more and hear her personality shine through she's one of the three hosts of NFR extra.
00:42:08
Speaker
And you can find that anywhere that you get podcasts the same way you're listening to this podcast right now. I'll also tag it below in the show notes. Um, but you guys, I am just so happy that you got to hear Brylin story and Brylin, thank you for being on. This has been like such an honor. I know you've had like five seconds, so I'm thankful to take like five seconds of your time, of your time in Fort Worth. But, um,
00:42:29
Speaker
I just wish you the best in all that you do. I'm so excited to see your wedding photos of your beautiful wedding. Yeah. In less than a year, hug your mom and dad. Next time you see them, tell them I said hi. And, um, if you guys, like I said, want to hear more from Brylin, check out her Instagram, check out her podcast and if our extra, and you maybe just might get lucky lucky enough to even run into her. If you head out to Vegas,
00:42:54
Speaker
um at NFR. um But anyways, we're so excited that you listened. Thank you for joining us. And um as always, please like, subscribe, share this with your friends. And we can't wait to see you the next time you kick your boots up.
00:43:06
Speaker
Thanks for joining us on kick your boots up. I'm your host Taylor McAdams, and we can't wait to share the next story of the West. Until then, feel free to like, subscribe and leave us a review.
00:43:17
Speaker
Follow us on social media at Justin Boots to keep up with our next episode. And we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up.