I've been tremendously lucky to enjoy a variety of experiences within the industry and outside of it; both perspectives have served to give me a fresh view and skillset to share with the show jumping industry. I grew up riding in a show jumping barn and followed the traditional track of becoming a work student for a few trainers as I got older. I continued to ride as an amateur client when I ventured into the professional phase of my life, which eventually led to my career decision to start a marketing and strategic consulting firm in 2012. The focus of that firm, Big Red Marketing, was to serve non-profits and family-owned businesses as those clients embodied a sense of community that I've always appreciated in my riding experiences. In 2015 I was approached by the Paso Robles Horse Park to provide marketing and strategy services as they were preparing to open their new facility. This allowed for a marrying of my professional aspirations with my personal passions. This initial relationship grew and evolved to introduce me to the professional side of the show jumping industry through a career in horse show management.
Phone number:
Committee member:
Banquet, Technology
What would you like to contribute as a NorCal board member?
Having had the opportunity to evolve my career to become more involved in show jumping, I've enjoyed a new appreciation for the contribution of associations to the future direction of our sport. My hope is to be able to bring the unique perspective of amateur competitor, show manager, and business owner accustomed to working with the demands from a range of industries to the NorCal boar to help support their current work and provide fresh perspectives as new and future ideas arise.
How do you think NorCal can best fulfill the needs of its membership?
In my role as a horse show manager I have seen how decision-makers influencing the sport are often out of touch with the unique geography and business demands faced by the show jumping industry in the state of California. I believe NorCal serves a key role in representing its region, which is too often lumped into and lost with the bigger picture of the entire state. The atmosphere and needs of our industry, and its ability to sustainably support the next generation of riders, trainers, and supporters from the Northern California region are critical to achieving what I strongly believe best serves the entire industry. The larger voice of NorCal creates local opportunities while representing the region state-wide and nationally; this combination of opportunities and representation is key to keeping a region that has long been a leader in our industry relevant and able to fulfill the needs of members today and into the future.
