A big part of a sales rep job is traveling and being away from home. Ryan Pratt travels fifteen to twenty days each month as a rep for Nocona, American Hats, and Fast Back Ropes. Ryan, 42, lives in Shelbyville, Tennessee, with fiancé, Kristen, and his “territory” includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. While it may not appeal to most who are accustomed to working regular hours each week, it does have benefits.
“I am able to take my horse and rope and stay with friends,” explains Pratt. “I love the western industry and enjoy what I do. I sell boots, hats, and ropes. It’s really just visiting my customers and having conversations about the products.”
Ryan, and younger brother, Ross, were born into a rodeo family. Their father, Rod Pratt, qualified 14 times in the Steer Roping at the NFR. Their mom, Nanci Pratt, ran barrels in the PRCA. The family operated a feed yard in Burlington, Colorado until Ryan’s grandfather became ill. The family then moved to Colby, Kansas to help run the family ranch.
As a child, Ryan competed in Little Britches rodeo and the Rocky Mountain Junior Rodeo Association until the move to Kansas when he was twelve. He went on to High School rodeo in all three timed events, earning a scholarship at Colby Community College. Ryan finished his education at Eastern New Mexico University with a degree in Ag Education.
“After college I hit the rodeo trail until my daughter was born in 2001, then I moved back to Kansas.” explains Ryan.
Working at trade shows for Roper Stetson eventually led Ryan to his current job. When not on the road, Ryan, a #7E heeler, can be found competing at PRCA rodeos in the Great Lake Circuit, IPRA rodeos, or USTRC or World Series team ropings. He also teaches several roping schools each year.
“It’s very difficult to compete without the help of sponsors,” says Pratt. “Lubrisyn, Fast Back Ropes, and Heel-O-Matic support me and I am grateful to have access to premium products that give me an edge during competition.
COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
Not as much as I would like due to work and travel.
Do you make your own horses?
Yes.
Who were your roping heroes growing up?
Mike Beers, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Rod Pratt.
Who do you respect most in the world?
God.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
God.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Rope.
Favorite movie?
Lonesome Dove.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Loyal. Hardworking. Happy go lucky.
What makes you happy?
Getting to rope.
What makes you angry?
Not getting to rope.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Pay off bills and invest the rest.
What is your best quality – your worst?
My best quality is loyalty. Worst quality is impatience.
