Leaders Of The West

Jessie Jarvis

Welcome to Leaders Of The West, a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave … These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you. You’ll find new episodes, right here, every week. Don’t forget to hit subscribe, so you never miss a show. Let’s go! Website: https://ofthewest.co/ Instagram: @ofthewest.co Instagram: @mrsjjarv Facebook: @jobsofthewest

  1. 1d ago

    174. What’s Really Happening with the Large Animal Vet Shortage with Dr. Leslie Easterwood

    If you own horses or cattle, chances are you've felt the large animal veterinarian shortage firsthand. Maybe your longtime vet retired with no one to take their place, or getting an appointment that once took a phone call now means waiting weeks. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Leslie Easterwood, clinical educator at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and longtime leader with the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She shares her path from livestock show kid to equine veterinarian and educator, then takes us inside the challenges facing large animal veterinary medicine today. We talk about why veterinarians are leaving equine and rural practice, the impact of student debt, work-life balance and mental health, and what organizations are doing to change that trajectory. Dr. Easterwood also shares how clients can better support their veterinarians and why she remains incredibly optimistic about the future of the profession. Whether you're a livestock owner, horse owner, or a student considering veterinary medicine, this is an important conversation about a shortage that affects all of agriculture. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Dr. Easterwood: Visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) websiteVisit The Foundation for The Horse website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Don CliftonTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Veterinary Science Certificate ProgramThe Future of Equine Practitioners Symposium OEPSTexas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA)Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion.  Purina Equine Feed

  2. Sep 15

    173. Jake Nelson Is Rewriting How Cattle Get Sold

    What happens when a rancher sees a hurdle in the cattle industry and decides to build the solution himself? This week, I'm joined by Jake Nelson, rancher, Army veteran, and founder of CattleQuest. Jake shares how his background in ranching, military service, and entrepreneurship led him to create a tool that brings cattle market data from multiple stockyards into one place, helping producers make more informed decisions about when and where to buy and sell their cattle. We talk about taking an idea from a conversation to an actual product, the challenge of introducing new technology into an industry that can be resistant to change, and why Jake chose to launch before everything was perfect. Jake also shares how his military experience shaped the way he approaches leadership, fear, and adversity, and why pushing through uncomfortable situations can leave you more capable on the other side. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jake: Visit the CattleQuest website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris VossJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion.  Purina Equine Feed

  3. Sep 8

    172. Are You Actually a Fit for That Job?

    This week we’re tackling an uncomfortable conversation in the job-seeking world: If you're applying for many positions and never hearing back, you simply might not be qualified for that job. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down how to honestly evaluate whether you're a good fit for a role before you hit apply. We're talking about the "spray and pray" approach, why more applications don't necessarily equal better odds, and how to separate must-have qualifications from skills you can learn along the way. I also dig into technical skills, transferable experience, career transitions, and why sometimes taking a strategic step back can actually move your career forward. This isn't about shrinking your goals or settling for less. It's about protecting your time, energy, and confidence by focusing on opportunities where you can genuinely compete. If you're job searching or trying to break into agriculture or the Western industry, this episode is for you. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: The Ag + Western Career BlueprintJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion.  Purina Equine Feed

  4. Sep 1

    171. How to Build Customer Loyalty Without Traditional Advertising with Catherine Neumayr of V8 Ranch

    This week, I'm joined by Catherine Neumayr of V8 Ranch, one of the most legendary Brahman operations in the world. Catherine grew up in the cattle industry, but she and her husband, Luke, also built a wildly successful wedding photography business, photographing more than 150 weddings around the world and building their first million-dollar business without spending a dime on traditional advertising. Today, Catherine has brought those lessons back home to V8 Ranch. We talk about why the little details matter, how to create an experience that turns customers into lifelong fans, and the four principles Catherine and Luke used to build their business. Catherine also shares how V8 creates meaningful experiences for customers and why agriculture needs people with skills and experience from outside the industry. Whether you're running a ranch, building a business, or wondering if the skills you've developed somewhere else belong in agriculture, this episode is a reminder that there is a place for you here. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Catherine: Visit V8’s websiteFollow on Instagram @v8ranchFollow on YouTube @V8RanchCattle Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Purple Cow by Seth GodinAuthor Freida McFaddenOf The West Walk Up Song PlaylistJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion.  Purina Equine Feed

  5. Aug 25

    170. Joining Forces with The League and Dana Jensen

    If you work behind the scenes of an equine or Western event, whether you're managing a facility, producing a show, or just getting your foot in the door, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Dana Jensen, Managing Director of The League, an organization dedicated to advancing the equine and ag event industry through education, professional development, networking, and shared standards. Dana shares her own journey from horse-crazy kid to competitor, show producer, facility director, and eventually leader of The League. We also dive into some of the organization's incredible resources, including its Footing Academy and Certified Manager of Equine Centers credential, plus why The League recently expanded its membership to include producers, young professionals, breed associations, and others throughout the industry. And we're sharing something exciting! Of The West and The League are joining forces for a free town hall focused on 2026 hiring trends, tips, and best practices. We'll be talking about the challenges that facilities and event producers face when it comes to finding qualified people, building stronger teams, and hiring full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and contract help. If you're involved in producing equine or Western events at any level, we hope you'll join us. Click here to sign up. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Dana: Visit The League’s websiteFollow on Instagram @theleaguehub Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: The Ag + Equine Hiring Town Hall from The League & Of The WestOf The West Walk Up Song PlaylistJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion.  Purina Equine Feed

  6. Aug 18

    169. Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K Beach, Pt 2: How She Forged Ahead

    This is Part 2 of a two-part episode with Sharon K. Beach. Listen to last week’s episode where Sharon shared the incredible story of surviving a kidnapping, a life-threatening medical battle, and a decades-long fight within the justice system. This week, we're continuing the conversation by digging into what carried her through it all: mental toughness. Sharon shares her ABCs of surviving: attitude, belief, and choice. She also shares how faith, forgiveness, determination, and a refusal to let her past control her helped her rebuild an extraordinary life. We talk about what it means to keep going when life looks nothing like you planned, why asking for help is a sign of strength, and how even our hardest experiences can become part of someone else's survival guide. If you're walking through your own version of rock bottom, this conversation is a powerful reminder that healing takes time and there are people willing to help. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Sharon K. Beach: Visit her websiteSign up for release dates and info for her book Don’t You Dare Let Go Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Ep 168: Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K. Beach, Pt 1: What She Lived ThroughSame Kind of Different As MeNational Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion.  Purina Equine Feed

  7. Aug 11

    168. Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K Beach, Pt 1: What She Lived Through

    Some stories are too important not to tell. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode where Sharon Beach joins me to share the remarkable story that changed her life forever. In 1989, Sharon was kidnapped and held captive for four days and five nights. What followed wasn't just a fight for survival, but years of overcoming life-threatening medical complications and navigating an incredibly difficult justice system. In this episode, Sharon shares how faith and strategy helped her survive, the intense challenges she faced after escaping, and the resilience that carried her through it all. While this conversation is difficult, it is ultimately a story of perseverance. Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where we dive into the mindset, mental grit, and life lessons that helped Sharon build an extraordinary life after tragedy. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Sharon: Visit her websiteSign up for release dates and info for her book Don’t You Dare Let Go Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion.  Purina Equine Feed

  8. Aug 4

    167. Ranch Management Technology Every Producer Should Know with Andrew Fraser of Halter

    This week, I'm joined by Andrew Fraser, President of Halter, one of the fastest-growing ag tech companies in the world. We dive into the story behind Halter, how virtual fencing has evolved from an ambitious idea into technology that's transforming cattle operations, and why building products alongside ranchers has been the key to their success. We also talk about labor shortages, succession planning, company culture, and why the future of agriculture depends on creating tools that give producers more time to focus on what matters most. Whether you're curious about ranch technology, looking for career opportunities in agriculture, or simply interested in how innovation is shaping the future of the West, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Halter: Visit their websiteFollow on Instagram @halterhq Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion.  Purina Equine Feed

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About

Welcome to Leaders Of The West, a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave … These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you. You’ll find new episodes, right here, every week. Don’t forget to hit subscribe, so you never miss a show. Let’s go! Website: https://ofthewest.co/ Instagram: @ofthewest.co Instagram: @mrsjjarv Facebook: @jobsofthewest

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