The Supreme Court on Thursday embraced the long-disputed view that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to own a gun for personal use, ruling 5 to 4 that there is a constitutional right to keep a loaded handgun at home for self-defense.

Be sure to check out the latest on this topic at the New York Times.

Bear with us while we make a few changes.

What else is there to do (besides riding bulls) when the temp's drop below freezing in Iowa?

Killin critters, but of course...

Nathan has found it to be rather productive. His first day he called in 4 at once (and only had his .22)and another two in different settings.

This one didn't quite survive the reach of a 30.06.

So, if you know any farmers in the area in need of some varmint control....give us a call!

Anyone doubting if Iowa has coyote's should give us a call as well....they are every where...even in downtown Des Moines.

Are you a drag racing fan?

I know I am.

I guess it must be like rodeo. Once you get exposed to it, you become addicted. The passion involved in the business is present everywhere.

So what does this have to do with the price of CORN?

Absolutely nothing....

Then why are you asking me if I like drag racing?

Honestly?

Well....our Sister and her Husband love drag racing so much that they decided to open a new store in South Bridge Mall in Mason City, IA. It has gone over so well that they invested the time and money into a new e-commerce site that allows you the opportunity to visit them on-line and order the really hard to find items.

I had a chance to check out the new web-site today and was really impressed.

They are called DRAG RACING HEAVEN and you can visit them on-line at http://www.dragracingheaven.com

Let me know what you think....never know, you might just see our big truck at the drag races. Maybe we can find some cross-over. We already know that the moto-x's love our protective vests. Maybe we have something in our product line that the drag racers need....

If I were a reporter, let's just say I'd get fired. Nothing like a timely story.

This was the scene earlier this week right across the road from our new location.

I heard it, however didn't initially connect the boom with the sirens and the big cloud of black smoke.

As it turns out it was a major chemical (Barton) plant that exploded and shut things down for quite a while. Fortunately no one was seriously injured.

For complete coverage visit the Des Moines Register here.

I found this video pretty amazing. An inside peak at how Boeing is changing the airline business.

...especially not with your mom's car.

WHAT????

Ya gotta be kidding,,,right?

Well, not exactly.

As it turns out Brett Trout, who specializes in Internet Law and Patent related legal topics is a rare find when it comes to lawyers in my experience. He is absolutely my first "go-to" when it comes to e-commerce or new product development legal protection questions.

We (Nathan, myself and Adam Steen) shared an afternoon with Brett out on the farm pond fishing. Learned a few things that lead me to believe this is a guy you definitely want in your hip pocket..... if and when the time arises.

Click here to see what I mean....

I love it!

PS: If you are considering launching an e-commerce business I highly recommend (Internet Laws Affecting Your Company)  his book. It can guide you through many of the common pitfalls you might other wise crash in. Also if you have a new product and need help inquiring about Patent protection...he is the man....well worth the money!

....it's my birthday too!

Yep. Another year flew by once again!

I tried to claim "32" the other day in a meeting and was quickly reminded ~NOT!

So, I guess that would officially make me 34.

As I think back to that hot day in Missoula, MT, of which I can't remember ....I am only reminded by my mother exactly how hot it really was....it tells me life has flown by rather quickly.

Hmmmm. Maybe I need a Harley...oh' ya not a mid-life crisis (at least I hope not)

Yet, when I think about everything that has happened...damn it sure seems packed full of some great stuff, not so great stuff and a bunch of stuff I can't remember. Hmmmmm....I'm getting old and losing my hair. Accepting it is the first step towards recovery.

Sooooooooooo....

I guess that would make this right around 7 years since I started this business. I can clearly relate to the struggles of the rodeo athletes who are passionate and determined to become a World Champion. It is no different here. The road is never easy...certainly not cheap and will constantly test your ability to survive. Getting to the top is just the first step, what happens once you get there is the real question.

How bad do you want it?????

I have had the blessing of meeting some wonderful people and some real shysters(?).

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to help you. That is ultimately why I do what I do...guess I think I'm an all right guy...

Heading out to the Iowa State Fair tonight to celebrate with Gary Allen. Awesome in concert!

Spur It' UP!

Good news...

is Clint Dickes is tough as nails and stubborn as hell Haitis.

Bad news...

is he is down and out for several weeks watching re-runs of what happened while he heals up. He had previously broke his back several times and re injured that injury from the sounds of it. He is off to see a specialist. Didn't sound like the local Doc's were any to receptive to fixing "Rodeo" guys with self inflicted injuries....joy.... I love my job kind.

Good News....

Dexter Steiber is out and about and didn't break his neck as originally thought. I haven't had a chance to catch up with him just yet, so hopefully everything will be cool and he'll be back riding. He had one buckin' dude last night.

Off to the next rodeo....

This time of year is a total blur for anyone involved in the sport of rodeo. Somehow it manages to creep up on you and.....

BOOM!

Suddenly you have to be everywhere by yesterday.

This year Iowa seems to be busier than ever with doubled up events almost every night. Last night we journeyed out to Marshalltown, Iowa for an NABA Bull Riding event produced by NO DOUGH Productions & Smith & Co Bucking Bulls.

Pretty impressive turn out of the top hands from the area as well as some big guns of the PBR. Seems most of the PBR boys found themselves needing a lay over in between PBR events in the coming week.

So where do they come?

IOWA!

Overall a great event. Excellent weather and a very welcoming community and Fair Board Committee to work with.

Unfortunately a couple injuries to TEAM USRodeoSupply.com to report. My great friend Clint Dickes broke his back during the short go while bull fighting and yet managed to finish the event - DAMN you will be hard to replace. Another good friend and one of Nates traveling buddies may have broke his neck - Dexter Steiber and was taken by Ambulance for further x-rays. I am waiting to get some further information about each of these guys and will report back soon.

RIDE HARD. BE SAFE and above all else....

Spur' It Up!

I happened into a series that is running on CNBC that should have an interesting outcome.

Like the title says...

What Is America's Top State For Business?

It will be very interesting to see another perspective on what makes it the greatest State and what the local and State Economic Development groups are doing to make it "Soooo Great".

Clearly you know I love Iowa and feel they are listening....however still find it hard to witness the chase of the White Elephants like Google. Wish they spent just a wee bit more effort building the rural small (micro) businesses.

Gets a bit old watching publicly traded companies receive State level bidding wars, when in fact they are sitting on huge piles of CASH.

Just my $0.02.

We are making a few changes with the blog.

So hang on tight.

I apologize in advance if the layout, colors and feel seem to take a life of it's own over the next few days.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Sometimes a moment of reflection is all that is required to change your entire outlook and attitude.

When is the last time you stopped to reflect? Are you doing everything that you can with TODAY?

To see the entire video click here

I was thinking about taking a trip out to New York to see our friends over at Buckin Junction. Thought perhaps if everyone could stay off I-80 East bound for a short bit, I might get a good run at it and be there by morning....anyone want to ride along.

Absolutely fascinating!

As mentioned earlier, I had the chance to attend the VNI - Venture Network of Iowa on Thursday evening in Des Moines. (Click here to download the Bios of the presenting companies - Download VNI_Bios_52407.pdf ) The event was held at the historical building in downtown, and I must say if you have yet to have a chance to visit it, you should. I didn't get much time to browse around, however I fully intend to stop back to further check the place out.

For several years now I have watched the VNI presentations via the IDED - Iowa Department of Economic Developments website as they allow access to the archived events for anyone interested. If you are considering exploring outside capital sources to grow your business, I would strongly encourage you to attend this event and minimally watch the archives to get an idea of some of the businesses that do get the opportunity to present. If you can't make it to Des Moines, there are several remote locations where you can go to attend via the State run ICN - Iowa Communications Network. You might want to contact the folks with IDED to let them know your interested, explore available resources and find a location nearest you that has ICN access. I had the chance to meet with Cali Beals with IDED and she was extremely generous with her time and interest in learning more about our business and rodeo in the State of Iowa. I am definitely looking forward to additional conversations with her.

The presenters were extremely prepared and had some real exciting developing businesses located right here in Iowa. Talk about a small world, I met Martin Mock, the founder of BushWacker Tree Stands and as it turns out he is an X-Bull Rider. I'm certain we'll get back together to discuss the challenges of growing an Enterprise and the possibilities of adding his product line(s).

Last but not least, I was able to spend some time with Jim Goodman. Jim has done an outstanding job as the MC for the VNI events and is the President of Emerging Growth Group. He also hosts the weekly "Iowa Business Hour" radio program on 98.3 (which I love) and operates the CEO Iowa Center in the East Village of Des Moines. Great guy that sure seems to have his pulse on what is happening in Iowa. Who knows....you might even hear me visit with him on his weekly Radio Show.

Thank you to everyone that extended an interest in helping us grow our Iowa business. I'm definitely glad I attended VNI and fully intend on coming back soon.

If you have a business or are considering opening a new business, DO NOT HIDE IN YOUR CAVE!!! Get out, meet people and reach out for help. There really is a ton of knowledge waiting around that next corner and the answer is generally not MONEY!

Spur' It Up!!!

I have been faced with this thought several times in recent weeks.

What if it is only today?

Last week a close friend from days gone by passed away unexpected at the age of 37. For me, I immediately stopped in my tracks to reflect on the good times and to give thought to WOW, we're not invincible. Which of course I know, however ya just don't stop to think about it on your normal daily rat race of life. Perhaps that's how it is supposed to be.

The reality is....

everyday someone, somewhere slips from life to go meet the maker. I guess I used to be scared as hell at the thought, but as I grow it becomes less and less of a fear and more about what I do with my time here, while I have it.

Certainly there are things that you do have control over (we could argue theory - thus none of us are in control) such as how you live your daily life. Perhaps it is time for a deep inner reflection. I know I have experienced this at several stages and each time I know I can look back and know that I've grown.

So why wait?

If it is by chance today, why in the world would we wait to share the things that we would otherwise if we knew it was coming?

Get after it....the only one that can do it is YOU!!!

Spur' It Up!!!

So late yesterday I get an e-mail from my buddy Adam over at Transition Capital Management. He wanted to know if I was interested in attending a presentation at the Pappajohns Entrepreneurial Center in Des Moines that highlighted BIZ, the new Business Accelerator program sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, as well as Converstations & McLellan Marketing. Additionally Brett Trout would be presenting about Internet Law.

Oddly enough I had spoken with Mike Colwell at the SEMEE presentation a few months ago and was eager to learn more about what they were offering in the form of business development assistance. I had also been indirectly introduced to Brett Trout and we've been discussing our IP - Intellectual Property......soooooooooooooo,

what do you think I said?

Of course I'm interested. Tom Steen has absolutely sold me on the value of systematic connectivity and the need for businesses to reach out and network at all levels. Ya just never know what might be hiding around that next corner....and you'll never find out if you don't go after it.

Definitely glad I attended. Thanks for the invite Adam!

Mike Colwell, the Executive Director of BIZ - Business Innovation Zone, is an extremely intriguing businessman. His life long experience and passion to help others shows. In a nutshell they, BIZ, is a semi-replica of the Business Accelerator that is up and running successfully in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I have heard several of their success stories, so I was very pleasantly surprised to learn more about the local plans and how they intend to aid others within the region to further develop. Bottom line, they are very focused on opportunities to increase the odds for success related to "Enterprise" level businesses. If you happen to have an interest in opening a very local only focused business, say a tavern on the corner, odds are you'd be best matched by visiting your local SBDC. This program is intense and a long term commitment of anywhere from 2-5 years with a real focus on top line revenues and/or additional employee expansion. If you are interested in learning more, jump over to Rush Niggets blog where he has an excellent interview and you can listen in to hear the story.

So the other obvious reason for attending - Internet Law

Brett Trout is one of the leading experts related to Internet Law. He has published two books that specialize on the topics that directly effect anyone living in the modern area - e-commerce and conducting business on-line. Let's just say....he knows his stuff and I'm certain we'll continue to call upon him as we grow. I recommend visiting Amazon and picking up a copy of his latest book, as well as spending some time reading through the vast free knowledge (I think he said he's getting $255/Hr) he shares on his blog. Great guy! Hopefully, I'm lucky enough to sneak along on the fishing trip with he and Adam. Might just learn something!

On Thursday I'll be joining Transition Capital Management for the VNI - Venture Network of Iowa presentations that are sponsored by IDED - Iowa Department of Economic Development. This afternoon I spent some time watching the achieved videos of the recent presenters. Some exciting things are developing in Iowa. US Rodeo Supply just happens to be one of them....

I love it!

Spur' It Up!!!

I am only going to share this with....YOU!

Ready?

IOWA ROCKS!

Oh' Man...where to start.

I've been rather scarce since the article came out in the Des Moines Register. Talk about ciaos. Thank you to everyone who called to congratulate us on the press. Let's just say some pretty amazing things are starting to take shape for us.

Sooo anyway....

Last Tuesday I happened to be sitting catching up on some biz with Adam Steen and Doug Mitchell. Doug mentioned that Adam was not able to come to the Iowa Speedway on Sunday and wanted to know if I was interested in going.

Oh buddy was I....game on!

As it turned out, yesterday was the first in Iowa history hosting a NASCAR event. The new Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa held the Featherlite Coaches 200 with over 24,000 people in attendance. I honestly had no idea what I was getting into, having only briefly watched much NASCAR in recent years.

Needless to say I was spoiled rotten the entire day...

Doug had seventh row seats on the start/finish line with access to the Newton Club, as well as access to the pits and driver area! SWEET!!!! The entire atmosphere was filled with all ages grinning from ear to ear lost in dreamland.....myself included. It absolutely ROCKED! I've found myself browsing through the information on www.iowaspeedway.com about getting season tickets.

Yep...I'm hooked! Officially a NASCAR FAN!

Which, by the way, brings up an interesting topic. Why doesn't the PBR Sponsor a NASCAR TEAM or Event? If I thought we could pull it off, I'd sign on the dotted line....great exposure and perfect demographics.

Thanks again Doug! I had a great time and am looking forward to going back soon. We need to make plans to get a group together to go over and run in our own mini legends series.

What do ya' think?

You bring some customers, we invite some and oh' perhaps Adam can find a couple. Make a day of it at the track! The winner gets a free day pass with us riding bulls!!! Sound like a plan or what?

Spur' It Up!!!

PS: The race itself rocked! Kevin Harvick (Daytona 500 Champion) and Joey Logano (16 years old) back n' forth all day long right to the end!!!

Come see us...we like main street USA.

Spur' It Up!

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Mike Sansone pointed this one out some time back...such a catchy tune. I heard it last night on 102.5 and I can't get it out of my head! Don't ya hate that...at least it's not Barnie or The Wiggles.

So what do you think? Do ya like it?

Spur' It Up!