Be Outstanding in Your Field

This week we welcomed 2023-2024 Indiana State FFA President and Rushville native Kelby Roberts to talk about being the best you can be so you can be outstanding wherever you are! Check it out!

Transcript

Welcome to this edition of the Hoel Roofing & Remodeling podcast. Today our special guest is Kelby Roberts.

she's a local kid from the Rushville FFA. But in the last ten months, she's been representing us, as a state FFA president. So, Kelby, take a second. Introduce yourself. Absolutely. Thank you, Bob. And thank you so much for this opportunity to be here. Like you said, I'm Kelby Roberts. I am born and raised here in northern Rush County and super, super proud to have the opportunity to represent Rushville FFA and our entire community serving as the state president this year.

I grew up surrounded in agriculture, started with the Hereford cattle industry, with both my parents having a strong passion for that. And then I jumped straight into showing sheep, which led to me joining FFA in eighth grade and I hit the ground running. I do have a little brother. He is a sophomore at Rushville right now and also very active in FFA chapter.

So I'm super excited to be here and talking to y'all today. So, funny story, your dad used to coach me in livestock judging and I believe, so you're young enough, I can ask this question, not get in trouble. So you're 18, 19, 19. Okay, so let me do some math. Quick math. This is 24. It was ‘05, ’04-’05.

So yes. So yeah, they had just had you. That's right. so that that is crazy because I remember you were at one of the events literally, pretty sure your mom was there and you were in, like, the pumpkin seat, so that that makes me feel extremely old. but it's just it's always cool for me. you know, I was born in Ohio, but we moved over here 28 years ago, so Rushville is home to me.

it's cool to see, like, full circle stuff, like having you in here last week, Rusty Harmeyer, he coached me in livestock judging before your dad, and I graduated with his daughter. So that's. You know, that's always fun for me. But let's, today we're going to talk a lot about FFA, leadership, probably throw some 4-H there just because that kind of just goes together.

because I think you have a cool story because, I believe you won grand champion at the state fair. I said, and I believe and I believe your dad said it wasn't like a high priced lamb, like, you know, it was just a pretty common priced lamb that you just quite frankly, worked your ass off with. And, you know, you got there.

I just remember hearing your dad's excitement. Yeah, when I ran into him. So, because literally three hours ago, I just got back from, entre leadership, Dave Ramsey leadership conference. So, like, I'm jacked up on, like, leadership in, like, you know, like the future of this country. And that's why I love having FFA kids come in because, it's just at a different level.

so I will, I'll let you talk a little bit about your experience being the Indiana State FFA president the last ten months, or roughly whatever it's been. Yeah. and, yeah, we'll go from there. Yeah. We're down to less than 60 days. So it's been almost over a whole full 300, which is really, really crazy.

11 months. being a state officer, it's been incredible. You know, I was in eighth grade sitting down the first day of school, and I told Mrs. Wagner that that's what I wanted to do. And I think that, you know, coming full circle for it actually happening last June. And I opened my letter and saw my name there, and I realized that that little dream of mine, that I wanted to actually get to live that out.

But then, you know, going through the process and living that out, not just as an individual, but with my six best friends, living with them full time, living with them full time, you know, like doing all the life things, but also the work things and then being able to interact with members, which is ultimately why we are all there has been super, super cool.

But really, I think the coolest things, everything I've learned about myself and the growth that I've been able to see, and I know on my birthday I was talking to my best friends from here back home. And they were like, ‘Kelby, you are totally different human than you were a year ago’, and I think that's really, really cool to see that transformation, because if that's happening, you know, for someone that's gone through hours of leadership training and someone that's at the high level, you know, we don't really see it as a high level, but the other members do to see that transformational growth, just understanding that the members from anywhere, you know, fifth down to fifth grade

now that national FFA allows fifth grade members, that's continuous and it's happening all the time. So it's been a really incredible opportunity for me as far as growth and maturity. And I'm super, super excited to go to college and to take everything that I've learned this year. not super excited to leave my teammates and move out, but really, really excited to see what this year has done for me and see it put into action outside of the blue jacket.

So the people that don't understand or don't know, when Indiana is unique in this because I think there's only a couple states from what I've heard, where the officer team lives on the leadership center, property, in Trafalgar. And, like you say, you're literally living with them for a full year. You, you know, you you got a lot of stuff planned.

You're very busy. It's probably about 2 or 3 full time jobs crammed into one year, if we're being honest. and, you know, so you just. And I know you guys go through a lot of leadership, a lot of leadership stuff. about mess that one up, Adam, for you. But, so, you know, talk a little bit about, like, what you've learned, and, you know, some of your cool experiences, over the last year.

Yeah. So I think, one thing I left out of my introduction, that is probably really important, I'll be attending Purdue University to dual major in agricultural economics at the pre-law, policy concentration and political sciences. I had never been to DC before this year, not even twice. And that started in July. We loaded up, took a 12 hour trip as a team and the branded FFA suburban.

Talk about getting close really quick. After only living together for a couple weeks. and we spent about a week like five days out in DC getting to know all the other state officers from across the country. You're getting to hear about their experiences because not very few of them are living together. So being able to talk about that, connect with them, meet with them, but also talk about agricultural advocacy happening on a national level and then Capitol Hill.

So that opportunity and experience is definitely unmatched for me. And since very, very high up the charts. And then as far as just like the growth that we have within the walls of the house is actually so incredible, because when you're living with someone, you get to see all aspects, and then you're also get into the leading and the working with them.

And so being able to have those like open, honest conversations, hey, you know, for my teammates, be like, hey Kelby, I really like the way you do this. Like what about this? And so being able to really help mold each other has been super, super cool. And that happens on the days off that are included are hundreds of hours of training.

and then we go through an insights training with executive committee. I was blessed to be able to do that as a district officers district president a year prior, but also being able to see, those insights, colors and how all the colors are a team comes together is super cool from a personality standpoint. And then the basic trainings like the facilitation and the public speaking and the interview skills, communication team building, all the things that continue to pile up.

then in the beginning of March, I got to go to DC again for the National Young Farmers Education Association, I promise conference with my teammate Carson. So they flew us out to DC. We were there. I got there on a Sunday evening. We flew back on a Tuesday afternoon. Our staff picked us up and we headed straight into state convention retreat, which was another opportunity.

We stayed in a converted church and that was one of those hidden moments of you know, team bonding and growth and leadership opportunities, because it was at that moment that we realized, okay, we're looking at the last hundred a little over 100 days together, and how can we make that impact? So, you know, we have those public speaking and that leadership and the interview and all the specific skills, but we also have all the things that happen behind closed doors that we don't even realize what's going on.

and so often you're like, well, that was a really cool transformational moment. So, were you interested in, you know, the law part and policy before you went to DC? Then I was so I growing up with the last I background, I was dead set. I was going to vet school. I wanted to go into embryology, work in genetics with show livestock.

So that was where I was really convinced I was going until sophomore year in chemistry. And then I realized that that was not not the move for me. and that's where I kind of fell back on FFA, had already had experiences with prepare public speaking and had great success and not as well as, you know, demonstrations and parliamentary procedure, which was, you know, my baby during the day.

And so, those experiences I had and the skills that that had built me, you know, eighth grade, freshman year and then into the beginning of my sophomore year and talking to Mr. and Mrs. Wagner, it was one of those things like, okay, you really love agriculture. You really love to talk. How can we merge those? And I've always had that interest in, you know, politics and policy and the issues, the current issues are happening in the world and how that all goes to reflect on the producers but also the consumers.

And so then being able to merge this interest and realizing that it does have a distinct impact, you know, I would say that there is a chance that I substituted that political science major out for ag comm, because I also really do love the communications side of things. And that PR and really the intersection of, you know, advocacy and communications and agriculture and policy.

And so being able to shift that into careers, definitely the wide open doors. But yeah, I've always for the past several years, I've known that I'm headed that direction. And what that looks like, will be soon to find out. No, I mean, that is awesome. Just like it makes my brain hurt. I feel like stupid roofer here.

So, like, you're, you know, you're talking like that kind of stuff, but, I mean, that's that's cool to know somebody from a small town has them ambitions and, you know, the bringing up in the community. and, you know, just, you know, they say it takes a village to raise, you know, and that, you know, that is awesome.

I mean, and it's so awesome as an Indiana FFA that you have the opportunity that the teams do the entire team, because we've been fortunate to interview three, you're the four state officer that we've interviewed. So it's it's just always fun. and just to kind of see, like, you know, where you're projection, where you want to go, and it just like I said earlier, it gives me hope, to, for the young, for just young people to see your ambition.

And you know, what you want to do? because you're you're you're blazing a hell of a path. And, I mean, that's that's exciting for me as an entrepreneur, as a business owner, you know, and I'll probably talk refer a lot back to the, the training or the event. I was just at, like Doctor John Delany. he's on Dave Ramsey team.

you know, he talks about he talks a lot about mental health and that kind of stuff. And, you know, one question was like, what? What is enough? And, you know, and there's a there's a weird balance, like when you want to go for something like, you know, where is that balance of enough is enough to be content and happy.

but where's that of like, give it your all? We're only on this world. We're only on this earth for a very short period of time. So, like, you know, another speaker that I follow and listen to a lot, his name is Ed Millet, and he says that, you know, when he gets to heaven, he wants he wants God to show him a picture of what God wanted him to be.

And he wants to look in the mirror and see that like he wants to leave it, you know, all out on the field. So I just want to encourage you, to you're going to have hiccups. You're going to have bumps, like keep at it. Because the crazy thing is, when I was coming out of high school, I wanted to study construction management.

And I love my dad. He did an awesome job. but he he was worried that I was going to do road construction and not be able to have a family life. So he kind of geared more towards another path. And then now it's funny, I own a roofing company, you know, so that was just something. And, you know, construction management really had nothing to do with me growing up.

Like I grew up in Asheville or Glenwood, even bigger, you know, you know, around cattle and hay and that kind of stuff. FFA for H. So it wasn't even like construction was like really in our family blood or anything. So like I said, I just want to speak, you know, speak that in into you. and I guess maybe share like, you know, some stories or a story that like, where, I mean, I know, and that's awesome that an eighth freaking grade, you know, you wanted to be a seed officer because once again, like, you know, you have that drive like, that is something that, okay, let's share, failure story because people

thank everybody that gets to the top that your life's like, hey, I'm going to go to the top and you just kind of mosey it up there to the top, you know? Yeah. You know, I think it's great. And that's why I always start that story by saying eighth grade. I said, that's where I wanted to be. And obviously at that time that was just where I wanted to be.

And there wasn't much fuel under me as to why I was just. I knew that that's where I was headed and, or wanted to be headed, I guess, and where I was going to be working towards. And I think that shift in my way and I'll get to that here in a minute. But same, a few weeks after I told Mrs. Wagner that I walked into a room and gave the FFA creed, and I'm a very planned person, so I had very much planned that my eighth grade convention, I would be doing the FFA Creed representing rush Fe in district nine, because that's what they're for.

Fe members that became state officers dead in my mind. And so we were doing a chapter level competition. There are eight of us that in my grade, eight of my classmates who graduated with us last June. And I walked in there and gave it exactly as I had memorized it in the full two days it took me to memorize it.

I answer my questions what? I thought it was perfect, and I walked out. And I remember Mrs. Wagner was like, that was incredible because she had talent on it. And then that night I heard my name called for second place. I was just instantly, like, heartbroken because I don't like to lose. And I was also like, how does this happen?

You know, what am I going to do now? There's nothing for me to do because those types of FFA members, they do the creed. And, I was quickly met by Mr. or Mrs. Wagner and some senior FFA members and they were like, Kelby, you need to do prepare public speaking. And I was like, I don't know about that.

That's not what those types of FFA members do. And Mr.. I was like, no, I'm telling you, you know, she's very, very successful. She's a past national officer in FFA. So definitely have some experience. And she's like, no, we just need to give this a try. And so that a few months later, November, December time, we sat down and I being very passionate and present on social media that I wanted to give a speech about the impact that social media has on agriculture.

And I got really big. She was like, I never thought about that one, let's do it. and so we wrote that speech. And then fast forward to my first two convention, and I ended up with a state winning banner. And so that was one of those moments where at the time I felt so defeated, like there's nothing for me to do left here.

That's the cool thing about FFA that there's about of a jillion anything can 45 other things you could. Yeah. Yes. And kind of knocking me in my place. And also one of the first of many realizations, there's no such thing as the ideal leader. There's no such thing as the ideal FFA member. There's no such thing as the ideal state officer.

So cut down those walls to break out that box. And I think about from that point is where I started thinking, you know, I'm just going to be me. I'm going to do me, and I'm going to be who Kelley is as a state officer this year, and who Kelley is, is what she is. And that doesn't make it any easier because it's still definitely been a challenge.

But that's one of those moments that you feel that fire and, you know, help me really form that way. And when I was running for state office, I kept thinking about eighth grade Kelby, you know, I was on the yearbook committee and student council. I was playing year round travel soccer. I was a cheerleader vrms, which is something that most people look at me and I'm like, true, I was a middle school cheerleader.

I was showing, three, four species of livestock at that transitional phase and an FFA member. So while I was in all those things, I look back, I had no idea what I was doing, where I was going, or where I really belonged, because I didn't really have a friend group that I, you know, felt station to station with.

And, and it's in FFA that I found that. And so being able to share my experiences with, you know, members now and that's kind of what was fueling me to run that I have a purpose. Everyone has a purpose. Everyone has a story. And it's because of the blue jacket and the people in the blue jacket that I was able to see my potential and see where I was going.

And so I wanted to give that back. And, you know, that's like the stereotypical I want to get back to the organization. I get so much me. But it's true, because that organization helped me find my home. It helped me find my people, helped me find my passions. that I do believe were already deeply rooted inside of me and just kind of helped bring out who Kelby really is and feel comfortable, as she also was a really cool, experience all the way through high school.

And then, you know, crafting that y and really feeling it. And now being able to live by is super, super cool. Well, and I mean, it truly is an honor to give back, in, in organizations or, you know, things that make a difference in your life if that's for you too, that's FFA. you know, Mr. Warm knows that I'm just a phone call away.

and like, hey, we need help with this. Absolutely. How much do you need when you need it? You know, and you know, something else that me and my wife are passionate about is the Ramsey principles, for finance or personal finances, you know, so we sponsor that in the schools. Just because that kind of stuff is what made, a difference.

You know, in my life, in our life, you know, for FFA, when I was younger, the Ramsey principles. But you know what? What is so awesome about the Ramsey principles is he's so much bigger than just get out of debt and live real frugal like it's take it and like, invest in people and love people and that kind of stuff and like, you know, and that's what, you know, you always hear, a lot of talk like when, when, FFA is in, Indy, like, holy cow, we've never seen that many kids and not well behaved.

And, you know, and it's just like, this is just. And this may sound weird, but we were me and my wife took the kids, to PBR, to the bull riding. in the stands were probably. They were full, but when we left, probably 95% of the trash to people picked up and put in the trash can.

I've been at freaking Colts games, and it's like you're tripping over trash, you know? So it's just cool to see, like that level of maturity and that level of respect, for stuff. So what speaking of that, like what? What does, you know, you've got a month, 45 days less than 60 days left of being a state officer, like, you know, and you're going to transition into going to Purdue.

and but what what does after that look like for like give back to the FFA. Yeah. So I think for me, one really cool thing is that, you know, anyone can give to the Indiana FFA Foundation. I know you guys have done that with your services and left an incredible impact, which is super, super cool. as a past IT officer and I got to experience as the Pastor Officer telethon.

So the current state officers every year call all the past state officers, and their respective positions. So I called all the past state presidents, got to have, you know, genuine conversations with them. They all knew this is coming. So they all are, you know, ready to tell me what they were pledging about, having those, like, genuine talk.

So I'm really excited. Next year. first and foremost, I'm excited here in the 60 days to find out who my little is because we gone big and littles for the one before one across. So I'm excited to see who my little is. and then get that phone call from them and in November, beginning of December. And that'll probably be my, first step as far as monetary giving back.

But as I said earlier, parliamentary procedure was my baby during high school. I am actually nationally. I say it's a nationally certified accredited nerd. but a nationally accredited parliamentarian after competing at nationals. So it is super, super cool opportunity that only FFA, is able to give students really, because that has to take, you know, I think 2 or 3 times a year, and national convention is one of them.

anyway, so I think also I'll be judging parlay contests, and that's one of the ways I'll be able to give, you know, my knowledge and my services back to those students. And I know that any time an advisor, remember, gives me a phone call, I'll be right there to help with this interview practices, you know, listening to the speech, whatever it is, I'm excited.

because I'm going to miss it. You know, I'm going to sit in there, but I more than anything, I also love to kind of sit back and watch the people that I was once there. And so I know how important people like Nicholas Newman and Mason Gordon in the past in office for my chapter were. And so being able to be that for anyone and everyone, I'm really excited for it.

So the funny thing is, when I was a greenie, I've been a few years ago, me and a buddy of mine, Todd Cameron, we sat there with our dads during greenie initiation while everybody did the speech, and we were one word ahead of them. We knew it like the back of our hands and of course, like we we're boys.

Like we were too cool to do it. And, you know, I remember somebody, I can't remember exactly who it was, but, they it was. I remember it was a girl, and she just completely forgot it. It just had a complete meltdown. I cried and, like, we literally finished it sitting there, and both of our dads were like, why the hell aren't you guys up there?

Like, yeah, you know, so but no, I mean, like, I, I get that and, you know, and, you know, that's that's another thing, that, you know, be yourself like you know, that is awesome that you want to go in the law and, you know, policy like, Anthony from last year, state officer team, he was going to Kentucky for welding.

And I mean, that's that is awesome. Like because I know there for a little bit there was a stigmatism that if you're a state officer, you had to go to Purdue. You know, and there's nothing wrong with you, even if I'm not a I mean, if I'm Kentucky basketball fan, you know, but I mean, that's that is what I'm talking about.

Like, that's that is cool for me to see because like, be comfortable in your own skin. Don't do, what you think somebody wants you to do because your heart is not going to be in it. and you're eventually gonna, you know, find your way back. Honestly, I feel like, God put a dream in your heart for a reason.

Like you'll find your way back to where you're supposed to be. Even if, you know, we take a detour. Because we all take detours in life. Like, I went and got environmental engineering degree. And there was a lot of good people that I worked with that I mean, now it's kind of cool because now they're calling me for roofing and gutters and siding service, so that that's a full circle.

That's kind of that's kind of cool that, you know, that I had in relationships. you know, just over the years. But like I said, like, I just want to encourage that, that you continue to go down that path, that you want to go down, you know, and, you know, it's, I want to give some credit to your parents because, you know, they're huge, huge, huge part of your success.

Like, yes, you had to put the work in, but we all know that any any kid, you know, you got some awesome parents, you know, but I do. Yeah. You know, like, and as a team, we're doing our parent recognition right now getting ready for a but like sitting down and reflecting, you know my dad and I like true.

You know daddy's little girls hockey thing. and we attend so many hours out in the barn, you know, and now this year like adjusting to that and being like, oh, I'm gonna I had to call my dad, and he's, I just get to, like, kind of have a conversation. It's definitely been so different. But my parents, you know, they've stood by me through everything, whether literally any dream when I was playing travel soccer, when I decided I was going to be a cheerleader.

And then, you know, obviously that the lifestyle thing, because that's where their heart and passion lies and neither they're both FFA members, they're both active in their chapters. But neither of them had really gone through father past the chapter level. And, you know, they never question it. They're never like, I don't know if I thought they were like, well, if you want to do it, we're here for it.

And so then answering the phone calls at the random hours of the night, when I'm driving and or just need someone to talk to. And the fact that they're there, I mean, never doubted that they would be. But it's been a super cool experience because they've supported me through everything and other, you know, walking this journey with me even now, I moved out and I know it's going to continue, but I really do have to the parents.

Yeah. I mean, you know. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, they're just and they're, they're, they're, they're pillars of the community too. Like, you know, yes, they support you. But I mean, it's just, you know, like you guys stop by and we're build the house over there by you guys, and you guys stop by to say hi. Like, that meant a lot to me.

That you guys, you know, swung in to say hi, you know, and like I said, I. I've always respected your dad. Like, he probably thought I was a podcast kid, but he was judge me and livestock because I remember this. I remember he called me the night before state livestock judging. And he's like, make sure your ass is in bed by 9:00.

That's like, yes, you know, so like, that's not what I really wanted to say. You know, looking back, like, you know, he pushed me and, you know, gave some structure and then like, as an adult now, like I look at that like that was part of, you know that that that helped me run a successful business because I work for myself.

So I have to make sure that I'm structured, you know, I don't have somebody breathing over my neck like, hey, you got to be structured, you know? So that is, yeah. so, you so you told us heading off to Purdue after this, wrapping up, is there any, is there anything you're looking forward to the next, you know, 60 days for state command, either before state convention or during state convention?

Yeah. So right now in like, heat, a banquet. So I've gone to, I think 4 or 5 already and I've got five, six, seven left. So that's when a really cool experience to see. You know, I know my chapter did for over to see where the other chapters and also to celebrate these members and their accomplishments throughout the year and make those connections.

I have already made that and reconnected those numbers. I have connect to it. I met my teammates and I are also really, really focused on spending these last, you know, 60 or fewer days left together, making those memories because you talked about, you know, blazing your own path. And I would say my team definitely does that.

We have four of us are headed to Purdue, but once headed to Oklahoma State, one to Kansas State and one to Kentucky Mountain Bible College. So we really are going to be all spread out. and we look forward to cheering each other on from a distance. But it's also going to be different after living together for 365 days.

So cherishing every last minute and then also making sure that everything is in line for state conventions so that we can give those members, parents, supporters, anyone in attendance or watching online the experience that we have gotten from conventions in the past. Well, and, you know, that's that's what I love to hear that you just said, like, you know, you're kind of spread enough as a team, to go out to college, but like, cheer and you know, support from afar because that is that is one thing that I just feel like our culture is right now, like, you know, people feel like they kind of got a, you know, bring you down

for them to be successful. Like, you can be successful. The entire officer team can be successful, and it doesn't. It actually helps. I think everybody else be more successful because you you guys are rooting for each other. You know, it's you know, it's not you don't look at it as competition. You look as as, hey, they're blazing their own path.

And the crazy thing is you'll never know, like just the connections and then spreading out, like how that eventually that'll that'll come full circle, like, you know, and you'll look up and like, Holy cow, that was you know, that was really cool. I spent a year here and then, you know, that brought that person into my life for for that.

So so you're done with H. Last year was your 10th year, member or 10th year? 10th year there? yes. tell us let's talk a little bit about, like, your four H experience and how that kind of, molded you, maybe even a little bit before FFA. Yeah. So I started in 2014. Would have been my first year in four H.

Now I started showing sheep in 2008, I believe. So my parents, Beth grew up with her for cattle, didn't really mess with the sheep thing, and is actually through selling a Herford steer that they acquired. These two Southdown ewes. I don't know. I've never actually asked my dad if he was like dreading it at the moment, but something tells me he may have not been super excited.

I'm pretty sure he wasn't excited. I just can't imagine. because I was a cute little girl, I needed cute sheep, and I think that that was a very fair trade because that's where, my passion really took off. Like, I love that sheep thing. and it went from, you know, definitely a bottom of the bottom and, you know, kind of making my way up type of story because those ewes, they were, they were used.

They were anything a quality. My parents exactly know what they were doing, but it was a full learning experience. By 2014, my dad had learned a ton. I had obviously learned a ton, but at that point, I was eight years old. I wasn't making the decisions yet, you know? So, they had found me a pretty solid first set of sheep to start that for each career off with, and I would say State Fair was kind of the pinnacle and the beginning of what was, you know, about to be an incredible next ten years of my life because that state fair in 2014 I ever lamb and made the top ten.

I had one third place and then I had I was natural champion, natural killer, market lamb, showman. And so that was when I realized, you know, I can do this. My dad's got what it takes. in 2015 I started showing for Randy Hill. So Courtney Helling. Yeah, yeah. So Rush County, born and raised and yeah, that was truly life changing because they're also the type of people they want to see success for everyone that they work with.

And it wasn't just in the show ring success. It wasn't just as far as like market class. It was also showmanship. But also as humans at all of us, showmen, like they want nothing more than, you know, to watch, to see successful. And they've cheered us on in every different stage in life, which isn't really, really cool. And that's where it really started to pick up and take off.

And I always had that extreme passion for showmanship because the resources weren't necessarily there for me to be winning major shows. and yet Randy and Courtney stay alongside me, and we're excited to see me win showmanship. And we cheered real hard in 2015 when I won a market land class in State Fair. And, you know, that continued to snowball until 2021, when you mentioned I was blessed enough to win the State Fair, which in 2020 I kind of given up.

I thought we all thought we had the one thing, you know, Covid happened, but we still are pretty sure now Cosmo has his name. We're okay. He's looking good. he's the second in class. So some of those things that I. Oh, darn. And I give it up, and I was like, you know what? Different things. State fair doesn't happen.

That's okay. Let's let's focus on the major. And so we had flash in the barn that year. The first time I only had one weather in 2021 named him flash because he had bug eyes like the sloth from Zootopia. He was a really ugly, My grandma says he had a face only a mother could love. but.

And so he had this guy's name in a flash, and I was like, only one. And dad was like, I'll see what we can do. And we had the goal of, you know, Kansas City, Louisville. So American rural or the North American livestock shows with him. And we rolled in about 130 pounds in Indy, we knew is the only lamb that has ever stood in the pan during the Grand Drive, a county fair for me.

but you know, some of the things and we rode in a state fair. And on the way out, dad jokingly said, If flash gets you on the dirt, I'm putting on tattooing in the backdrop picture on my left shoulder. spoiler alert he never did that. Which still to this day really upsets me. And we're calling you out on yes.

Now go to the tattoo parlor now. but. And so he told me this as a total joke, followed by, and if you haven't been there by your 10th year, then we're getting every single breed of fitted wool sheep. We're going to get you there. And I was like, okay, bad. Like, that's not. Not what? Not for me.

and we rolled in and really like, the unthinkable happened. He was like 130 pounds. So not exactly as big as the typical grand Lamb state pair. And I remember I watched one of my class walked across a scale he passed way back. And dad is have these tears in his eyes. And I was like, you know, this this feels different, this feel special.

I had won class, this state fair, but this there is something about it the full way. and then champion crash and market land. It was just an absolute party, you know. And at that moment, my dad was literally sacrificing all of his sleep because he had stayed at state fairgrounds that Friday night before. And so he went back for like a couple hours to take a nap at and a shower at my aunt's house, and then came right back.

and but really, that was such a full circle moment because it was the first time in several years that Randy, one of she, Randy and place had won the state Fair. And I got to do it alongside Logan Dressler from Rush County, just long time friend and classmate, and he had won the top five that year, reserve crossbred market land, and really just that entire show family, where they're celebrating with each other, having a lot of fun and also making dreams come true, which is really incredible because I never thought that would happen.

And I think mom and Dad always knew I had big dreams. And I think a lot of times they were wondering, how is this going to, you know, right. This isn't probable, but it was definitely in God's plan because then 13 days later, my grandma passed. So she got to, you know, see that? And she got to experience that from afar, by watching online.

And so I do believe that you, God had that written in the stars forever. And so being able to have that experience with her, when she won the Barrow show in 1962 at the State Fair, so almost a full 60 years. Hello. and yeah, super cool. And I'd say that work ethic and that perseverance that those experiences, you know, that from the bottom to that mid range really that for age and showing us like God's given me super cool experience brought me my best friends all the way through.

Well, and you know, literally me and rusty just had this conversation last week about animals and for H and like the work ethic of doing that, like, you've got to, there's just a ton of time, but. And my son will he won't be shown this year. He is he'll be able to be in Fort H next year.

and I actually remember running into your dad when you were little, you know, you were already in for age, but I don't think you'd been in there very long. And I was like, what happened to these cattle, Ryan? He's like. And he's lambs in a way to hell. Easier to deal with. you know, so I've had this conversation with my wife about Rhett.

Like, I really wanted to show a steer because I just always showed. I always show beef cattle and we show dairy. Also some. But beef cattle was like, was my heart, you know, so. But then I'm also like, damn, it's a lot of work, you know? Yeah. and I mean, my son is, you know, super responsible for his age, and he, he's a good kid, you know?

So I want to, you know, I literally was I was listening to the podcast the other day. It was talking about putting responsibility on kids, you know, like you're a better kid with responsibility than you are without responsibility. And I know some people would say, well, you got to let them grow up or you want to be a kid, which I totally understand that, you know?

but I also just a firm believer in, like, the responsibility that your parents put on your shoulders, like, look where, you know, look where you've gotten, you know, with that. So, yeah, I know, and I remember watching from afar, your mom posting on, like, Facebook and stuff. I love your mom because she's is so, emanated and.

Yeah, there we go. I cannot talk today at all. I was trying to say something earlier. Emily had to repeat it, like, six times. and, like. And she was just so proud, you know, and, you know. Oh, my gosh, you know, she just won a class and oh, my gosh, you know, and I was like, Holy cow.

Like, that's going to be kind of cool. Like, you know, because I was kind of watching it. I was like, wow, there's like a legit chance that she can do this. And like I said, when I remember running in your dad later, a couple months later, you know, and just to hear him, you know, tell that story and like I said, like I've, I've watched him, you know, coach start judging.

And it's funny, you say something about Courtney because Courtney, I believe, was a freshman when I was a senior and I was really good at cattle and hogs judging, and I hated judge and market lanes like I could get used fine, but I sucked at judging market lambs. And I'll never forget the time that she jumped up on the table at in the ag room.

And she's like, pointing. Like she's like, how the hell can you not say that number two is better than three? And I'm like, I just I struggled with market lambs, you know? So there you go. Courtney. I remember when you yelled at me 20 years ago. Nothing. But I mean, that's and that and that is something else. That's exactly what me and rusty talked about, like the community in, you know, and when somebody sells an animal, like, they genuinely care about your success and like, yes, they sold an animal.

They made money when I saw the animal. But the amount of times then people put in helping you months down the road like that is more just because they love that they enjoy that, you know? and just like you said, like that family, like. Yeah. You know, I was getting to say hoeing, but, you know, Pressler, like.

Yeah, like you're his competitor and you wanted to beat him in the show ring. Of course, you know, but also when you had a chance to root for somebody else from Rush County. Yeah. You you you rooting for, you know, a family friend, you know? So, like I said, that's just that. That's what gets me excited. Like I said, like just a the small town, like, you know, I get that question like, why?

Why do you have a roofing company in such a small town? It's just like, it's just that personal connection. and it's just, it's just it's a world of difference, you know, and, and in my opinion, in life. So, I mean, just raise a family, whatever that, you know, looks like. So, yeah, I always, tell my teammates that I come from I at the beginning of the year, I said, greatest small town in America.

But I have a teammate who comes from a county where none of the towns have a mayor. So I was like, that's not a small town. I said, I come from the greatest hometown in America. And, they do get annoyed. But I do think that they, as many times as I brought them here, brought it up, I do think that they see it.

They just won't admit it. well, and like what I tell people about Rushville, like, just like what they've done downtown, you know, and there's people that hate, you know, every politician and you know, but like, genuinely, I feel like Rushville has done a good job on, you know, it's just I mean, it's cleaned up a lot since 15 years ago, like some of the buildings they've tore down and stuff like that.

It's just it's it's it's it's really nice downtown or I mean, it's really nice in Rushville. You know, they're working on the community center up here now. Like, you know, the world is coming to an end. Five years ago when we lost Walmart, you know, and I used to always be a wise guy and people would comment about we need Walmart again or Bryan Sheehy.

And he was a guest one day for me. And he'll post something. And, you know, it's all about like something new come in and people will be like, we need more shopping thing. And I comment, waiting for the the world's coming to an end because we lost Walmart minutes, you know. So I kind of like stirring the pot a little bit, but absolutely.

Yeah, I got the opportunity prior to being elected to be a summer intern, for the city and then to do my community service class. So seniors get the opportunity to have their community service pass. And I was doing that at the city. And so I got real close to Brian until he took his new position. And Kyle came in, as well as the mayor.

And so one of my first major projects is writing an article about the growth that Rushville has seen in the past ten years. And, you know, I remember experiencing it and like seeing the difference. But to me, what it is, it's, you know, I've always seen it through rose colored glasses because this is how I've grown up. But it truly is incredible what the leadership is done and how they changed everything.

Down here. You have Brian literally did the podcast and he it wasn't public yet that he was leaving. And I mean he said turned into podcast like yeah, nothing was different. You know, I didn't literally like crack before we got to post it. Like he posted it and I texted him. I was like, hey, congratulations. He goes, dad, I do a good job.

I was like, no, you do great, you know? So, and like I said, that was, you know, that's that's cool to see that opportunity for him. because the crazy thing is, I ran into Brian Sheehan, several years ago, and, when he was working for Emerging Petroleum. and our, our paths crossed due to me being environmental consulting.

that's when his wife was fighting cancer, and I did a two minute meditation out of Palm Creek, and him and his wife was out of Palm Creek. That it was it was kind of a it was just kind of a full circle thing. So that was that that was pretty cool. So, so, just a few questions here.

before we wrap up, you know, I got a nice little cheat sheet here. You know, what is, what is what would you love for me to know about you that I've never asked? Yeah, that's such a tough question, because there's a lot of the jillion things about me. I say I love, you know, Rushville, Lovers County.

I think for me, this is a really cool, full circle moment because, you know, before you, I knew that you knew me. And you, you know, that, like, intersection and like my parents, I remember because when we were in a Christian church one day and my mom worked in the nursery, and you had taken your kids in there, and they were like, my mom's like, oh, yeah, it's Bob and Emily.

Those kids. Like, I was supposed to know who you were and then, you know, a few years later, like when I became super involved in FFA, then you guys started to really grow. That involvement and community was super, super cool. like, it's a full circle moment to see that be like, oh, their kids are in the nursery, you know, my mom and explain the whole livestock judging thing.

and then to see like that grow to, both parts, you know, for me to be able to, you know, hopefully, you know, making an impact in the community as, especially like with the relationships I've been building with, you know, the FFA members and stuff, but also then see the impact that you guys make is super, super cool.

I'm super glad to be here. This is I was so excited when I got the invite. So I and I Google calendar. I was like, oh yeah, this is awesome. So I mean, and that's and like and what you don't realize, you know, 4 or 5 years ago, like, I'm watching you grow up. You know, I mean, because there's that, generation gap between your parents, me and you, you know, and like, I've always respected your dad, like, you know, that is one thing.

The older you get, you will look back at, like, the coaches and I mean, Mr. Owner, like, he's such a humble guy. But you talked about I talked a lot about your legacy and like, what do you want? Your leg is I mean, his legacy. Holy cow. Like his legacy, his imprint. And then as a business, you know, the people that work for me and their kids, like Mr. Warms, had a part of making these kids lives better, you know?

so, like, especially, like, now that I'm older and I look back on like, holy crap. Like, he wasn't getting paid to do that. He was spending his own gas money. I mean, you know, like and like he invested in me for, for the love of it, like, there wasn't it wasn't like we were gone, you know? Yes.

I mean, he can be proud and carry that when we play swell or something, but you know, it's not like he's getting a contract to coach, you know, the national livestock judging team for $1 million a year. So like I say, like that is one thing, you know, that you just look back the older you get, you appreciate that kind of stuff.

You appreciate the connections. because I never forget your dad referred, refer to job to us. And, you know, the guy called me. That was funny. One of my sales reps was right down the road, and he called me. He's like, come to my house next. I need a roof. I'm like, okay, who am I speaking with?

All right. Robert, he told me to call you a month. A year ago. I was like, okay. And, you know, so, like, to get his referral like, that means a ton to me and to to our family. So, like I said, like, you know, and that's it is cool because, you know, that's the quality of your parents, like rooting for other people, you know, pouring into other people.

Like, that's why you're who you are and where you're at, like, you know, yeah, there's quality of our parents that you're like, oh, crap, I got to work on that, you know? but I also try to look at the positive of like, okay, you know, what qualities do I get from my parent? from your parents, you know, whatever, whatever that looks like.

So that's that's always fun because, like, we started this, in I everybody wants to do a podcast. Everybody wants to be heard, you know, and I wanted to be different. And I really wanted it to be about our community. you know, Art East, central Indiana, because our business is way bigger than Rushville. Like, I'm proud that it's based in Rushville, but we cover a decent sized area.

So, like, you know, I just always like I want it to be beneficial when people listen to this or, you know, I want to, you know, build to give you a platform to talk where, like, you can make a difference, that, you know, there may be some young FFA member that watches this and they're like, Holy cow. Like, I want to be like her when I grow up, you know?

And there are, you know, and that's what we don't realize at your age, like the people that look up and are sometimes I don't you're excited about that. Like, you know, like that, that that I mean, that means a lot to me because I'm like, it's, you know, a lot of people are like, I'm super nervous. Like, I promise you, like, nobody's died doing this, you know?

so. And we won't let you be the, you know, the first one. But no, I mean, like I said, that's that's the love of FFA for a it's a small community, and just good people giving back, and just truly loving on their community. If that's rooting for their small business that that's rooting for their neighbors kid in FFA or four eight, you know.

Well, you know, whatever that looks like. So, thank you for that. So, last question here. if I could do one thing to make your life better, what would that be? Man, I just, I like I've always been a coach. Don't get tripped up on interview questions. I've it's in front of the whole time. I'm getting tripped up.

I think, the biggest things is continuing to give back and to the community. I know you will, because what I've seen and what I've experienced, you know, you last year, you mentioned you sponsored our members to the state convention. And for me, I stayed up there for, pretty much a whole week. And I'm sure your spot, Mr. Warm, is because Mr. Orwell had always told me, you know, we will take that invoice from the state.

The chapter will cover it. Because what you're doing, you know, that's really important to us, which I think is so special. But the amount of money that it cost for me to stay up there and Mr. was like, no, we got that. And I know that comes from the support of community members and community organizations like you guys.

And so being able to continue to give those members, not just me, but really anyone that opportunity, and not just for me to stay up there for the seven days, but to have that giant, you know, chair block almost of members that were there last year to cheer me on. And as soon as like passing the gavel is done and it was official, you know, they all rushed up to the stage, right.

Oh my gosh, can we get a picture with you? You know, being funny because they've known me for a long time and I've done them. But just being able for them to have that experience, because as much as it is a core memory for me to be on that stage, I remember what it was like when Nicholas was elected and when I was one of those members rushing up to him.

and so being able it's like a continual, you know, spiral thing because that's a core memory for them as well. And I can't wait for this year to see them go crazy in the crowd for me and Blaine, because that's Mrs. Wagner's son that's on my team. And, so just that continual impact that you guys make, for the community and for especially for the young people is truly incredible.

Well, thank you. And, I just want to encourage anybody, you know, like, give of your time, like, you know, you can always give up your resources. You eventually can, you know, but, just I want to encourage you to to to always, you know, you know, always be willing to reach down and pull somebody up and like, I'm in this growth phase in my life where like, I've got mentors, but I'm also conscious enough to know that I need to be mentoring at the same time, like, you know, so, that's if I'm honest.

That's what I love about our company. There's a lot of young men in here, so, like, I can, you know, I can pour in. we got, Chris has got a, a little Kylo. He's about a year and a half. Nick is getting ready to have a little baby boy here and a few months, like, you know.

Yeah. My kids aren't growing up by any means, but it's going to be nine here in a month, you know? So, like to to mentor them guys and be like. Cherry says, you know, don't make some of the same stupid mistakes that I did. just means a lot to me because, you know, like like I say, like, we talk a lot about legacy around here and like, your legacy is stamped in the Rushville.

I say, and you're, you know, there's somebody that's going to listen to this. It's going to know your story. That and when you started in eighth grade, that, you know, you were going to be state officer and you did it. So like, you know, be proud of that. and just honestly never, never stop helping people. Like, I mean, this there's a, there's a quote that I see out there.

It's like everybody's fighting a battle, when you meet them, like, you know, and don't add to that stress, like genuinely like one thing I'm working on this week, I just got back from the leadership thing. So we took this quiz. Okay. And it was, are you warm? Are you competent? extremely competent. I'm extremely direct, but I'm not very well, you know, and when like, you watch a speaker say that and you fill out a little scorecard and you're like, oh, shit.

You know, so, like, that's one thing like my, my intentions is like to be kind, like, I want to. I still got to be confident. I still got to be direct. I still got to be the CEO to run the business. You know, hammer down. We got to get crap done. but one thing that I got, and I got to remind myself, be warm, be kind.

Like, you know, it's easy for me to be warm and kind on here, but then, like, when a team member aggravates me or my kids or my wife, then I'm just direct, like, why did you do that for it? You know? So, yeah. So keep, keep kicking ass, keep making Rushville proud. Indiana proud. and I mean, seriously, chase your dreams.

And if I can ever we can ever help as Hoel roofing or me personally. Just let us know. Absolutely. Thank you for your time today. Yeah. Thank you for having me.