Landri St. Clair interviews Fred Whitfield, an 8-time World Champion Calf Roper and Business Development Manager at Moffitt Companies. This blog dives into Fred’s journey, from rodeo champion to thriving businessman, and his love for the sport that shaped him.
Championship Memories and Stepping Away
Fred won numerous titles throughout his career, including the coveted all-around champion title in 1999. He reflects on the camaraderie and the friendships he made on the road. While competition has changed, with more media coverage and a focus on social media followings, Fred highlights the core values of hard work and dedication that remain essential for success.
Looking back, Fred acknowledges the evolution of professional rodeo. Increased media coverage brought the sport into living rooms across the country. Social media, a non-existent force in his early days, now plays a significant role in athlete recognition and sponsorship opportunities. While these changes brought a new level of exposure to the sport, Fred emphasizes that the core values that led him to success – relentless hard work and unwavering dedication – remain the foundation for any aspiring champion.
Fred also shared a hilarious anecdote from his championship run in 1991. Fueled by the excitement of victory, he and his friends decided to celebrate. Imagine their surprise when they returned to find their celebratory plans literally painted white! Someone had plastered their truck and trailer with shoe polish, leaving a permanent (and probably quite slippery) reminder of their achievement.
However, the competitive fire eventually dimmed. After years of pushing himself to the limit, Fred needed a break. He stepped away from competition for a few years. This wasn’t a rejection of the sport he loved; it was a chance to rediscover the joy of roping without the pressure of winning. By taking a step back, Fred rekindled his passion for roping and paved the way for a successful transition to his next chapter.
Finding Success in the Business World
The transition to the business world wasn’t easy. Fred admits to initial fear and uncertainty. However, his strong work ethic and the skills honed during his rodeo career proved to be valuable assets. He finds similarities between rodeo and sales, emphasizing the importance of preparation, hard work, and building relationships.
Fred highlights his enjoyment of meeting new people and the satisfaction of providing excellent customer service at Moffitt Companies. He also shares his excitement about upcoming podcast interviews he’ll be doing for the company.
Looking Ahead: Staying Connected and Giving Back
Even after stepping away from competition, Fred couldn’t completely sever his ties to the rodeo world. The sport that shaped him continued to hold a special place in his heart. This passion for rodeo recently translated into a new and exciting opportunity: coaching at Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo.
This innovative event promises to shake up the traditional rodeo format. Fred will join a team of legendary rodeo coaches, each leading a group of talented athletes in a multi-discipline competition. It’s a chance for Fred to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of cowboys and contribute to the evolution of the sport he loves.
He also recently received news that he’ll be interviewing people of interest for this podcast. He’s looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to bring exciting content to listeners.
This interview with Fred Whitfield is a great reminder that success can be achieved in many ways. Fred’s rodeo days may be over, but his love for the sport lives on! Now a successful businessman, he’s giving back by coaching at Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo and stepping into a new role as an interviewer for the Fuel Disclosure podcast. Fred’s journey proves hard work and passion can lead to success, no matter the arena.
