HENDERSON, Texas – Everyone needs a dose of honesty, a quick response to something important.
Friends are great, but so are advisors. When businessmen work together, they can forge relationships that last for years, such is the case with Pete Carr and the organizers of the Black Gold Stampede, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday at the Rusk County Expo Center in Henderson.
“Pete has been just great, because he always gives me his honest opinion; at the end of the day, he’ll say, ‘We’re going to do what you want to do,’ ” said Ryan Ellis, chairman of the volunteer committee that puts together the annual rodeo. “He told me, ‘Whatever you want to do in that arena is what we’re going to make happen.’
“At the same time, he knows so much about rodeo and about what goes on behind the scenes that he’s always a phone call away. When I ask if something we’re about to do is a good idea or not, he’ll tell me honestly. I appreciate that.”
Carr owns Dallas-based Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, one of the elite livestock producers in ProRodeo. The firm has 15 nominations for PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year, and Carr was recently inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, alongside his legendary bronc, two-time PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year Dirty Jacket.
Now in his 20th year of owning the company, Carr continues to excel at an elite level. There will be 19 animals with the Rafter C brand performing at this year’s National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s grand finale that takes place over 10 days each December in Las Vegas.
“Pete is a great source of experience in what he sees, and he’s easy to tell us what he thinks will help our rodeo,” Ellis said. “He’s also been really good about not outpricing our market so we’re able to afford him. He’s been great for us.”
He’s also been great for the contestants. The Carr team has been recognized for its top-flight production, working closely with announcer Andy Stewart. This year, the rodeo will also feature entertainer John Harrison, has won the Triple Crown for rodeo entertainers: Comedy Act of the Year, Coors Man in the Can and Clown/Barrelman of the Year each of the past two years. The contractor, announcer, entertainer and rodeo committee have to work together to put on the kind of show that attracts a big audience.
“We like the way our team works together,” Ellis said. “With Pete, anytime I call, he’s going to answer the phone or call me right back. He can either help me or give me resources that can.
“He tells me all the time, ‘I want your rodeo to be successful, and I want y’all to be successful.’ That means a lot to me, and it’s one of the big reasons we like having Pete as our stock contractor.”
Ellis’ relationship with Carr is more than a mentorship, and that collaboration what makes the Black Gold Stampede a success every year.