EmpowerU Podcast Episode Summary: "Brick By Brick... Featuring Raymond Gonnet"
Episode Information
- Title: Brick By Brick... Featuring Raymond Gonnet
- Host/Authors: Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, Quinn Hartley
- Release Date: November 29, 2024
1. Introduction to Raymond Gonnet
In the fifth episode of Season Three, hosts Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, and Quinn Hartley welcome Raymond Gonnet, a prominent figure in the cattle industry. Weston expresses admiration for Raymond, highlighting his success in producing elite show cattle both in the Midwest and in Texas at Fort Worth.
Notable Quote:
"Mr. Raymond is one of the most elite people in the cattle industry... I can't wait to hear his story."
— Weston Hendrix [00:46]
2. Raymond's Background and Move from Canada to the US
Raymond shares his origins from Alberta, Canada, and his upbringing on a feedlot and row crop farm. His early involvement with 4H and show cattle ignited his passion for the industry. At 23, driven by ambition and a desire to achieve greater success, Raymond made the pivotal decision to move to Iowa, USA, leaving behind his family's farm operations in Canada.
Notable Quote:
"I told myself if I didn't chase that, I would regret it for the rest of my life."
— Raymond Gonnet [04:35]
3. Overcoming Initial Challenges
Transitioning to a new country presented significant challenges. Raymond had to establish credibility from scratch, facing skepticism from established breeders in states like South Dakota. His background in sales from working at John Deere equipped him with essential people skills, enabling him to build relationships despite initial setbacks.
Notable Quote:
"The biggest obstacle was getting my foot in the door and proving my knowledge."
— Raymond Gonnet [12:05]
4. Building Competitive Edge Genetics
After gaining experience and building a clientele over several years, Raymond founded Competitive Edge Genetics with investors. Over a decade, he secured full ownership, transforming the company into a successful enterprise focused on breeding high-quality AI sires and selling prospects each year.
Notable Quote:
"It took me 10 years from start to finish to have the company all mine."
— Raymond Gonnet [05:54]
5. Mentorship and Skill Development
Raymond emphasizes the importance of mentorship in honing his cattle clipping skills. Attending a transformative clinic by Kirk Steerwald in 2005 significantly enhanced his technical abilities. Additionally, Raymond credits Chris and Carolyn Wilson from Trush Farms for providing opportunities to refine his cattle handling and sales techniques.
Notable Quote:
"Kirk Steerwald inspired me with his effortless clipping skills, like the Wayne Gretzky of clipping."
— Raymond Gonnet [24:27]
6. Building a Successful Cow Herd and Brand
Focusing on high-quality genetics, Raymond utilizes IVF technology and embryo work to raise elite cattle. He balances breeding for exhibition qualities and productivity, ensuring diversity within his herd. His strategic selection and investment in proven pedigrees have established Competitive Edge Genetics as a reputable name in the industry.
Notable Quote:
"You have to spend it to make it right. You can't expect to race elite stuff out of bargain bin cows."
— Raymond Gonnet [39:41]
7. Marketing Techniques and Social Media Strategy
Raymond attributes much of his success to effective use of social media. By posting content at optimal times—primarily early mornings and evenings—he maximizes visibility and engagement. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of engaging with followers, running interactive promotions, and showcasing behind-the-scenes activities to build a loyal online community.
Notable Quote:
"If you make a post at 7am CST, you're hitting the most time zones and catching people before work."
— Raymond Gonnet [63:33]
8. Involvement with Highland Cattle
Venturing into Scottish Highland cattle, Raymond and his fiancée Sterling Reichenbach launched Highland Connections. Drawing inspiration from early childhood experiences and influencers like Greg and Pearl Walthall, they successfully marketed their Highland cattle through professional presentation and strategic marketing, gaining significant traction in the show circuit.
Notable Quote:
"We took a selective approach to find elite Highland cattle and paired it with polished marketing strategies."
— Raymond Gonnet [54:30]
9. Collaboration with the Hip-Hop Industry
Unexpectedly, Raymond leveraged his business acumen to collaborate with the hip-hop community. By managing and sourcing beats for artists, he bridged his livestock business expertise with music production. This unique crossover facilitated relationships with prominent artists like Trippie Red, enhancing his brand's visibility beyond the cattle industry.
Notable Quote:
"Managing relationships in the music industry allowed me to cross-promote and expand my network."
— Raymond Gonnet [72:53]
10. Personal Faith and Life-Changing Accident
A profound moment in Raymond's life was surviving a severe truck rollover accident while hauling cattle. This incident reinforced his faith, leading him to recognize a higher purpose and instilling a deep sense of gratitude and resilience. He credits his survival to divine intervention, shaping his approach to life and business with a focus on faith and purpose.
Notable Quote:
"God was looking out for me... there's a bigger purpose to all of this."
— Raymond Gonnet [81:53]
11. Inspirational Insights and Conclusion
Raymond concludes by stressing the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and continuous improvement. Drawing from his journey, he encourages others to pursue their dreams relentlessly, leveraging positive attitudes and hard work to overcome obstacles.
Notable Quote:
"If you have a positive attitude and believe in yourself, absolutely anything is attainable."
— Raymond Gonnet [88:34]
Final Thoughts
Raymond Gonnet's story on EmpowerU exemplifies resilience, strategic growth, and the power of leveraging diverse skills across industries. From humble beginnings in Canada to establishing a respected genetics business in the US, Raymond's journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and operators in the livestock industry and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- Persistence Pays Off: Overcoming initial skepticism and building credibility requires time and consistent effort.
- Leverage Mentorship: Learning from industry leaders can significantly enhance technical and business skills.
- Effective Marketing: Strategic use of social media and timing can amplify brand presence and customer engagement.
- Diversification: Exploring ventures outside the primary industry can open new opportunities and expand networks.
- Faith and Purpose: Personal beliefs and experiences can drive resilience and provide deeper meaning to professional endeavors.
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