EmpowerU Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Iron Sharpens Iron... Featuring Nick Fitzsimmons
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Hosts: Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, Quinn Hartley
Guest: Nick Fitzsimmons

Introduction

In the premiere of Season Three, Weston Hendricks, owner and host of EmpowerU, alongside co-hosts Augustus Sexton and Quinn Hartley, introduce the new season's vision. Emphasizing consistency, competitiveness, and embodying Christ-like values, the team aims to empower individuals within the livestock industry by sharing insights from industry leaders.

Guest Introduction: Nick Fitzsimmons

At [01:05], Weston expresses excitement about having Nick Fitzsimmons on the show. Nick is renowned for his expertise in judging and evaluating livestock, breeding elite heifers, and his role as a nutrition representative for Sunglow.

Background and Early Career

Nick shares his roots at [01:54], growing up on a cattle operation in western Iowa. As one of six siblings, his early exposure to livestock, particularly Simmental cattle, laid the foundation for his passion. He recounts how his father facilitated their entry into the show cattle world, fostering a competitive yet educational environment.

Notable Quote:
"We raised sims growing up and more on the seed stock side, we sold predominantly bulls to different ranchers in that area." – Nick Fitzsimmons [01:54]

Journey into Livestock Judging

At [09:25], Nick discusses how he ventured into livestock judging during high school, influenced by Colby Birch—a respected figure in livestock judging. Colby’s mentorship was pivotal, teaching Nick the intricacies of the judging process and leading him to compete at national contests like Kansas City and National Western.

Notable Quote:
"He really did a great job of breaking things down, making things easy to, to take in and learn from." – Nick Fitzsimmons [17:19]

Collegiate Experience at Blackhawk and Texas Tech

Nick elaborates on his decision to attend Blackhawk Community College thanks to Colby's encouragement. Following his time at Blackhawk, Nick transferred to Texas Tech, drawn by both its strong livestock program and the personal connection with Ryan, a coach who shared his faith journey.

Notable Quote:
"I knew pretty quickly that that was a place that I needed to be." – Nick Fitzsimmons [19:39]

Operational Insights and Genetics

Discussing his operation, Nick highlights the importance of genetics in breeding elite livestock. At [28:44], he explains how his team, Fitz Genetics, prioritizes quality across various breeds, including Herefords and Simmentals, and adapts based on successful traits observed in competitions.

Notable Quote:
"Great cows is always going to be what produces great cows." – Nick Fitzsimmons [30:59]

Sales and Marketing Approach

Nick shares his strategies for selling cattle, favoring phone bid-offs and live auctions over online sales. This approach facilitates personal connections and ensures buyers receive livestock that aligns with their specific needs.

Notable Quote:
"If you care about people and you try to do what's best for them... that is how I've tried to be the best salesperson for Sunglow." – Nick Fitzsimmons [44:10]

Building Connections and Collaboration

Emphasizing the significance of networking, Nick believes that collaborating with elite breeders is crucial for continuous improvement. He advocates for "iron sharpens iron," highlighting the mutual benefits of shared knowledge and respect within the industry.

Notable Quote:
"Iron sharpens iron, and so I think I think to have those conversations with those guys and trade respect back and forth and learn from them." – Nick Fitzsimmons [36:24]

Faith and Personal Philosophy

A recurring theme in the episode is the integration of faith into professional and personal life. Nick references Philippians 4:6-7 as a guiding scripture, advocating for prayer and reliance on God amidst challenges. He underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share similar faith values.

Notable Quote:
"Find like-minded people that also think that. And so I don't know that anything in the livestock industry per se is antagonistic against faith by any means." – Nick Fitzsimmons [49:36]

Conclusion and Personal Empowerment

In closing, Nick attributes his continuous growth and empowerment to the people in his life—his family, team members, and trusted customers. He emphasizes that these relationships drive him to strive for excellence daily.

Notable Quote:
"The people in my life... they are the folks that empower me to continue to get better every single day." – Nick Fitzsimmons [52:46]

Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with hosts acknowledging Nick's valuable contributions and encouraging listeners to engage with EmpowerU on social media and through their website. A final scripture, Jeremiah 17:10, reinforces the episode's themes of integrity and purposeful conduct.

Key Takeaways

• Nick Fitzsimmons’ journey from a cattle operation in Iowa to a respected figure in the livestock industry underscores the importance of mentorship and dedication.
• Emphasizing quality genetics and strategic sales approaches has been pivotal in Nick’s operational success.
• Integrating faith into professional endeavors fosters resilience and community within the livestock industry.
• Building and maintaining meaningful relationships is essential for personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "We raised sims growing up and more on the seed stock side, we sold predominantly bulls to different ranchers in that area." – Nick Fitzsimmons [01:54]
• "He really did a great job of breaking things down, making things easy to, to take in and learn from." – Nick Fitzsimmons [17:19]
• "Great cows is always going to be what produces great cows." – Nick Fitzsimmons [30:59]
• "Iron sharpens iron, and so I think I think to have those conversations with those guys and trade respect back and forth and learn from them." – Nick Fitzsimmons [36:24]
• "Find like-minded people that also think that. And so I don't know that anything in the livestock industry per se is antagonistic against faith by any means." – Nick Fitzsimmons [49:36]
• "The people in my life... they are the folks that empower me to continue to get better every single day." – Nick Fitzsimmons [52:46]

This episode of EmpowerU with Nick Fitzsimmons offers a blend of industry expertise, operational strategies, and personal faith insights, providing listeners with a comprehensive perspective on achieving success both professionally and personally within the livestock sector.