EmpowerU Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: See The Good - Positive Progression With Braden House
Hosts: Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton
Guest: Braden House
Release Date: August 10, 2024
Introduction to Braden House
In this compelling episode of EmpowerU, hosts Weston Hendrix and Augustus Sexton engage in an in-depth conversation with Braden House, a renowned Charolais cattle breeder from Iowa, Texas. Braden shares his journey in the livestock industry, highlighting his dedication to purebred Charolais show heifers and his passion for building a successful cattle operation from the ground up.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (02:19): “I'm Braden House from Iowa, Texas, and my wife Nicole and I tend to own and operate Big House Show Cattle.”
Early Beginnings and Influences
Braden reflects on his childhood experiences, feeding cows alongside his great-grandfather and fostering an early love for livestock. These formative years ignited his passion, leading him back to cattle business during his junior high years. Although he faced challenges in his early showing career, including not winning major titles, Braden remained committed to learning and growing within the industry.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (05:20): “I could pay a whopping $5,500 for her, and I forgot my checkbook at home. So my dad actually bought that cow, and then I ended up technically buying her from him.”
The Importance of Mentorship
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the critical role mentorship plays in Braden's success. He emphasizes aligning with the right mentors who embody hard work and integrity, sharing personal anecdotes about his mentors Colton Big Pin and Brian Rogers. These relationships provided Braden with invaluable hands-on experience, shaping his work ethic and business tactics.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (10:11): “The mentor deal, it'll make or break your ability to be successful.”
Building Big House Show Cattle
Transitioning from his early career, Braden discusses how he scaled his operation by focusing on purebred Charolais show heifers. He highlights the strategic decisions involved in selecting breeds that offer multiple revenue avenues and promoting an experience for customers and their children, rather than just selling cattle. This customer-centric approach has helped him build a loyal following and a respected name in the industry.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (16:32): “If you treat it like your life depends on it, because it does. I like being able to put cheese on my burger.”
Promoting Champion Bulls
Braden details his strategy for promoting bulls, stressing the importance of selecting high-quality sires that consistently produce champions. He describes his top bulls—Brightside, Super Puncher, and Big Game Hunter—explaining what sets each apart and their contributions to the success of his herd. Braden underscores the significance of credibility and the impact of these bulls on his business.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (24:05): “Because a cow has a set of ovaries does not mean she's a donor... you have to do it right.”
Current Trends and Future Outlook
Braden shares his insights on current trends in the livestock industry, particularly focusing on the steer market. While he appreciates the competitiveness steers bring, he expresses concerns about future trends that might compromise cattle quality for speed. Braden remains optimistic about the "golden age" of American steers, citing improvements in quality and competitive edge over exotic breeds.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (28:03): “These American steers is so much better than the top end of the exotics that it is not even funny.”
Controversial Topics: Politics, Religion, and Judging
Addressing often-taboo subjects, Braden candidly shares his views on politics and religion within the context of the livestock industry. He dismisses the notion that formal education is a prerequisite for effective judging, emphasizing real-world experience and profitability over academic credentials. Braden advocates for professionalism and integrity, irrespective of personal beliefs or backgrounds.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (33:51): “Have you, you know, has an evaluator ever actually paid off a bank note with the ass in of a set of cows? I do not care how many trophies you've hoisted...”
Personal Philosophy: "See The Good"
Braden concludes with his guiding principle, "See the Good," a motto shared by his wife. He highlights the importance of positivity and recognizing the good in people and animals alike, especially in an industry often overshadowed by negativity. This philosophy not only drives his business practices but also reinforces his commitment to fostering a supportive and uplifting community.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (48:01): “The quote is 'See the good.'... If you want to know the good in them, you'll change your whole perspective.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Braden offers heartfelt advice to young individuals entering the livestock industry. He stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences, pursuing education or trades as a backup plan, and maintaining integrity. Braden emphasizes that success stems from hard work, the right mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to one’s values.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (44:44): “You gotta look at your friends... You're going to become the people that you hang out with.”
Closing Thoughts
The episode wraps up with Braden expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to share his story and insights. He encourages listeners to stay focused, persevere through challenges, and always strive to "See the Good" in every aspect of life and work.
Notable Quote:
Braden House (56:36): “We will never be the richest... but that kid with his Dexters would be thrilled to call me their friend.”
Key Takeaways:
- Mentorship: Aligning with the right mentors is crucial for personal and professional growth in the livestock industry.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Building a loyal customer base by offering valuable experiences rather than just products.
- Quality Over Quantity: Selecting and promoting high-quality bulls that consistently produce champions.
- Positivity and Integrity: Upholding a positive outlook and maintaining integrity, especially when navigating controversial topics.
- Advice for Youth: Emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and having a backup plan through education or trade skills.
Final Thought:
Braden House embodies the essence of empowerment in the livestock industry through his dedication, integrity, and unwavering positive mindset. His journey and insights offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to succeed in this field.