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Issue link: https://ccr-mag.epubxp.com/i/666154
63 MARCH : APRIL 2016 — COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION INDUSTRY EVENTS • SUMMIT COVERAGE " Rodeo contestants are a unique and independent lot, typically God fearing and patriotic with a ferce attachment to their families and to the land." – John Mack Ride 'em cowboy Reliving the life and times of bull riding icon John Mack O h, the stories John Mack can tell. After 10 years competing at the highest level on bull riding circuits across the country, he spent another 30 as an analyst, commentating on the ins and outs of one of the most extreme sports we know. To be sure, there are parallels between the high risk life of a rodeo cowboy and the challenges in the workplace, namely fnding the balance between winning and losing, and how to turn failure into success. Mack's love affair with the "bucking chute," as the pros call it, began in 1973, and then transitioned into the commentator world. Over the last 35 years, Mack has called more than 3,000 events, including the Open Professional Rodeos exclusively for the Lester Meier Rodeo Company, headquartered in Fredericksburg, Texas. "Rodeo has a fascinating heritage in that, as a sport, it grew from a danger- ous and romantic working lifestyle of the American Cowboy," Mack says. "The action is authentic, fresh and exciting." Mack says the adrenaline of both riding bulls and announcing the rodeos is intense, although he admits it is, at time, more terror than adrenaline when you're on the bull. "The rodeo rough stock – bulls and broncs – are huge, powerful, athletic, entertaining and dangerous. Few animals have the genetic makeup to have the interest in, heart for, and athletic ability to buck. Because the are rare, they are valuable which makes them valued, appreciated and protected." As for the type of person who can stare down an amped up bull (or bronc) with the money, the crowd and entertainment value on the line? "Rodeo con- testants are a unique and independent lot, typically God fearing and patriotic with a ferce attachment to their families and to the land," Mack says. "They have uncommon skill sets and athletic abilities and are the ultimate risk takers. As for the bulls? Says Mack, "They are an ulti- mate thrill to ride and a unique pleasure to watch and to care for." CCR