There are a few professions, besides rodeo, that require driving many miles and spending time away from home. One of those occupations is a sales rep, which is what Scott Stickley has chosen to do for the last twenty-six years. Scott, who makes his home in Whitesboro, Texas, is a sales rep for Professional’s Choice, Dutton Bits, Fast Back Ropes, Weaver Leather, and Eight Away Breakaway. Covering Texas and New Mexico keeps him on the road four days a week and puts 65,000 miles a year on his truck.
“Being a sales rep isn’t rocket science,” says Scott. “You get in your truck and call on accounts. Ninety-five percent of the people in our industry are good people and fun to deal with. It’s not like having a real job. I get to go see people and visit.”
“My favorite thing about this job is the relationships I’ve built over the years. It’s more of a friendship than a business relationship at this point.”
Stickley grew up in Iowa roping calves and qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo three times. He was crowned state champion calf roper during his sophomore and senior years.
“When I was 18, I moved to Texas. The weather was more favorable for roping and I knew I could rope more often against some great ropers. Shortly after moving I realized the calf roping was very competitive – more so than I had anticipated. Later I met Shaun Burchett, a world champion steer roper, and started roping with him. I grew to love the sport, mostly due to the horsemanship involved. In 1990 I was the PRCA Rookie Steer Roper of the year.”
Stickley’s first job in Texas was working in a warehouse for a company that sold pneumatic tools. In the early 90’s he went to work for Jimmy Smith, of Smith Brothers, in Denton, Texas, putting on team ropings. He also helped manage the 1,800 head of steers Smith owned and leased.
Scott soon found himself working “road shows” for Smith Brothers such as Congress and the NFR and eventually went to work in the store full time. There he met visiting sales reps and decided it was a pretty cool profession.
“At one of the road shows I met Monty Crist, Professional’s Choice, who convinced me to step out of retail and try my hand at being a sales rep,” explains Stickley. “My first lines were Professional’s Choice and Dutton Bits. At the time PC only had about five products so sales were nothing like they are today.”
Now, years later, Scott has seen a lot of changes in the western industry.
“Sadly, the smaller ‘mom and pop’ stores are dwindling. The Internet has a lot to do with it, and the larger companies keep expanding. The changes I find exciting is the development of new materials used in sport boots, and rope making. High tech is making its way to the western industry.”
When not traveling, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife, Regale, and two daughters, Jaci, 19, and Jesi, 14. He also ropes steers and team ropes.
“I still enjoy this hobby very much. I enjoy roping and like keeping current with the needs, ideas, and changes in products. Staying in the loop helps me service and relate to my customers’ needs.
COWBOY Q&A
Do you make your own horses?
Yes.
Who have been your roping heroes?
Roy Cooper, Phil Lyne.
Who do you respect most in the world?
Greg Dutton.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My dad.
What’s the last thing you read?
A book called, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Humble, self-motivated, good friend.
What makes you happy?
Family.
If you were given one million dollars, how would you spend it?
I would help our church, put enough away for college for my girls, and save rest away for retirement.
What is your worst quality – your best?
My best quality is honesty. My worst is being disorganized.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully in ten years, I will be retired and roping in Arizona during the winter.
