Roper Review with Dustin Hulme

In 2008, Dustin Hulme and his wife, Alexie, were at a rodeo in West Jordan, Utah. Dustin was roping with his brother trying to help him fill his permit. They won the rodeo, filling his brother’s permit at his first pro rodeo. It was there Dustin saw a PRCA merchandise trailer set up and told his wife, “That looks like a fun job.” Now, less than ten years later, Dustin is the Director of Merchandising for the PRCA.
Dustin grew up in Montpelier, Idaho. One of four boys, Dustin grew up with a rope in his hand. He roped in Junior High and High School rodeo and qualified for the state finals all four years of high school. Dustin also played basketball and football in high school, where he was all state as a defensive tackle the last two years of high school.
Dustin then attended Utah State University where he joined the college rodeo team. He competed in the Rocky Mountain Region in Team Roping and Tie-down Roping for three years. After college Dustin continued to rope at amateur rodeos for a couple of years. Then, in 2006 he bought his PRCA permit and went to pro rodeos in the Wilderness Circuit.
Dustin started his career in western retail in 2003 when he managed a feed and tack store in Layton, Utah. After several years he went to work for Inter-Mountain Farmers Association (IFA) as a Territory Manager over the store managers. Dustin credits that position for propelling him into sales.
After several years at IFA, Dustin decided he wanted to be able to rope and enter jackpots while earning money by selling tack. He started his own business, Travelin’ Tack and had a custom trailer built. He and his wife hit the road and worked at their business for a couple of years.
Through his business, Dustin received an opportunity to work for the PBR as Director of Merchandise, selling merchandise at their events. After a couple of years of being on the road 300 days a year, Dustin accepted the position he now holds with the PRCA.
As Director of Merchandising for the PRCA, Dustin spends most of his time on merchandise for the NFR. He approves and contributes to the design of the clothing sold by the PRCA. He also manages all inventories, in addition to three full-time trailers that set up at PRCA rodeos.
Dustin and Alexie have a 21-month-old daughter, Adri. They live in a small town, Driggs, Idaho, 25 minutes from Jackson Hole. They have nine head of horses and keep a small herd of roping steers.
The Hulmes also operate Teton Valley Rodeo Company and produce rodeos every weekend during the summer months.
COWbOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
Five days a week.
Do you make your own horses?
Absolutely.
Growing up, who were your roping (rodeo) heroes?
Denny Watkins and Dee Pickett.
Who do you respect most in the world?
My wife.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My brother.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Spend time with my family and my horses.
Favorite movie?
Lonesome Dove.
What’s the last thing you read?
AQHA Journal.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Honest, Reliable, Fun.
What makes you happy?
Succeeding at my roping.
What makes you angry?
Whining.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Invest every penny into a business that could grow.
What is your worst quality – your best?
Worst quality is being too detail oriented at times. Best quality is I don’t quit until the job is done.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
With a couple more kids, and continuing to succeed at my current job.