Grit Branded

In this episode of Grit Branded, Lauren LaFleur, Marketing Director of Rafter P Construction, sits down with videographer and storyteller JD Tollefson. Though he never competed in rodeo himself, JD grew up surrounded by it through his family and friends, a lifelong connection that drives his passion for capturing authentic western stories on film.

Since picking up a camera in 2022, he’s made his mark producing short films and social...

In this episode of Grit Branded, Lauren LaFleur, Marketing Director at Rafter P Construction, sits down with Jessica Wahlert — Marketing Director at Cinch Jeans and Shirts. Jessica grew up on a cow-calf operation in eastern Colorado, and her journey from ranch life to leading a major western brand is a testament to grit, relationships, and seizing opportunity. She shares insights on staying grounded, the importance of youth program...

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with master craftsman and Western industry staple, Kerry Kelley. From launching Kerry Kelley Bits & Spurs in 1995 to building a full-time team and acquiring an East Texas foundry, Kerry shares how he’s built a legacy rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and family values. They dive into the evolution of his business, his deep love for the craft, and how he’s grown the operation...

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Gary Pierce, Co-Founder of Pure Funding Mortgage—a thriving mortgage company based in Weatherford, Texas, now in its third year and licensed in five states. A veteran of the consumer finance industry, Gary brings over 20 years of experience to the table, helping clients navigate the often-complicated path to homeownership.

Originally from a suburb of Detroit, Gary made his way sou...

In this episode of Grit Branded, host Brad Pryor sits down with Casey Tew of Casey Tew Leather Shop. Originally from Belgrade, Montana, Casey shares the story of how he discovered leatherwork in high school and turned it into a full-time business during college.

Brad and Casey dive into the craftsmanship behind saddle making, the history of flower stamping, and how Casey found the signature style he's known for today. They also ...

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with rope horse trainer and NFR qualifier Tate Kirchenschlager.
Fresh off a win at the Old West Futurity in Utah, Tate reflects on his journey through the PRCA, his experience roping at the NFR, and the grit it takes to compete at the highest level. He also opens up about his transition to training futurity horses and offers valuable insight into the evolving rope horse indus...

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with a man who truly embodies the grit and grind of the Western lifestyle—Christopher "Click" Thompson. From ranch roots to rodeo arenas and now to the heart of Western media and storytelling, Click shares the journey that shaped his path, the lessons he's learned in the saddle and behind the lens, and what it means to stay authentic in a world that's constantl...

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with a man who truly embodies the grit and grind of the Western lifestyle—Christopher "Click" Thompson. From ranch roots to rodeo arenas and now to the heart of Western media and storytelling, Click shares the journey that shaped his path, the lessons he's learned in the saddle and behind the lens, and what it means to stay authentic in a world that's constantl...

In this episode of Grit Branded, host Brad Pryor sits down with Shad Mayfield, the NFR World Champion tie-down roper known for his lightning-fast skills and relentless work ethic. From small-town roots to standing at the top of the rodeo world, Shad opens up about the mental toughness, daily discipline, and behind-the-scenes grind that got him there—and keeps him there.

Whether you’re in the arena, on the jobsite, or chasing a dream...

In this episode of Grit Branded, host Brad Pryor sits down with Shad Mayfield, the NFR World Champion tie-down roper known for his lightning-fast skills and relentless work ethic. From small-town roots to standing at the top of the rodeo world, Shad opens up about the mental toughness, daily discipline, and behind-the-scenes grind that got him there—and keeps him there.

Whether you’re in the arena, on the jobsite, or chasing a dream...

Uwe has been successfully training cutting horses, cow horses, and western horses for all disciplines for over 35 years. Uwe produced several AQHA Cutting Superior Champions, and won multiple AQHA & NCHA European Championships and DQHA & NCHA Championships, and served as an international NCHA judge before moving to the USA in 2001, where he has specialized in training cutting horses, selecting cutting-prospects, coaching Am...

Uwe has been successfully training cutting horses, cow horses, and western horses for all disciplines for over 35 years. Uwe produced several AQHA Cutting Superior Champions, and won multiple AQHA & NCHA European Championships and DQHA & NCHA Championships, and served as an international NCHA judge before moving to the USA in 2001, where he has specialized in training cutting horses, selecting cutting-prospects, coaching Am...

On this episode of Grit Branded we continue the conversation with the CEO of the Voltage Coffee Project Matt Fisher.

Host Brad Pryor of Rafter P Construction sits down with Matt Fisher—retired firefighter, father of four, and the CEO behind Voltage Coffee Project, Trinity Street Coffee, and more. Matt shares his journey from the fire service to building a thriving coffee empire, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how grit, pass...