Cowboy Heroes

by Jim Olson

“To Own a Trading Post”

This is a true story. A story about business. A story about making an investment (in people and finance). A story about helping out. A story about following your heart.

People often ask me, “How did you get into the Trading Post business?”

First, a little history. Back in the day . . .

For about eighteen years, I bought and sold ranches, land, agriculture and commercial properties (both as an investor and agent for others) around the state of Arizona.… Read the rest

Cowboy Heroes

by Jim Olson

“Clay McGonagill —

Steer Roper Extraordinaire”

“I’ll bet you $1,000 I can tie eleven steers down quicker than you can ten!” The challenge was issued to Bob Gentry, World Champion Steer Roper from Oklahoma. The man laying down the challenge was none other than Clay McGonagill. The date, July, 1907.

Henry Clay McGonagill was born at Old Sweet Home, Texas on September 24, 1879 to George and Narcissa McGonagill.… Read the rest

Cowboy Heroes

by Jim Olson

“Bertha Blancett –
A Pioneer Lady in Rodeo”

Hundreds of cowboys have ridden broncs at “The Daddy,” (Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo) since it began in 1897. But did you know women used to ride broncs there as well? The first woman to complete such a task was none other than Bertha Kaepernik, a pioneer in women’s rodeo competition. Bertha Kaepernik Blancett has been credited with many “firsts” for ladies when it comes to the early days of the great sport of Rodeo!… Read the rest