Wordless Wednesday – Let’s Ride
Profile On: Chuck Bartok, Marketing Consultant
How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Currently Shirley and I are “horseless”. Health issues caused us to sell the ranch and facility and move into a “senior environment”. We are VERY active in the local horse community and since I am a life member of California State Horsemen’s Association (CSHA) and fomer State Vice-president, we still contribute when we can towards successful venues.
I allocate approximately 55 hours a week involved in the horse industry. It is nice to be “retired” from the 80+ hours for almost 40 years ~smile~. I used to announce 30 West Coast Shows a year, but cannot continue that pace, so I volunteer for a few selected Non-Profit Functions.
Shirley left her boarding business and had to downsize to miniatures because of her bone conditions and finally NO horse and now spend her time handcrafting Wood Yard and Home Decor, focusing on the Western and Horse Motifs. Even though we miss the smells and daily contact, our hearts and spirit are still with the horse.
Our youngest son has an excellent Cutting Horse Training facility in Texas and is carrying on our “legacy” of being close to the horse.
What is it exactly that you do?
Most of the clients in our Marketing and Business Consulting Company are in the manufacture and distribution of horse products, provide professional services, or are breeders and ranchers.
Chuck Bartok is a 50 year serial entrepreneur who focused his energy in Agriculture and Equine Businesses and Financial Services. Since a major health set back a few years ago, Chuck is now spending his time helping others grow their businesses and profits through the effective use of internet and social media marketing.
In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Everyone’s definition of liveable is different. I believe my fees and compensation would allow most reasonable people to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. For the past several years it has averaged about $100/hour net after taxes.
There is a demand for experienced marketing consultants and coaches in all fields. There is a strong market in the horse industry, since so many NEW people are always venturing into the business side.
What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Be familiar with the industry, preferably with hands-on experience. Understand the needs of your client’s customer base. I DO not advocate wasting time getting advanced degrees in marketing. Most programs are taught by those of little to NO experience and are too focused on structure rather than getting the job done.
I have guest lectured in some programs and was appalled at the lack of understanding of how to grow the whole person – so important in the success of any business, regardless the venue. Suggestions: team up with experience , learn to listen, create your own persona (there are thousands who will follow YOU) and be willing to take the time to GROW. Just like starting a colt, there is NO easy button.
Favourite horse memory?
My father taking me to the stables in Chicago and riding the Forest Preserves after he returned from WWII. That embedded my desire to become a horseman.
Future goals?
Continue to encourage and help build the horse businesses of others.
Best thing about your sport/profession?
Watching clients build the horse related businesses of THEIR dreams. Especially young trainers. Some of my “clients” have really exploded onto the Horse World over the past 20 years.
“Whoever said that money cannot buy happiness didn’t know where to buy a horse.” – Author unknown
Friday Feature: Career Counselling (Equine)
This week’s letter is C. If you missed last week’s Friday Feature, take a look at Breeder.
Now in all honesty, I’m not sure that this particular equine related career exists – yet! And yet, it would be my dream job. That is why this blog came to be – there are so many opportunities to work with horses, sometimes those who want to do so don’t know what to pursue, or they’re not sure if they can make an income whilst working with this animal that they love.
Someone who counsels others in regards to horse related careers would need to have the following:
- An awareness of varying horse qualifications around the world, how long they take to complete and costs involved
- Knowledge of what skills are desired in particular facets of the equine industries (racing, equestrian, stud, sales, endurance, carriage, instructing, etc)
- Contacts across a myriad of horse related industries
- Knowledge of what qualifications are required to carry out particular jobs
- People skills
- The ability to network and promote one’s services to potential clients
Although this is a niche market, I firmly believe there are many, many people out there who desire a career with horses. If there was someone they could go to, to guide them on:
- possible careers with horses,
- courses they should undertake to get their dream job
- and how to go about promoting themselves via networking and resume creation;
I think that person would over time be able to carry out equine career counselling as their dream horse career. For posts that relate to this area of work on Equus-Blog, take a look at:
“… the horse has been, of all animals, man’s most constant companion in work and leisure.” – Author unknown
Wordless Wednesday – Let’s Jump
Profile On: Stacey Sikorski, Professional Show Groom
How much of your day/week is related to horses?
A good 50% is related to horses probably more.
What is it exactly that you do?
At my “real job” I do chart review, marketing and other duties at a major veterinary hospital. This includes horses as well as small animals (cats/dogs).
My other jobs include:
- Working one day a week conditioning and clipping show horses for an Arabian trainer.
- Running a boarding facility for 9 horses at my home.
- Running a clipping service for horses – I body clip and show clip.
- On my “vacations” I work as a professional show groom.
In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes but it is not easy. Most people do not want to work 80+ hours a week or be away from home as often as this type of work requires.
What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
In my case I just started letting people know I was available again. I got my start by working for people who had known me when I was a full time professional groom. They knew I was hard working, knew I could clip, braid, longe etc. They knew I could handle mares, stallions and young stock and drive a truck and trailer or tractor.
When I first started out I was lucky enough to find someone willing to give me a chance. People for some reason did not think I would stick to it. My first big show as a groom was the Scottsdale Arabian Show. I lived in a portable stall while there. It rained non-stop the entire show. My stall was flooded but it didn’t deter me at all. At the end of the show one of the trainers asked “What do you think?” I replied “This is what I want to do”. I worked there until the farm was downsized in a divorce.
Most importantly you need to be willing to work hard and LEARN. If my work was unacceptable I was told to do it again until I got it right and instead of being offended I got better and better. Learning to braid I practiced on all of our breeding stallions. You have to want to be the best and keep at it until you are.
Favourite horse memory?
There are many but galloping *Enrilo in the 100 acre field ranks way up there. I was fortunate enough to work with some very famous horses and groomed more National Winners than I can count. Watching my friend and head trainer ride horses I had prepped to National Championships is another big one.
Future goals?
To make enough to be able to quit my day job and work for myself – I’m closing in on that goal. And to be known again as one of the best show grooms in the country. I’m competitive – being good is not enough. It feels great to hear one of my veterinarians say “I can tell a horse you have body clipped by sight”. Huge compliment!
Best thing about your sport/profession?
The feel of family. Even after my 10 year “retirement” when I came back to the industry they all still knew me. I knew them and honestly I felt like I had gone home. No one questioned me, no one yelled at me and best of all I didn’t have to worry I might do something wrong. They were all happy I was there to see to it that everything was how it was supposed to be.
“Don’t count your ribbons before the show starts.” – Author unknown
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