James Trawick built one of the most ambitious rodeo and music festivals in America.

But despite the success, there was still a commitment he'd been postponing.

In this episode of Close The Deal, James shares the story behind Hondo Rodeo Fest, the challenge of launching in New Orleans, and the personal goal that kept getting pushed aside.

The conversation ultimately reveals something many entrepreneurs face:

When does building the dream start crowding out the things that originally gave life meaning?

Key Takeaways

• Launching large-scale events in new markets
• Building relationships through community
• Family-first leadership
• The importance of intentional recreation
• Why personal commitments deserve deadlines

James Trawick is the Founder and CEO of Hondo Rodeo Fest and a lifelong advocate for rodeo culture, family values, and community experiences. 

🎙 KEY MOMENT

"I'm hoping to have all of that in play inside 12 months."
"I've gotta get that done."
"I've gotta spend quite a bit of time in the saddle in September." 

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.