December 1st 2024.
When Paul Andrews took on the role of President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show and Complex in November 2010, he was no stranger to the world of sports. Having previously worked for Denver's Kroenke Sports Enterprises, which owned the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids, as well as other well-known venues, Andrews was used to the bright lights and excitement of big leagues. However, the dusty arenas for cows and horses were a whole new world for him.
Andrews recalls that his children and grandchildren were accustomed to attending games for their favorite teams, but they were a bit unsure about the rodeo scene. As the upcoming National Western Stock Show, set for January 11-26, 2025, will be his last, Andrews looks back on his time with fondness, having made a lasting impact on the event.
His grandfather, Paul Pattridge, was a well-known cattle producer and a member of the Stock Show board. He introduced Andrews to the rich culture of the event, and it left a lasting impression on him. This familiarity with the Stock Show and its traditions helped Andrews navigate some of the most challenging times in its 118-year history, including the recent COVID pandemic that forced the cancellation of the 2021 event.
Despite this setback, Andrews had successfully led the Stock Show through previous challenges, such as the 1915 cancellation due to a "hoof and mouth" disease epidemic among the animals. One of his most significant accomplishments was his role in the $1 billion project to update and improve the overall complex, which is set to be completed in time for the 2026 show.
Andrews had also successfully raised $150 million for the Honoring the Legacy campaign, which will continue under his successor after his retirement in 2025. This campaign has received an enthusiastic response, thanks in part to the efforts of director Angela Lieurance and chairman Pete Coors, both well-connected in Denver's business and political circles.
Andrews had always known that he wanted to retire after the completion of the new buildings, stating, "I felt like the grand opening of the new buildings would be a good time to transition to a new CEO. Then they can start their career with a clean slate of buildings, no company debt, and a business model that is sustainable."
Within a year of taking on the role of CEO, Andrews had already eliminated the National Western Center's $10 million debt and created positive cash flow. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, the Stock Show saw over 700,000 attendees during the 2024 event, with revenues increasing accordingly.
As a hands-on CEO, Andrews could often be found strolling the grounds of the complex during the event, talking to people and ensuring that everything went smoothly. He takes pride in the Stock Show's traditions, which include 29 rodeos and 800 vendors. He notes that the event is one of the top four rodeos in the world and is usually sold out. He also mentions the unique livestock show that can only be found at the National Western Stock Show, making it a truly historic event.
Andrews has received praise for his dedication and hard work, both from within the organization and from external sources. Pat Grant, former National Western Center CEO, stated, "From one minute to the next, Paul could be talking to a ranch hand, a top executive, or a political leader. He worked directly with the mayor's office and Denver City Council on the passage of ballot measure 2C in 2015 to fund the National Western Center, and also worked with the Colorado Legislature in 2021 during the pandemic to secure funding for operations and was successful on both counts."
Despite his upcoming retirement, Andrews will still be involved with the Stock Show in a consulting role. He is passionate about making the event the ultimate Western experience, one that not only showcases the livestock heritage and supports scholarships and art exhibitions but also attracts tourists from all over the world.
His efforts have already resulted in a significant increase in year-round bookings for the National Western Complex, with over 250 events now taking place outside of the Stock Show. A recent report estimated the annual regional economic impact of the Stock Show at $171 million, surpassing the economic impact of other major events such as the University of Colorado Buffaloes' home games and the NBA finals.
Doug Jones, chairman of the Western Stock Show Association board, praised Andrews' dedication, energy, and business acumen, stating, "Paul's dedication, energy, and business acumen have been of incalculable value to the National Western's recent successes. His successor has some big boots to fill."
Andrews, however, is quick to credit his team for the Stock Show's success, stating, "You expose people to this and they very quickly embrace it. But what it is, it's America at its finest. We're bringing urban and rural together. We're putting politics aside so we can enjoy each other's company. To me, that's as American as it gets."
As his time as CEO comes to an end, Andrews looks back on his tenure with pride and gratitude, knowing that he has made a lasting impact on the National Western Stock Show. The event will continue to be a cornerstone of Western culture and an important economic driver for the region, thanks to his tireless efforts and dedication.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
