Episode 068 - Behind the Bright Lights: Brilynn Bentley of Las Vegas Events & NFR Extra

Brilynn Bentley: I have a note sheet of what I have to wear every day with details of what jewelry, boots, hats, or whatever the heck goes with it. I don't feel like I have any time to think, but we put our heads down. We survive the days, and you go with it, usually by day six, it becomes fun. 

Taylor McAdams: Hey everybody, and thanks for listening to another episode of the kick your boots up podcast. We're in season three. Can you believe we made it? I have learned so much over the past few years, and I'm so excited to open up my circle of friends this year, this season, with you guys, and share with you a little bit about the people that I admire most. So what better way to segue into the person that is going to be on the podcast now than to introduce you to Brilynn Bentley with Las Vegas events. She's the corporate marketing manager and the assistant general manager for the junior NFR mouthful, did I say that? Right? All that, it's a lot. It's all right, it's a lot. Well, Brilynn, I'm so happy that you're in studio today, especially because your schedule has been crazy. Talk about what you're gonna be doing while we were able to catch you here in Fort Worth, yes.

Brilynn Bentley: So we are here meeting with a bunch of sponsors, just in general, for the NFR, whether it's Cowboy Christmas related NFR itself or junior NFR. And with that, we also get to join the ARC Association of rodeo committees. Then I will join the 30 under 30 alumni gala elements and then also the American rodeo. So it's jam packed.

Taylor McAdams: It's crazy, but honestly, I am actually really happy to see you and happy to see you for 30 under 30. I know this has been a long time coming and so well deserved. So I've got to give a special shout out to you right now on camera. So happy for you. Like, seriously, I I feel like I've known you longer than I have and, and it's funny, we were just talking about, like, like how we met and stuff, and we'll talk about that in a second. But I've actually known your dad longer than I've known you through little riches rodeo, which is like, so fun. I feel like I also got to grow up alongside you just because of, like, how proud he is of you. Absolutely, my  

Brilynn Bentley: dad, literally will never take a moment to not probably mention me. Funny enough, he was definitely a big part of why I'm in the radio industry, right? Like he is a PRCA bullfighter, then he was the national little britches rodeo director. And that really led into, I think, where I met a lot of sponsors that I still actually get to work with today, which is very, very unique. They have known me since I was 12 years old, so it's interesting, especially for dad. Sometimes it's hard, because I was definitely Bud's daughter for a while. As we were talking, right? Like, you get into the industry, and they're like, oh, Bud's daughter, okay, okay. And now it's, Hey, you're Brian's dad. So that's always a thing, and it's very entertaining. But I have definitely cherished every moment, moment that he's given me in that area. Oh yeah.

Taylor McAdams: And I can tell that you're equally as proud to be his daughter than he is to have you as a daughter. So that's really cool. And okay, so we mentioned how we met, so I feel like we've got to share, because I was actually asking you before, and you're like, I don't remember until I said we were in Reno and then she was like, oh yeah. Okay, so you guys have to know Brilynn And I originally met when we were on a golf cart. My former boss was driving, and it was hilarious. We were just driving, I don't even know. We were just driving around the rodeo grounds at the Reno Rodeo. That's it. And literally, yeah, like, I think we were like, trying to go somewhere. I don't remember. Anyways, he was like, have you met her? And I was like, No. And then we, like, met. And then it was just like, oh, rodeo queen. Cool. Rodeo cool. It wasn't until, like, much later that I was like, Wait, Bud's daughter, yeah, no.

Brilynn Bentley: It definitely all comes around. For sure, this industry is so small, but so unique because of that, because you're like, No, wait, oh yes. Like, oh, I High School rodeoed with them way back in the day. Like it starts all evolving, and it's so intriguing to see, like, the phases of life really start to change and catch up with us. Because you're like, Oh, I haven't seen them for 10 years. And then all of a sudden, you're like, Oh my gosh. Like, where have you been this whole time? How does that happen? Oh, you work for this country. Wow. Like, it's so interesting to see how it all changes, and, like, how life changes for everyone in that scenario. Oh,

Taylor McAdams: yeah. And that was, like, the perfect thing for me to ask you, do you feel like you've had to, like, rebrand yourself from, like, young girl, Brilynn, I guess, Bud's daughter, to now your own self? Because I struggled with that a lot too. Like being the young rodeo queen. You know, it's like, I'm an adult now I have a career.

Brilynn Bentley: Yeah. I mean, I think internally, like with family, was definitely harder than anything, to discuss. Like I wasn't the little kid anymore. Like, all of a sudden, I was actually like this businesswoman, but my career path was definitely very different. So most don't know I actually started in 2017 as, just like an event intern. I was technically 16 years old, working at the junior NFR at that time, the second year it existed there at convention center. And it was literally a part time thing, like I would come in just those 10 days. Then I graduated high school at 17 with my Associate's degree. And again, did the NFR that fall. And then in 2018 did one more, you know, small internship, just during the event. And then that February, 2019 is when I actually was brought in part time. I. Las Vegas event. So, like, I kind of had enough involvement that I really had the young briallyn Before I was in office, at least, right, like, and then when I got in office, honestly, like, I wasn't 21 yet. I was barely 19, getting ready to graduate college with my bachelor's degree at 19 years old, which was, like, a crazy thing that I decided to do, because I put my head down and said I was going to do this while College. This while college rodeoing for UNLV. And it literally all just kind of like kept going. And it was like, Hey, you keep going, like you're on a train right now, ride it right. Like you can't allow it to stop. So it was like, all right. Like, here we go. We have a big kid job now, like there's no down time. And then it really just like, 2020 happened. We all had to work from home, and that was super unique, because, like, I was really getting ready to move out, and then, like, it'll happen. And you're like,

Taylor McAdams: Whoa. What just happened with mom and dad? Yeah, like, stay

Brilynn Bentley: here a little bit longer, okay? And then 2021 happens. And that's when I went full time as the corporate mark, corporate marketing partnerships person, okay, so still, really stayed in the same role, still really handled Junior NFR elements, which was junior world finals in that moment. It's true, but really, until 2023 that is when I became corporate marketing manager and then also Assistant General Manager. So like, as it evolved, thankfully, like it all played out very well in my time frame. But when I look back at it now, like, going into year 26 now I'm like, holy crap. Like, now I get why everyone was so shocked that I was doing this. Like, I look back and it's genuinely still a shell shock. Like, I still don't know how I was, like, how did I do that? Like, what just happened? Guys, like, and it was in a blink of an eye. Like, after college. I don't care who you are, life flies, and if anyone thinks different, I need you to talk to me about it. Because, like, I don't know how it happened. Like, I swear we were just at college, rodeos, high school, like, everything. Kids grow up fast. All of a sudden, like, your nieces and nephews are grown you're like, how is this happening? It's actually

Taylor McAdams: really wild that you say that. Because, you know, in corporate world for sure, I'm sure small businesses do the same, but it's all quarterly. You think about things quarterly. Like, honestly right now, you're definitely planning the NFR. We should be planning our elements of the like, everyone should be doing that right now, because q2 just happened, or just started like, it's just so wild. You're so right. Time is, like, I kind of used to always make fun of my dad, or, like, joke, like, you're just an old man. You don't really, like, Yeah, time flies, hahaha. But like, No, you're so right. Our nieces are grown now, and like, or like, nieces and nephews are grown, and it's just wild. It's such a wild thing. But I will say, I've got to brag on you there too, because it's like, it's like a testament to your hard work, because, like, a lot of people, wouldn't go out on a limb for someone so young and trust them and give them the responsibility that they did. So I that's what I love about the industry too, is that it's like very much, like you earn your keep, and you learned at the cowgirl way you did at the cowgirl way. So my question for you is, what is your best advice, then, for someone that has, like, either they're in college and they're ready to get a job, or they're like, gonna take an internship, they've gotta figure out the next big girl thing, big guy, big boy thing, whatever,

Brilynn Bentley: be willing to do the hard work and do the little things. I know that a lot of people like overlook that, but ultimately, I feel like when you get into the nooks and crannies of life. It's the person that goes the extra step that really shines through, no matter how you look at it. And for me, I was able to pick up a lot of small elements at a young age, but those elements then developed, and it allowed me to be like, okay, like, look, I'm carrying this weight. And they were seeing how successful that that small element might, might have been tiny, right? Like, it might have been completely irrelevant to real job reality, like, but you as an individual have to be willing to do those small things before you can ever do something big. And I know that's so redundant for a lot of individuals, but at the same time, like, you just continually forget that. Like, if you don't do step one, how are you ever supposed to get to Step 10? Like, for real, you have to do the time. Don't expect to just have this beautiful flourish career. Like, sorry, you gotta. You gotta do the hard work and the grunt work and the paperwork and the scanning and the boring stuff before you get to do the fun stuff. And I was the ultimate like, oh, we have, like, Man, I got that stack of papers to just go through, sort them. Like, you just want me to sort them alphabet, like, something so minor, right? You're like, oh, well, then, like, that little bit of like paperwork, then became, I now get to assist our VP of Finance in contracts. I know, get to do those things, and I do see it as a benefit, because I was sorting those, being a part of it, reading them, learning them. Well, then it got me that much more involved with it that once I got into my now position, like, Hey, you're managing those now, like you write them, you draft them, you send them to me. I'll deal with the final proof, but you handle. It. But that all started with just sorting papers, wow, as an intern, right? Like, those are things that people don't realize, that they take, oh, that I

Taylor McAdams: I'm so glad you said that, because the Western industry is really good about understanding hard work, but a lot of jobs out there aren't. And, like, I don't know what they're teaching in college nowadays, but it is not like, hard work. It's like, oh, just do this and you'll get hired. When, in reality, like, I My fondest memory. I remember, so yours was, like, sorting papers. Mine was at the Cheyenne front two days rodeo. Talk about grassroots marketing, marketing. I had these, like, QR codes on papers, and went to all the bathroom stalls, men's and women's. By the way, I would grab an out of order sign of the men's restroom and run in and stick these papers on the inside of every stall. And I just remember being like, This is the weirdest thing. I think it like, Why did I go to college to do this? Yeah, but in all reality, like it made the biggest impact. And so  

Brilynn Bentley: the first year I was hired in 2017 for the junior NFR, I literally was just doing day sheets, something that's so redundant to a rodeo kid, right? Like, we all know what a day sheet looks like. We're all it's not hard, really. You put the names down, you put tabs, you go get them printed, and you pick them up and you bring them to the convention center. But, like, that was my thing. But somebody had to do make it that night, and then I'd have to have them at the print shop by 7am go pick them up and then make sure they were there at the convention center. But again, started as that, like, that was my first role. And now look at you. Now we're here doing all

Taylor McAdams: this talk about, like, a glow up. I mean, like, seriously, you're like, career woman. You said you're 26 that's incredible. You act probably 30. And then the best way that's not like calling you old. It's like a little soul though, like, I'm the

Brilynn Bentley: first saying Irish goodbye. You at a out outdoor function or rodeo function. So if you ever see me go missing, it's really just because I went to bed. I am

Taylor McAdams: so glad you said that. Tyler, my husband, if you're listening, it is okay. It's socially accessible, acceptable to Irish goodbye. Yeah. Do you that might be a hot take. Like, if you're listening, comment below and tell us if you think the Irish goodbye is, like, okay, because,

Brilynn Bentley: like, if you're there with other people, you have to tell about true traveling with true other than that. No, yeah, I wish Goodbye. I'll stand on that one.

Taylor McAdams: I love that. I love that. So especially like in social events like weddings and stuff, I I did it to my best one of my good friends the other day actually at her wedding, and I didn't realize until, like, much later, after the wedding, she's like, No, Taylor was actually worried about you. And I was like, Oh, I didn't think that people would be worried about,

Brilynn Bentley: like, so many other people, like, Why were you looking for me? And it was your wedding.

Taylor McAdams: That's amazing. That's I knew I liked you.

Brilynn Bentley: Oh, 10 o'clock. It's really past my bedtime. I gotta go. I'm like, 830 I mean, usually I'm about 930 we typically travel out of our time zone. So I get, like, the benefit of being the Pacific Time Zone. So like, then we go somewhere, and you're like, oh, it's, it's 10 o'clock. I gotta go. It's early here. Yeah, that's him. And you're like, Oops, Oopsies. But

Taylor McAdams: honestly, as much as you travel, I'm sure you take up like, any sleep time you can, since you travel so much, what are some travel tips that you have anything that comes to mind, this is like really putting you on the

Brilynn Bentley: spot travel tips. I would have to say, don't be a me. Don't procrastinate until the last second. I am the worst procrastinator ever. My mom will get a kick out of this if she listens, because she literally gets a phone call, typically around 830 or nine o'clock at night. And I'm not a night person, so it doesn't typically go well. And then I'm trying on outfits that I haven't even thought really about. I'm like, Oh, I think this would be cute. And then you put it on, you're like, Whoa. And then there's usually about a couple of those. And then after that, I'm literally clueless. And my mom's like, telling me, like, what about this outfit? What about this outfit? And it's like, a whole ordeal. So like, my number one tip is, don't be a procrastinator. But honestly, on my Instagram last night, I was very validated, because 80% of my followers and friends in this industry are also procrastinators, so then I felt less, but that's really my only tip. And bring your own shampoo and conditioner. I can't stand hotel shampoo and conditioner. That is a hill I'll die on too. I'm a big Amica girl. What do you use? I'm a pure ology, okay? Like, the purple hydrate bottle. I don't know I've used it since forever. I have no great reason other than I really love it. I love the smell of it, because it's, like, minty, okay? And I

Taylor McAdams: just It does? It makes you feel clean. I know I used it for a while too. Yeah, yeah. And then this is something that I've started doing lately. I'll be like, five days. I can get my hair five days. Do you do that too? I can't, no, like,

Brilynn Bentley: I think I just have just, like, thin and, like, not thin, because I don't thin hair by any means, but like, fine enough hair that it just gets oily. So I'm, like, two days, Max, Oh, wow. A lot of work. It's a lot. But I do have cardboard straight hair, like, this is, this is natural. I barely blow dried it. So I do have that blessing. I know a lot of girls, Jessica that works with us peace in our digital team. She has like, very curly hair. So whenever we travel, it's like a whole ordeal. And if it's humid, like, her curls activate, and they're like, there to play. And I'm like, Oh, hey, like, I got straight order hair. Again, you're

Taylor McAdams: like, more humidity. Good, humidity, good. I'm gonna have straighter

Brilynn Bentley: hair and it gets a little fuller when it's a little humid. Okay. Oh, hey. So. Fabulous. Call you maybe,

Taylor McAdams: literally, I saw Jessica. I haven't, not actually officially gotten to meet her at all, I don't think. But she was on stage at the Miss radio America Pageant this past year, and I remember just being like, she might be my new girl crush, just because she's so beautiful and so so kind like, was Jessica on stage with Diana McCall

Taylor McAdams: and BP, Diana, I'm sorry I got them a few years they're both beautiful. 

Brilynn Bentley: But yes, we make a joke, and this is very not true, but in our group of women in the office, there's like 12 of us, 1110, I don't know, somewhere, a lot there's four men versus the rest of us. We giggle, but like all of the women in our office, I really do have to comment, they're so beautiful and like, in their own ways, like we are all so different. And I think that's one of the funnest things when you think about, like, the 30 under 30 groups. Yes, like our women in our office are so different, all different ages, all different times of life, and all of us love each other, like it is so entertaining to hear, like we call the LV girl gang, because, like, all of us are just like best friends. We pop off in the group chat, you know, like we genuinely enjoy spending time with each other, and I think that's another tip that I'll add in here, is surround yourself with people you enjoy to work with, because at the end of the day, you spend most of your lifetime in your career, and if you don't love what you do, don't do it. Don't do it. Do not settle for that. There's a lot of things you can choose to settle for in life. I do not believe in a career situation being one you settle for just because it takes up such a vast majority of your life. We could end the podcast right here. That might drop so seriously, don't settle. Like, go find something new. Be adventurous. Do what you need to do to succeed, because I had no idea what I wanted to be. I'll be very frank about that. Like, people ask me all the time, like, oh, did you dream of this? Or, you know, my fiance's little sister, like, she wants to be an officer and all these different things. And she's at that phase of life. She's 19, almost 20, and she's going through it. And I'm like, Oh, girl, that's such a hard phase. Like, just get through it, I promise. Like, it'll be so worth it. You just got to get through it. And she's like, okay, okay. Like, it's become a thing, right? Well, that's one of those things I had no idea. Like, I graduated young, was done, got an internship offer, and was like, Sure, let's go what I want to do. Sure this all occupy my time, at least I have a job. Like I was an accounting assistant before that, receptionist, like I had jobs throughout high school. It wasn't like I didn't have jobs, but I was like, sure, like, I could go do this for a year or two and just have fun, and, you know, we'll make a thing out of it. And then all of a sudden it was, like, my life. And I was like, Whoa, that just happened. This can work, like, I love this. And then the more I got involved, the more I was like, okay, I can, I can talk, okay. Like, okay, I'm getting in sales meetings. And really funny thing, because I was so young, and I do have to say, like, Beau took a chance with me, my boss, very big chance of me right, like I was young, but like there was properties, like, we couldn't meet with hotel properties sometimes, or he would have to specify, like, hey, we have to go somewhere to go to the bar. She can sit like it was a thing when I first started working that, like I was underage, even when we'd travel like I was underage, like I had to be very aware of it and like, plan around it, make sure we weren't meeting for drinks, for certain meetings, like it was a whole thing. So at the end of the day, the story is, like, it's worth it. Just put your head down, do the work. It'll all pan out, I promise. But don't settle. That

Taylor McAdams: actually reminds me of a funny thought. Did you ever feel like you were gonna get to a place and then not be able to meet because they want to let you in. Um,  

Brilynn Bentley: I honestly think it did happen once, and I don't remember where, but it did happen. I want to say it was a hotel meeting, maybe Mirage, I don't remember, but yes, we did get there, and then, like, we had to, like, awkwardly, go to, like, the coffee shop. And then it was, like, one of those moments where, like, Me, personally, I was like, what? Personally, it was like, this is weird, like, sitting there, like I'm a toddler, well, this is awkward. Like, I swear I'm a big kid, even though I'm not turning I'm an adult. I promise. That's really cool for you too, though, to

Taylor McAdams: like, be so young, be have a seat at the table, but then also, like, gain the respect of the older men, older women. Yes, that that's like a testament to you as well. And you've, you've given us so much good advice. So I want to ask you a little bit more about your passions and your fun, the fun stuff about Brilynn. You're just, like, so full of life, and that's what I love, following along and following your journey. Like, everywhere you go, you make it seem like you are the party, and that's like, the best thing 

Brilynn Bentley: I bring Vegas to you. Do you like, literally, then you pay you more.

Taylor McAdams:  But if you're listening, she needs to get the girl a raise. No, I'm just kidding. But for real, tell us about Brilynn outside of work. I know we were joking like you don't ever have free time, but like, what do you do in your free time?

Brilynn Bentley: Honestly, my free time is just filled with family. Like I am so lucky. We talked about my dad, my mom, she is an amazing human. My aunt, Sandy, right? Like everyone knows Sandy Watney in the survival industry, yes, and like, I literally just fill myself with family, whether that's golfing, I do golf. Decent amount fishing. Do go tend to fish, not actually a real fish. Person, I am terrified of the sea. That is a very common knowledge thing about me. Well, really water in general, fish, but I will go fishing. I find that to be entertaining and camping, really, just anything family related. I am a pretty relaxed person when it comes to outside of this world. And most of the time you catch me on a rodeo, I do not have horses at the house right now, but I talk about my horses all the time. They're here in Texas, and Aunt Sandy spoils me. There's a couple young ones coming up that I might steal. So we'll see if I decide to have to break out again and decide to rope and be that person. But you know, those unique experiences really kind of built me, and now I just somehow don't have any free time at that fun age where everyone's getting married, having babies, all those fun, crazy things, and yeah, here we are five, day to day. You're one of the ones getting married. Yes, my fiance, Jeff. I don't know how to say anything, but good things about him when it comes to the person he is, he's definitely the observer. He's very quiet. He won't say much if you do meet him, if you're lucky enough, because I do get to bring in some places, but technically a police officer and an alternate for SWAT there in Henderson and I get in trouble for mentioning that, because he doesn't talk about it much, but at the same time, like I'm so proud of him. It's so crazy what he gets to do, and like, his adrenaline rushes and the trainings they go through, and they're a part of, and he comes home and tells you all about it, and you're just like, whoa. But then you see this big macho armor guy, right? Like, he tell you that, because, yeah. And then, you know, my proposal was one of those you dream of. He we were in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and he flew his family up there. They actually flew into a separate airport to make sure we didn't see each other, like the whole thing that you see in the movies, like photographer the it's raining and, like, all of a sudden we're walking out in very Brilynn fashion. I'm like, where are we going? We're not going to the boutiques little miss out of and it was cold, right? It was like, It's freezing. It was literally, like, three days after Christmas, and it's freezing raining, and like, we're walking, and I'm under this umbrella, and I'm just like, free, like, walking around, right? Like, waddling, really? And I'm like, why are we not walking to a heated, like, boutique? What are we doing? I thought we were going shopping, and I'm getting all, like, annoyed, yeah, so entertaining. Because then we literally walk around. I walk right by his family. Never see them, just hiding under my umbrella, very violent fashion. And as we, like, get to this Mudgee, the moose there in Coeur d'Alene, it's like a walking trail. I'm like, Who wants to look at this? It's a moose. And then he's like, you're gonna need to move the umbrella. And I'm like, what? He's like, Well, I think you know what's happening. Like, you're gonna need to move the umbrella so your family and myton can see and I'm like, what? And like, it hits, and I was like, oh. And I like, turn so fast. I'm like, staring off on the hill. And I'm like, your family's like, what? And then I see the photograph. It's like, the whole I'm like, How did you manage? Like, I am a type A, I plan everything. I booked the hotel rooms. I booked the flights. Like, how did you figure out how to plan this? He's, like, a lot of effort, wow. Like, it was so surreal, though, and I'm just super excited to spend my life with him. It sounds like you had truly no idea. Like you really had, like, I knew it was sometime coming in the near future, but like, day, time, place, absolutely not Wow. Like, I was doing the ultimate girl thing, where you're like, Okay, don't get over excited, right? Like, don't start thinking every vacation is gonna be like a proposal. Don't start thinking a nice dinner or whatever. Like, but also, have your nails done every time, right? Like, hey, we're in this phase where maybe you should start getting your nails done a little bit more consistently. Because I am a really bad nail person, I will tend to keep them not done often. I'll pretend I didn't say that, but you know, it's actually a big thing for me. I'm really bad at it. 

Taylor McAdams: It's the cowgirl I think the cowrillness is, like, gotta use your hands, gotta Oh yeah. 

Brilynn Bentley: Like, my poor nail girl, Thank gosh, I don't rodeo anymore, because I really don't understand how I'm so hard on my hand. Like, I break nails, I get blisters. Still, I'm like, How do I manage dallying?

Brilynn Bentley: Like, I don't even have a good story for this. Like, I picked up a suitcase and all of a sudden, like, no good, my nails

Taylor McAdams: hanging off. Literally, yeah, no, that's, well, I love that for you, that is like the cutest we need. We said in another episode that, like, Hallmark and Netflix, Hallmark and Netflix need to be a part of this. But, like, truly, if you need an agent, I'm your girl because, 

Brilynn Bentley: um, 100% went Hallmark on me, yeah, that is like, the macho man in my head when Hallmark and I was just like, Okay, how did you meet? Did you have, like, a cute, meet cute? Um, yes, and no, we've known each other for a long time, as far as, like, I don't know, probably seven years somewhere in there. Um, family friend Rob Hart, and I'd always see him at Thanksgiving. And it was funny, because he did have a long term girlfriend at one point. And, you know. But you're like, waiting for it. Like I used to joke and tell me Aunt Sandy, and be like, well, when he gets rid of that girl, like, maybe, maybe, like, I would totally date him. And it was a running joke, like, a complete hysterical, like, whatever, like, you're just being a smart alec. Well, Thanksgiving happens, and, like, the next day or something. My mom calls and she's like, did you know Jeff single? And I was like, what, literally, was shocked, like, what? Tell me more. And she's like, I don't know, but I heard Clarissa talking about it. So then, of course, that's Rob's wife. And I'm like, calling. I'm like, Hey, is this? Like, really? And she's like, Yeah. I'm like, Why did no one tell me? Like, everyone's just been holding out, like, this has been a year and a half. Like, no one told me, like, this had to have happened before. And they're like, Oh yeah, it did. I'm like, No one told like, I've been here this whole time. I was like, whatever. Okay. And then we just ended up hitting it off, like, immediately, like, literally hung out during NFR. And I was just like, wow, okay. Like, I really, like, you like, Okay, this could be something real, you know. And we just kept dating, and his family is incredible, and our families get along great, and that's huge for me. Like, when you can go spend time with their family and vice versa. Like, that was a non negotiable for me. But as we continued to develop, it was just like, Yep, okay, you're my person. So why? And I'm not the softie usually, but I'm like, okay, he's the one. Like, all right, I'd marry him. So then the like, joke went from like, Oh, I totally date him. I'm like, I'd totally marry you. Like, come on. 

Taylor McAdams: Oh, that's so cute. Though, I'm like, speechless right now. I'm like, That is every girl out there listening is like, okay, that's the new goal, right? Yeah, every single girl, yes, it really No, it really is. And timing is everything. Like truly Tyler and I talk about all the time, like, if we would have actually tried dating earlier, I don't think we never ended up married, yeah, because we were too immature, we hadn't been through life. Same with you guys, like he needed to date that girl to figure out what he wanted and didn't want, and exactly it all

Brilynn Bentley: worked out the way, I think, like, your career also plays into that. Honestly, I hate to say that in this sort of way, yeah, like I put my career first for a very long time, and not saying that it's not put first now by any means, but it definitely was something that, like, when my relationship got more serious, I did have to find better balances and travel plans and those things. And it was this whole new world for me, like, not being a free gypsy spirit of like, Oh, hey, let's, let's pick up and go any hour the day I'm in there. And yeah, exactly like, Oh, hey, there's a rodeo this weekend. Great, let's drive. Like, oh, hey, there's this. Let's go. Let's go. Like, everything was just go, go, go, go. And now it's like, okay, like, hey, we could go to this. Hey, you could go to that. I can go. Like, definitely still doing our own things, by all means, but it's intriguing to see how your phases of life will change. So don't think that one way is the right way. Like, life will change. Keep going. Enjoy it. Enjoy each phase, because they are all so different. Like, it's crazy. As you get older, how much you're like, Oh, wow. This could have been very different. Oh, wow. This could have, like, never, never would have worked prior I was 100% traveling a lot, yeah, whether work or personal, like, I couldn't imagine, no, and even you

Taylor McAdams: brought up a good point, because there's a lot of people in the rodeo industry that work together. And I guess really, in general, I just was talking to a friend whose parents are both bankers that work at the same bank, and they work together and they work together and stuff. Do you think it's like, beneficial that you and Jeff work in different fields? Or do you think that, like, you could work together? I don't think I could ever work with Tyler. Like, I love you, babe, but I can't work with you. Like, Yeah. Honestly,

Brilynn Bentley: I think it's actually my biggest blessing that we are not in the same industry. Yeah, one of the jokes that went around is Jeff actually had asked my uncle John, is she a suits or a cowboy girl? And that's fair, like, I work in both cowboys and corporate like, so that was his assumption. And I was like, neither. Like, I don't want anything to do with that industry that I like, oh, a date in my own industry. It's messy. It's like, I just hard just avoid it. Like, I remember that being so funny to me at the beginning, because I was like, What the heck, why would you assume that? And now I'm like, I kind of love that. We don't do anything in our same industry, but like we do in small ways. Like, he loves the Western world, He loves horses. He definitely students going to rodeos, yeah. So it's more fun. I think now when I get to, like, pull him into my world and be like, Look what I do, and vice versa. Oh, yeah. Like, it's crazy when you hear his stories and those sides of things, you're like, Whoa, camo and Bye, bye.   

Taylor McAdams: I'm like, thank you everyone to do a ride along with him. Do you think, you know,

Brilynn Bentley: I think most people are probably shocked that I haven't yet, yeah, but I've kind of just avoided it because I feel like it'd be really awkward, and maybe this was just mine. Like, I couldn't imagine him just like, sitting in the corner right now, or, like, that's a good point being in a meeting room with me. Like, I don't know, because then I'd have 12,000 questions, and he'd be like, can you not? I'm trying to feel like I would be the same way, right? Like, yeah, well, that we explain these stats and demographics because of this. And when we talk about hotel contracts and the SAT feed and this, that and the other, he'd be like, okay, like, why is that relevant? And it'd be the same thing for like, that's so true. Why is that matter? Like, oh, why'd you do that? Why'd you like, well, because that's a lot. Oh, right. Okay, weird, okay. Like, I just feel like I would annoy him and vice versa. I totally

Taylor McAdams: No, I totally agree, because Tyler works in like, lawn sprinkler and, like, that's fun, but like, such a guy thing, right? No, thank you. Yeah, I like to just hear the stories when he gets home, for sure. The stories are like, I'm like, so what million-dollar home did you work on today? Tell me about their pool. 

Brilynn Bentley: Look at the gate that I had to drive through, like, the ridiculousness behind all of it. Or, like, yeah, this person totally tried to do. Like, it's a whole thing, it is, but it's like, nice that we get to both come home and, like, explain our days and talk about them and enjoy that, versus, like, having true input and be like, Oh, we shouldn't have done this. Or like, this that, like, I don't know, I feel like it makes us be confident and like, grow each other more in each of our own areas, because we have such different outlooks on what we do. 

Taylor McAdams: And that's like, the beauty of it, the balance where you find each other. That's actually something that I always admired about Sandy and John was like, they worked together. And there might have been days at rodeos that they were ready to, like, they did not agree, and they were ready to, like, kill each Oh yeah. But at the end of the day, they were still families, still came together, still live together, and that was honestly because of them. I was like, I never want to work with the husband or wife or, you know, whatever like. 

Brilynn Bentley: So we do have a five minute rule in our family. Okay, this is relevant for especially when we were high school rodeoing growing up. But anything happens in the arena, you have five minutes. You have five minutes to complain, you have five minutes to scream, you have five minutes to be happy, whatever it may be, but you have five minutes and then you leave it there and you get the heck over it and move on. It'd be done with it. I care what it is love that you have five minutes. Celebrate, cheer, be mad, scream, be upset. That's it. Though, be done with it. 

Taylor McAdams: That that works, that translates to a lot into, like, grief, you know, more than five minutes. But, like, give yourself a day, give yourself whatever, yeah,  

Brilynn Bentley: but set a time limit. Yeah, understand that there's still life. 

Taylor McAdams: Keep moving, pick up, move on. And I think that's why you've made it as far as you have, because you've been able to stay, like, mentally saying, I'm taking notes from you because I'm like, mentally, there's a lot that happens, right? Like, mentally, there's, like, so many different spirals that we could go down. And even, like, competing at Missouri America, that was a whole mental game, like, yes, just trying to mentally overcome just the marathon it was, or whatever. 

Brilynn Bentley: So I so inspired by you. Yeah, the marathon you run there, who knows? Because, right, there's no way  it's, it's insane. 

Taylor McAdams: But since we've gotten to know a lot about you in all areas, a little bit of rodeo, a little bit of boardroom, little bit of even personal, I've got to know what are some things that like you're really loving right now? Any podcast, books, drinks, whatever,

Brilynn Bentley: drinks wise, I love an Espresso Martini. I really don't drink much, to be honest. Yeah. But if they have an Espresso Martini, you can bet I'm likely ordering it to try it. Do you get cream in it or just drink it? Like, okay, absolutely. Yeah. Same, well, I guess it depends if they serve it with it or not. I just like all versions. I love coffee though. Like coffee is my weakness. I start every morning with it, whether I really needed it or not. It doesn't really do anything for me. I just love coffee. Same, book wise, I was not a reader after I submerged myself through school, I think I just, like, told myself I'm never reading again. But recently, I have started picking up some Colleen Hoover books and getting lost in them. And it's actually a whole new, weird thing for me. I'm like, like, No, I'm an open book.

Taylor McAdams: where, okay, you're getting lost in books. Yeah, like, that's great. 

Brilynn Bentley: Never envisioned myself being that person, by any means. So, yeah, pick up a book, read it, see if you like it, if you hate it, put it back down for another year, and try again next year. For real. Of a sudden, it might work. Like, literally, I was stuck in an airport in Austin, randomly. I don't even know what for. Oh, deep sea fishing. And Diana texted me, and she's like, go grab this book. It's really, really good. And I'm like, Okay, sounds good. I literally, like, picked up and had it read by like, the next day, because I was, like, sunk with the it ends with us, right? And then the movie came out, and all these things. And I was like, like, whirlwind. I need, I need to dive into this. I can be done by the movie. And, like, it was this whole ordeal. Well, then it just kind of led into, like, all the like, all this, and I'm reading books again, and I'm like, I pack a book in my bag now, like, who am I?

Taylor McAdams: You're aging well, and I can still see.

Brilynn Bentley: So that's I still have to pack readers. 

Taylor McAdams: Yet, that's so true. I actually, last year had to go to the eye doctor for the first time in a while, and they were like, you can't see far away or close up. It's just like, this explains a lot. Like, great, thanks. So can you fix it? I'm like, Yeah, with this, this and this, you're like, 

Brilynn Bentley: Oh, great. That to my things to do every day. 

Taylor McAdams: No, for real. Speaking of that, do you have any you said you drink coffee in the morning? Do you have any routines that you do daily? Anything? Yeah. Yeah, no,

Brilynn Bentley: I'm probably actually the least routined, most routine person, if that makes any sense. Like, my mornings always start the same. But besides that, once I get to work for at eight o'clock usually, we usually get there early as the corporate marketing team, we just take that time to really meet, make sure we're aligned on everything that we're going to go through that day. And then, like, you just go work on whatever you're on and whatever the day leads to. Like, whenever you leave, that's when you leave, typically around four, sometimes around five or six during the end of the year, definitely a lot later. But aside from that, like, No, I'm trying to get back into routine, because when I had horses, yes, everything was ritual. Like, you did this, you got up at this time fed Road, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, right? Like, there's no time to not be scheduled. Yeah, but no, no.

Taylor McAdams: Okay, well, I know we're like almost out of time, but I'm dying to know what it's like living in Las Vegas during the NFR How do you manage it? Do you get to sleep in your own bed? 

Brilynn Bentley: No, okay, so we move into hotels typically five days before, like the Monday or Sunday, as far as Cowboy Christmas goes, that starts actually, like two weeks in advance, the hall, everything going in there, signage going up, carpets, everything you can imagine, lecturing, unreal, all the things, yeah, but no, NFR for me, is a whirlwind. I literally do become the ultimate planner. I have a note sheet of what I have to wear every day with details of what jewelry, boots, hats, scarf, whatever the heck goes with it. I don't feel like I have any time to think. But we put our heads down. We survived the days, and you go with it. Usually by day six, it becomes fun. You finally get to start breathing. You got through all the conferences. You got through all the check in side. Yeah, you know, we do a turnover at day five for us. So like, once I get rolling on the first group, we like, Hey, we're wrapping up. And now we bring in the next group for their back number ceremonies on the finals day, on that Sunday, Monday. And like, it becomes this whole thing. And then once we get to day six and seven, I'm like, oh, okay, now we're nowhere living the NFR, and then we typically will go see an after show of some sort, and hopefully sneak a few concerts in and enjoy. But yes, as far as that goes, Cowie, Christmas all day, Junior NFR, all day, Thomas and Mac. Then, if you're lucky, you'll see me out of the hotel property. But not likely. 

Taylor McAdams: Yeah, you're like, but also I'll be in bed early. 

Brilynn Bentley: But also I try and get to bed, like, that new start time of NFR, I know it happened because of, like, the eastern standard time really just engaging those listeners in that like demographic, because we caught them when we came in 2020, like, we realized how many East Coast listeners there were, or streamers, however you want to reference that. And like coming back, that was one of the big things that went into play, also getting them back to hotels and letting them have time to go to a concert after the rodeo, like it allows you both, if you really want to, yeah, and so that really ended up playing a favor. And to me, personally, I'll be like, thank you. But like, really the big picture, there was a lot more going on, 

Taylor McAdams: Oh, for sure. And I think what's cool about you is like you have the opportunity to walk down the strip at any point in time and go to any restaurant, any hotel. So I'm sure this is like, a hard question to ask you, since you're in partnerships and you, like, have really good relationships with the hotels, but what's your favorite like, restaurant to eat at in on the strip or in the hotels, and then where's your favorite place to stay?

Brilynn Bentley: Oh, stay wise. I feel like that's a hard one, because there really is so many good options there are food wise, though, I would have to say I was just pleasantly surprised for the very first time in a long time, Fountain Blue allowed us to go to Dawn prime, okay, they're in their Steakhouse, and it was incredible. I would say definitely is right there alongside Michaels at South Point. You cannot go wrong. It's an experience at its own you cannot go wrong. And the golden steer, like those are three that I think you could consistently count on to really show up and be like, Whoa. That was an experience. And I think that's what's unique about Vegas. You talk about experiences NFR, specifically, there's 116 experiences, or NFR after darks that happen after the start of NFR time. Wow. So when you think about the opportunity that doesn't count any restaurants, that doesn't count any of those things, that's just concerts, after parties, viewing parties, whatever it may be. 

Taylor McAdams: So 116 really, 116 that take place in 10 days. Wow. I've never counted them, but you, you being a numbers girl, you have to count them. We do.  

Brilynn Bentley:  It's part of our presentations. But, yeah, it's insane to see the true opportunity there in Vegas as a fan, like, you know, Chris Stapleton, George Street, that concert went on, but those were 60,000 seat venues, right? Like, holy cow, that group, we could anticipate probably half of them, maybe, maybe three fourths of them were already there in Vegas. But there's definitely a new demographic playing in this rodeo world. And I think, you know, you talk cowboys cool right now, and cowboy boots, cowboy hats, especially, like, it's a very unique world we're living in with the Western industry. And like, the fact that we get to really just entertain it and give them every opportunity in a 20 mile radius in Las Vegas. And we always say, like, stay your way, because you can come and stay at the. ISIS hotel and have this bougie experience. Let's be real, yeah? Or you can come and stay at a lower end of property, and there's nothing wrong with that. Like you can come go to the free viewing parties, you can go to the free cowboy Christmas and walk around and be a part of this experience. And there's something for everyone, and it's so unique, yeah, just because that you truly can do it your way anyway and still make it work.

Taylor McAdams: That is such a good perspective. I've never stopped to think. Because I've have you heard you guys say, Stay your way. But I've never stopped to think about, like, what it actually meant. So that's so cool. We could talk for hours. And I feel like, maybe in the future, before NFR, I need to have you back on, maybe via zoom or something to like, talk through, like, actual cowboy Christmas hacks and stuff like that, because and junior NFR hacks and stuff, take Uber for real, or like the Tesla tunnels. The loop.

Brilynn Bentley: I'll give you some- okay the loop will be available at Westgate, Virgin resorts, world and encore, technically. Okay, so there's your Tesla loop. The monorail is always a fantastic option. I highly advise not driving to cow by Christmas on hundreds Junior NFR. Junior NFR does get to come back a very, very fun celebration 10 years in Las Vegas, over 745, contestants, 800 plus entries. Streaming actually is extended into Brazil now, so the interest is in five different countries. Very proud of our producers we work with throughout the year, and truly there who make it possible. But Vegas is the place to be in December, no matter how you look at it, it is for, I mean, multiple reasons.

Taylor McAdams: There's so many things going on, and shame on me for not having the Instagram pulled up and ready for them. But it's at junior NFR, right? Yes. Or NFR finals, NFR experience.

Brilynn Bentley: Okay, as far as NFR goes, and then Junior NFR Las Vegas,

Taylor McAdams: okay, that's the official app handle. Okay, because I'm like, I have yours. If you guys want to catch up with Brilynn, hers is, I don't, I don't even know if you want me to give out your personal Instagram, but I am Brilynn underscore Bentley, and we didn't even get to really talk about the podcast, so I'm sorry about that, but if you have loved what you've heard from Brilynn, and you want to see more and hear her personality shine through, she's one of the three hosts of NFR extra, and you can find that anywhere that you get podcasts the same way you're listening to this podcast right now. I'll also tag it below in the show notes. But you guys, I am just so happy that you got to hear Brilynn's story. And Brilynn, thank you for being on this has been like such an honor. I know you've had like five seconds, so I'm thankful to take like five seconds of your time, of your time in Fort Worth, but I just wish you the best in all that you do. I'm so excited to see your wedding photos of your beautiful wedding, yeah, in less than a year. Hug your mom and dad next time you see them, tell them I said, Hi, and if you guys like I said, want to hear more from Brilynn. Check out her Instagram, check out her podcast, NFR extra, and you maybe just might get lucky enough to even run into her if you head out to Vegas at NFR. But anyways, we're so excited that you listened. Thank you for joining us. And as always, please, Like, Subscribe, share this with your friends, and we can't wait to see you the next time you kick your boots up. Thanks for joining us on Kick Your Boots Up. I'm your host, Taylor McAdams, and we can't wait to share the next story of the West. Until then, feel free to like, subscribe, and leave us a review. Follow us on social media at Justin Boots to keep up with our next episode, and we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up.