Under the expansive skies of Bolado Park, amidst the buzz of a
Team Roping Jackpot, Eric Cozzitorto stands as a testament to the enduring
spirit of the American West. Born and raised in Gustine—a name synonymous with
agriculture and cowboy culture—Eric is not just a roper himself, but the
orchestrator of this event, ensuring every detail is managed with precision.
Eric’s roots are deeply embedded in the soil of Gustine, where
his family history spans from dairy farming to the successful feedlot currently
run by his father. “My grandparents were in the dairy business, then we
moved on to running a feedlot,” Eric recounts, his voice rich with the
history of a man who has lived his life close to the earth. His father, a
well-known leather worker and saddle maker, continues to influence and inspire. Eric’s deep respect for the family trade.
From a young age, Eric honed his craft in horseshoeing, starting in sixth grade and transforming it into a career that not only funded his education but later his livestock business. “I would work all day horseshoeing and then come home at night and work my cattle business,” Eric shares, reflecting on the relentless drive that propelled him forward without any handouts from family or loans from the bank.
The journey into the world of rodeo production was an organic one for Eric, born from his love for the sport and its community. “It started with just a few practice steers with a buddy,” he chuckles, recalling the humble beginnings that evolved into managing hundreds of steers for numerous events. “Before I knew it, I had a full-blown operation. It’s the grind of it I like, the daily challenge, and the community.”
Family is the cornerstone of Eric’s life. With his wife, Andee, and their three young children—Cassidee, 8, Axel, 6, and Hazel, 1—Eric is committed to instilling in them the values of hard work, community, and the richness of their western heritage. “It’s like a traveling circus,” he says with a grin, “but it’s a circus I want my kids to grow up in, knowing the ropes and the value of hard work.”
On any given day, especially during an event like the one at Bolado Park, Eric can be found orchestrating several pens of cattle as well as a herd of cowboys all looking to rope a few and have a chance at the pot. His days are long and demanding, often beginning before dawn and ending well after sunset. “You’ve got to hustle,” he asserts, a statement that defines both his work ethic and his approach to life. “There’s a lot of moving parts—sorting cattle, coordinating with buyers and sellers, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.”
Eric stresses the importance of knowing his cattle well, which is crucial for the success of his events and business. “You gotta know the steers and the situations you’re gonna send them to,” Eric explains. “I’m out there all the time with them, sorting and just constantly being around them. You gotta watch them, you gotta know what animal’s gonna work where.”
Andee, his partner in both life and business, manages the financial side of their operations. Her role is critical, ensuring the financial health of their ventures and supporting Eric in all his endeavors. “She’s the backbone of this operation,” Eric states proudly. “With her by my side, we’re not just preserving a way of life; we’re pushing it to thrive.”
Eric’s advice to young entrepreneurs is reflective of his own experiences: “Don’t be scared to fail. Failure is part of the journey. Learn from it, let it drive you. Surround yourself with the right people, and keep pushing forward no matter what.”
Looking to the future, Eric is committed to expanding his reach within the rodeo and roping community, continually seeking opportunities to host events that not only challenge competitors but also celebrate the community and its traditions. “Every event is a chance to honor our past and to pave the way for the future of roping,” he explains, his eyes scanning the arena with a practiced gaze.
As our interview concludes, Eric’s attention swiftly returns to the event at hand, a testament to his dedication and passion for the cowboy lifestyle. In the dynamic world of team roping and rodeo, Eric Cozzitorto stands as a beacon of dedication, community, and an unyielding love for the traditions that define the American West.
