BIZ PROFILE: PAM MINICK
- from the July 2006 issue of TXPOSURE Magazine

Pam Minick is the marketing director of Billy Bob’s Texas, “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk”, a 100,000 square foot family entertainment center in the Fort Worth Stockyards, where her husband Billy is part-owner and General Manager. Billy is a former National Finalist in Bull Riding, who now enjoys teamroping with Pam. They live on a small ranch in Argyle, Texas.

 

Pam Minick is a former Miss Rodeo America, and is one of the most well-known faces in the world of rodeo. She served on the board of directors of the Women’s Pro Rodeo Assn. for 16 years as publicity director, 2nd VicePresident, and Vice President under Jimmie Munroe. Minick has appeared as a sports commentator/interviewer on over 1000 nationally televised Rodeo, equestrian and Country Music specials.

Pam was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth in 2000 and in 2004, Pam and Billy were inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth.

1. What did you dream of being when you were growing up? Did you think you would be where you are now?
I grew up in Las Vegas, and I thought everyone was in show business. My folks took us to dinner shows from the time we were 5 years old. I started riding horses when I was 9 and got my first horse - so I guess all I thought I would be was a cowgirl. Although my secondary thoughts were of being a model, but at 5’6” I was too short for runway.

2. Did you major in broadcasting or PR?
I never had the chance to go to college, but you could say I majored in PR...when I was in high school, I worked in the PR dept of the Hacienda Hotel (where Mandalay Bay is now) I was a model (photography) and intern, writing press releases and copy...so this really laid the foundation for my pr/marketing life. Of course, being Miss Rodeo America is the ultimate press person, promoting the sport of rodeo on a national basis. I toured the US, was on To Tell the Truth, Johnny Carson, etc. I got into broadcasting by accident, and it’s too long of a story to write.

3. How do you balance all your careers – Championship Bull Riding On-Air Personality, Marketing the world’s largest honky tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas, Live from Billy Bob’s Texas Record Label owner, Willie’s Picnic? (Are there others)
Balancing my careers is a challenge...I guess I have ADD. I also have a lot of extra activities, and serve on the boards or volunteer for more than a dozen charities.

4. Billy Bob’s is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, how do you keep the crowds coming back when many Country Music venues have closed?
The continued success of Billy Bob’s is due to several factors...a. location - being in the Stockyards historical district is a definite plus. b. we keep our admission prices very low so people can afford to come back again and again, we are now seeing the children of the folks who used to visit Billy Bob’s, so it’s another generation that we’re touching.

A consistent good experience builds great word of mouth advertising. Even though it is a challenge, we have top name entertainment EVERY Friday and Saturday night, 52 weeks a year. Live music is the key.... see below

5. What something career wise would you like to do that you haven’t?
Hmmmmm....I’ve done so much career wise, I’ll have to think about this one. One thing that I don’t get a chance to do enough is paint. I love oil painting, mostly western scenes, but i don’t set aside the time, even though I built a studio in our new home.

6. Where do you believe will be the future of the music industry?
I think that Live music will never be replaced. While the industry will face challenges with downloads, etc...the experience that people have with live music and the memories they share will never be replaced. Styles may change, but live music rules!

7. What do you do for fun in your off time? (Do you have any?)
I team rope in competition (nationally ranked) I love to play golf...and I wish I had time to oil paint more.