transcript
show notes
A free parrot-mouth lamb helped set Tyler Grandil on the path from Arizona FFA leader to executive director of the Arizona National Livestock Show. In this episode of *The Sort*, host Dr. Brett Kaysen talks with Grandil about how that early break shaped his commitment to creating meaningful experiences for young exhibitors—and why he tells show staff, “We’re in the customer service business. It just happens to be a livestock show.” Grandil also discusses the challenge of running a major show on a state-owned fairground, building a career path through internships, and the judging habits that can damage a young judge’s reputation. Along the way, he makes a case for keeping work in perspective: the show matters, but family is the purpose.
Bullet Points
- Early experiences showing livestock and the mentors who helped shape a career
- A career in Arizona FFA and the transition to leading a major livestock show
- Work-life balance, personal priorities, and defining success
- The Arizona National Livestock Show’s history, growth, and national reach
- Creating a welcoming, exhibitor-focused experience for youth and families
- Show facilities, logistics, capacity, and plans for future development
- Leadership principles, continuous improvement, and learning from other events
- Career pathways into livestock show management through internships
- Professional standards for livestock judges, including fair conduct and sound judgment
- Personal growth, handling setbacks, and building a legacy through kindness and service
Timestamps
**Welcome and Tyler’s location (00:00:24)**
The host welcomes Tyler Grandil and asks where he is joining from.
**Growing up and discovering livestock showing (00:01:19)**
Tyler describes growing up in Mesa, following his brother into FFA and showing livestock.
**The parrot-mouthed lamb that changed Tyler’s path (00:02:27)**
A sheep breeder gives Tyler a lamb to show, creating a turning point in his livestock-showing experience.
**Youth development as the show’s purpose (00:04:36)**
Tyler explains how his own experience shapes his focus on making the show positive for young people.
**College, Arizona FFA, and career beginnings (00:05:43)**
Tyler recounts studying agribusiness, becoming Arizona FFA executive secretary, and later joining the Arizona National.
**Lessons from 15 years in FFA and work-life balance (00:06:48)**
Tyler reflects on serving students, avoiding overwork, and keeping family and personal values in perspective.
**Starting as Arizona National executive director (00:13:05)**
Tyler discusses taking the role, facing a steep learning curve, and relying on experienced staff.
**Supporting youth-focused programs (00:16:19)**
The host and Tyler discuss the Arizona National’s support for programs that develop young people.
**Arizona National’s history and evolution (00:17:16)**
Tyler traces the show’s history, growth into a junior market livestock event, and broad range of competitions.
**The show’s atmosphere and customer service (00:20:13)**
Tyler describes the relaxed exhibitor experience and the staff’s emphasis on welcoming service.
**Livestock numbers and facility challenges (00:24:40)**
Tyler shares show counts and discusses the downtown Phoenix fairgrounds, capacity, logistics, and facility limitations.
**Finding purpose in show management (00:28:08)**
Tyler talks about the challenges of the job, making improvements, and treating people with kindness.
**Process, competition, and perspective (00:31:21)**
The conversation explores continuous improvement, enjoying the journey, and keeping results in perspective.
**Pathways into stock-show careers (00:35:17)**
Tyler recommends internships, hands-on experience, and returning interns as ways to enter show management.
**Learning from other shows (00:37:52)**
Tyler explains how observing other events and borrowing effective ideas help improve the Arizona National.
**Vision for the Arizona National’s future (00:40:26)**
Tyler discusses expanding the visitor experience, financial resilience, international opportunities, and local engagement.
**What the show looks for in judges (00:42:49)**
Tyler emphasizes judging skill, youth-focused conduct, customer experience, and professional awareness of appearances.
**Helping first-time exhibitors (00:47:44)**
Tyler encourages newcomers to call the show for help and focus on having a good experience.
**Handling mistakes and difficult decisions (00:49:21)**
Tyler shares advice about learning from wrong turns, seeking guidance, and avoiding assumptions.
**Legacy, kindness, and work-life balance (00:51:39)**
Tyler describes the values he hopes to embody and how family priorities connect with professional life.
**Closing thanks and credits (00:54:52)**
The host thanks Tyler, recognizes his youth-focused work, and closes with podcast credits.
