ON THE PHONE WITH Ramontay McConnell
Eric: What have you been up to this summer?
Ramontay: This summer has been a ton of fun for me. I really value these months as a time to relax and enjoy myself. One highlight was hanging out with my buddies, the Seager boys, at Under the Big Sky Fest. We had a blast listening to music and just having a good time. One of my buddies got a boat, so we’ve been using it to go fishing this summer, and it's been a really great way to unwind. Overall, it's been an awesome summer with lots of enjoyable moments.
Eric: You’re all over the place it seems, so what does "home" mean to you?
Ramontay: That's a good question, man. To me, home is like the place where I hang my hat, you know? It's my base, where I rest my head. But looking ahead, especially in my retirement years, I've got this idea of hitting the road in an RV bus. Picture this – an RV bus with a horse trailer hitched to it. I want to explore National Parks, soak in different landscapes, and experience life to the fullest. There's only one shot at this life, and I'm all about doing what I love. My home base is Tennessee, but I've got this itch to explore. I try to hit the road as much as I can, capturing moments, sharing my journey, and showing others what's out there. I mean, I'm just a kid from Missouri, you know? A lot of folks only know Missouri, but there's a whole world out there – from Montana's breathtaking beauty to roaming bison and wild horses. It's about sharing these experiences, that's what I'm really into.
Eric: It seems like you're all about embracing life. But when you're working during the fall and winter, how do you find time to recharge between shoots?
Ramontay: So one thing about me is I’m never too far left or too far right. I'm all about balance – not leaning too much to one side. When I'm on the job, I'm committed, but I'm not sacrificing everything for it. I'm not just there to clock in and out – I'm there because I genuinely love what I do. It's the same with riding horses or traveling. It's not about the paycheck; it's about the passion. So, striking that balance is key. I strive to improve just a little bit each day, and I'm not here to complain about what I do. It's all about mindset and attitude. My heart's fully invested in what I do. I steer clear of letting things go off track, if you catch my drift.
Eric: Respect that, man. So, what are some specific goals you're aiming to achieve this year? I know looking to move this year, but any particular items you want to check off your bucket list?
Ramontay: Absolutely. This year, my focus is on holistic growth – physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. It's not just about me, but also the people around me. I want folks to feel comfortable talking to me, knowing they've got someone to lean on. That's my top priority. Family, friends – I want to keep connecting. I'm looking to build real, authentic relationships – not just business partnerships. It's about the richness of those connections, not just monetary gain. That's true wealth to me – deep relationships and positivity. And, you know, about hitting the road – if I had to pick a place to settle down besides Tennessee, the western states like Wyoming or Montana really call to me. The wide-open spaces and all that natural beauty – that's where I'd love to be.
Eric: Man, I'm right there with you. I had an amazing time out west. Thanks for this catch-up, really enjoyed it.