The creation of Stockyard Supply Co. might just have been destiny.
Eric Nelsen, an Emmy-winning actor known for his role as Ennis in the “Yellowstone” spinoff “1883,” and Ryan Dukes, an Air Force veteran turned entrepreneur, didn’t know each other despite both being from Florida and marrying women from Fort Worth. Their paths finally crossed last year at a charity event for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
“Our wives have been friends for a long time, and I think it was pretty purposeful that they were,” says Nelsen.
Their connection grew quickly, but it wasn’t until a casual grocery store trip with their children that business discussions began. Dukes casually mentioned the idea of starting a western lifestyle clothing brand, and Nelsen immediately expressed interest. By Monday, Nelsen was on board.
“For me, the name ‘Stockyard Supply Co.’ hooked me,” says Nelsen. “’1883’ had already deeply immersed me into the Western world, and Fort Worth represents so much of that.”
The brand, under the tagline “For the Cowboy in Us All,” features a range of apparel, including shirts, hats, and jackets, all reflecting Fort Worth’s cowboy culture. The designs incorporate breathable fabrics with contemporary twists, embodying the city’s slogan, “The Modern West.”
Dukes explains, “What makes Fort Worth unique is the Stockyards. This is where the West begins. It’s a city built on hard work and celebrating that work.”
The timing couldn’t be better for Stockyard Supply Co., as Fort Worth has become the country’s fastest-growing big city. With the success of TV shows like “1883” and “Landman,” both filmed in Fort Worth, the city’s Western heritage has gained significant attention from tourists.
Nelsen adds, “It feels serendipitous. Fort Worth’s growth now mirrors the history and culture that have defined it for centuries.”
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