Wesley Thorp
In the world of professional rodeo, success doesn’t come from luck. It comes from an understanding of timing, leverage, and risk — principles that don’t just play out in the arena, but in life and business.
For Wesley Thorp, ten-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and three-time World Champion team roper, those principles have defined more than his runs. They’ve shaped his approach to everything he does — from managing horses and travel to building a sustainable future for his family.
Born and raised in Throckmorton, Texas, Thorp joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2014. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for precision and patience under pressure. His 2019, 2023, and 2024 World Championships as a heeler weren’t flashes of brilliance. They were the result of a system — a well-run operation that balances performance with planning.
That mindset is what made his partnership with Empire Ag a natural fit.
Wesley Thorp: ten-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and three-time World Champion team roper.
Empire Ag, through its financial services division, works with producers, entrepreneurs, and athletes across agriculture to create stability in industries where volatility is the norm. For Thorp, that meant finding a partner who understood that roping is more than a sport — it’s a business.
“Empire Financial Services doesn’t just look at numbers on a balance sheet,” Thorp said. “They look at the whole picture — your goals, your operation, and how you want to grow.”
The relationship between Thorp and Empire Ag goes beyond sponsorship. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values — discipline, integrity, and the drive to build something that lasts. As an Empire Ag Brand Ambassador, Thorp embodies the same grit and strategic thinking that guide the company’s approach to agriculture, finance, and business ownership.
The parallels between the rodeo arena and the agricultural economy are striking. Both demand the ability to make decisions under pressure, manage risk with precision, and understand that every win — whether it’s a gold buckle or a profitable season — starts long before the spotlight.
Wesley Thorp doesn’t chase moments.
He builds them.
For Empire Ag, aligning with Thorp is about credibility. It’s about working with someone who mirrors the work ethic of the producers and entrepreneurs they serve every day.
“Wesley represents the kind of professionalism and quiet confidence we believe defines success,” said Jonathon Haralson, founder and CEO of Empire Ag. “He’s proof that excellence isn’t just about what happens in the arena. It’s about how you run the business behind it.”
In rodeo, as in agriculture, the margin for error is thin. The right partner — whether it’s a teammate, a horse, or a financial consultant — can make all the difference.
For Thorp, Empire Ag is that partner.
And like every good run, the work continues long after the dust settles.
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Empire Ag Consulting
Empire Ag Consulting works directly with producers to refine business models, improve operational efficiency, and establish measurable performance benchmarks. Our consulting process ensures every client operates with a clear plan, defined metrics, and a demonstrated ability to execute.
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Empire Financial Services
Empire Financial Services provides transparent, institution-level reporting, cash flow management, and bookkeeping solutions. This ensures financial data is accurate, verified, and consistent.
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Brand Strategy
Your brand should work as hard as you do. Empire Ag Brand Strategy helps agriculture-based businesses, entrepreneurs, and rural brands clarify who they are, communicate what they do, and connect with the right audience.
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EA Capital Management
By requiring participation in both Empire Ag Consulting and Empire Financial Services, EA Capital Management removes uncertainty from agricultural lending.