Wife, Mom, Business owner and Fashion Lover
Annie lives right here in the tri-city area where she and her husband Judd raise their four children. Annie has deep Prescott roots because her dad was born and raised in Prescott, and she carries on an involvement in the western way of life by producing and promoting Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and rodeo events throughout the country.
Annie also does the fashion page for Prescott Living magazine, so keep an eye out for it in upcoming issues.
Where are you from, and what is your connection to Prescott?
I was born in Red Bluff, California, but I grew up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. My dad JC Trujillo was born and raised here in Prescott. Before he met my mom, he had already lived in Steamboat. He loved it there. After my husband Judd and I got married, we thought Prescott was a good place to raise kids.
I went to college in Twin Falls, Idaho on a rodeo scholarship. I met Judd the summer before I attended college. Judd was already riding the PBR circuit.
How did you get into producing rodeo events, and what is your role?
I traveled all over with Judd the first couple years we were married, then we started our own production company 16 years ago. We started producing PBR events, which eventually led us to produce rodeos as well.
The first PBR event was in Idaho Falls, and the second event was in Steamboat Springs. Now we produce a total of eight events. We started the Mile High PBR nine years ago.
I handle most of the marketing, manage ticket sales, work with sponsors and run the books for our events.
Tell us about your upcoming event on April 27.
The Mile High PBR is one of my most favorite events that we do. Being held in the “Cowboy Capital” — of all our events, it’s the favorite and most popular. It gets high attendance and attracts people of all ages. The atmosphere in the event center is so electric and exciting! Plus, it’s great that it’s where we call home, too, and all of our friends and family get to enjoy what we do.
Rodeo seems to be a big part of your life, what is your favorite part about being involved in rodeo?
I grew up in a rodeo family on both sides. My mom is about as cowgirl as you can get, and well, my dad’s resumé bleeds cowboy. One of my favorite things about being part of the western culture is that you can still shake a hand to get a deal done — it’s a great way to be and a great way to raise kids.
You’re a mom of four kids, are they all involved in rodeo?
All of our boys, JC, 18; Jaxton, 14; and Juke, 4, are involved in rodeo. Our daughter Jordan, 11, she’s really into soccer, but loves rodeo.
What is it like to raise the next generation of rodeo cowboys?
We’ve spent thousands of dollars taking our kids to rodeos. JC and Jaxton have already made a name for themselves in the rodeo world. JC is 18 now and is already making his dreams a reality by becoming a professional rodeo cowboy. Watching your kid succeed and accomplish goals is the greatest feeling a parent can get.
We travel a lot and we are usually all together. We’re on the road about 75 days a year, maybe more.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Although I grew up riding horses on a ranch outside of Steamboat Springs, I’m not what you would consider a “cowgirl,” I prefer heels over boots (sorry dad). Growing up, I ran barrels and roped, but I haven’t been on a horse since the kids were born. I do love fashion, and I get dressed up any chance I can get.
I never pictured myself marrying a cowboy — I always thought I would marry a guy in a suit —maybe a lawyer. (Laughing)
As of today, what is one of your biggest accomplishments?
I’d say my biggest accomplishment is being a mom. My kids are my world! Our lifestyle isn’t exactly normal, in fact it’s a lot of chaos filled with a lot of love. We do, however, make time to sit down as a family for dinner every night. We love our Taco Tuesdays.
Professionally, I feel that running a successful business has been a big accomplishment. Our family business is called Rocky Mountain Bull Bash, and eventually we’ll hand it off to the kids. We’re fortunate enough to have established some great events in some great places all over the country. Pretty much every event we do is a family affair, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
