“Cowboying is not something that you do; it’s who you are. It’s just a part of you. And that’s the same thing with entrepreneurship. I really do think you’re born with it; it’s just that bug that you get.” - Sam Skavdahl

When Sam was eight, he told his dad he wanted to be a cowboy, which meant he needed a good saddle—one that was a little big so it could grow with him and stand the test of time.

Today, cowboying is Sam’s full-time job. On the side, he runs Flying Y Leather, a business inspired by his first saddle. Living deep in ranch country, he saw a need for quality, affordable leather gear for working ranchers and set out to fill that need.

In college, Sam found a home in the Engler program. It gave him the support and direction he needed to stay in college and graduate in four years—something he wasn’t sure he wanted to do at first. Now, he plans to keep growing Flying Y Leather while apprenticing with a saddle maker or a bit and spur craftsman. His end goal is to return to the ranch with the skills to build saddles on his own.