Life & Work with Erin Grey of Rural Cheyenne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Grey.

Hi Erin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
y journey to where I am today began after serving honorably in the Army. Transitioning to civilian life was challenging, and I struggled to find a career fit. That’s when I started at Terry Bison Ranch eight years ago. Growing up in a difficult childhood marked by abuse, parental drug use, and a broken home, I realized I had a choice to define my future, regardless of my upbringing. I’ve embraced life’s challenges, viewing mistakes as valuable life lessons that have made me a survivor. I persevere and overcome. These attributes have fueled my career at The Terry Bison Ranch. Initially in housekeeping to avoid interaction, the owner, Dan Thiel, saw something in me I didn’t understand. I rapidly rose through the ranks. I am hungry to learn, meet challenges, and overcome adversity. Working alongside Dan Thiel has been a precious gift, as time is irreplaceable. Together, with the team at Terry Bison Ranch, we’ve strived to improve the ranch and offer unique trail rides and bison train tours that are fading in today’s world. It’s a demanding life, but one you must love. This ranch is a legacy, started by the Thiel family, and we are living it every day.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road; it’s been challenging. Running a ranch means every aspect counts. The diverse challenges – managing feed, animals, schedules, events, RV sites, upkeep, customers, social media, and insurance – are a constant juggling act. The hardest challenge, as Dan Thiel put it, is that “business is war.” It’s a constant battle to make enough money during the busy season to ensure jobs for my employees during the winter slow season. It’s about strategy and creativity to enhance the customer experience. Terry Bison Ranch and the unique family experience we offer are competing with options like Water World and Six Flags. This is difficult in today’s society with so many choices.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love my job because I specialize in a little bit of everything. The diversity of my day-to-day is challenging, ranging from feeding animals and riding horses, to steer roping, horse handling, horse breeding, horse training, mechanic work, welding, sales strategies, event coordinating, and land management, to name a few. I am proud of my ability to multitask and adapt to any situation to find solutions so we can face another day. What sets me apart is my unrelenting tenacity.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My older brother teaching me how to ride a dirt bike remains one of my fondest memories. It was my first time tackling a hill, and we were at the top. I was terrified, but Robert reassured me, “I’m right here, breathe, you got this.” Looking down the steep slope, I questioned whether I could do it. He explained the clutch, gas, and neutral. My heart pounded. Robert said, “Trust me, you got this.” I agreed as he gave directions from the back. I released the clutch, but accidentally gave it gas, causing him to fall off. The feeling of my stomach dropping was intense; all I saw was the bottom of the hill. I locked my thighs to the gas tank and held on. I remember the feeling of landing at the bottom. Shocked, I fell over. Looking up, I saw my brother cheering for me. He rushed down and gave me a high five, amazed I had landed it. That memory of his trust and pride is unforgettable. He taught me that day it’s worth trying new things, and to breathe when scared, because you might just do it, even if you don’t think you can.

Pricing:

• train rides for adults $20
• trail rides $90
• pony rides $20
• rv site $69.50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.terrybisonranch.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerryBisonRanch