EPISODE
24
Mastering Marketing & Mentorship with Erin DeLong of Durango Boots
EPISODE LINKS.
SHOW NOTES.
In this episode of McFarland Minutes, Natalie, Scout, and Erin DeLong, the marketing manager of Durango Boots, cover Erin’s career in the Western wear industry, highlighting her significant role in Durango Boots’ rebranding and marketing strategies. She discusses key partnerships, such as the collaboration with the Grand Ole Opry and the National Day of the Cowgirl. The discussion also covers successful campaigns, influencer collaborations, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in the marketing space. With insights into the creative process and the impactful National Day of the Cowgirl scholarship program, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the business and creative acumen driving Durango Boots’ success.
00:00 Introduction to McFarland Minutes
00:35 Meet Erin DeLong: Marketing Manager at Durango Boots
01:11 Erin’s Journey: From Intern to Marketing Manager
01:54 Durango Boots: Brand Evolution and Growth
04:47 The Impact of Team Durango and PRCA Partnership
11:01 Selecting Influencers and Athletes for Durango
15:21 Durango’s Marketing Campaigns and Community Connection
20:25 Durango’s Involvement in Cowgirl 30 Under 30
26:34 Introduction to Scout and the Gala
27:06 Leadership and Strategic Thinking in Marketing
28:02 Creating the National Day of the Cowgirl
29:33 Scholarship and Celebrations
33:01 The Grand Ole Opry Partnership
35:23 Successful Campaigns and Collaborations
39:43 Brand Identity and Nostalgia
44:11 Sunday Reset and Work-Life Balance
48:42 Conclusion and Gratitude
ABOUT THIS EPISODE.
From marketing concepts and creative processes to invaluable lessons on leadership and mentorship, we are joined by none other than Erin DeLong, the accomplished Marketing Manager at Durango Boots. Known for her sharp insights and impressive contributions to the marketing world, Erin shares her story and the significant milestones she’s helped achieve with Durango Boots.
Erin DeLong kicks off the conversation by tracing her journey from interning at Rocky Brands to becoming an influential figure in the marketing realm. Her story is one of dedication and passion, as she transitioned from sales to pursuing her true calling, marketing. Erin highlights the importance of internships and the fulfillment she derives from being part of a transformative journey with Durango Boots. Throughout their discussion, Erin and Natalie agree on one thing: the power of rebranding and the effect it has had on elevating Durango Boots to a nationally recognized brand.
Natalie and Erin dive into the details of Durango Boots’ growth strategy, which pivots on strategic partnerships and a deep understanding of their consumer base. With affiliations like the PRCA and being the official boot of the NFR, Durango’s image has been successfully transformed. Erin emphasizes that revitalizing a brand is a multidimensional effort, combining product innovation, strategic partnerships, and effective marketing.
Durango’s commitment to building a community is further exemplified through their involvement in the Cowgirl 30 Under 30 program. Erin herself is an alumna of this initiative that celebrates and supports young women making significant contributions to the western lifestyle. Together with Natalie, they recount the program’s origins, its growth, and how it unites women across various domains to support and uplift each other.
In a hallmark of innovation and community focus, Durango Boots established the National Day of the Cowgirl. Created to honor the unsung heroines of the industry, this initiative includes a scholarship aimed at empowering future leaders. Erin describes the evolution of this holiday and how it plays a crucial role in promoting education within the western community.
Erin talks about some of the unique marketing campaigns she’s been involved in, like the partnership with Beyoncé’s tour, showcasing Durango’s versatility beyond the typical western scene. Moreover, the company has launched campaigns such as “What Winners Wear,” creating compelling narratives around its team of athletes and their journey to success.
In closing, Erin shares valuable insights on maintaining brand identity while innovating and how, as a leader, she encourages her team to challenge norms and think strategically. The episode wraps up with discussions around sustaining a work-life balance and how Erin approaches her week with intention, focusing on resetting and refocusing to tackle new challenges.
Erin DeLong’s journey with Durango Boots showcases how dedication, strategic thinking, and community building can truly transform a brand. Her insights serve not only as a guide for aspiring marketers but as an inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their field.
IN THIS EPISODE.
Erin Delong
Durango Boots
Erin DeLong grew up in a small rural community in Southeastern Ohio and graduated from
Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and
public relations. In 2013, Erin began her career with the footwear company Rocky Brands,
in a sales role. That position grew her knowledge of the company and their products but her
love and passion was marketing. In 2015, God opened a door, and Erin became the
Marketing Manager for the national western footwear brand, Durango Boots, at Rocky
Brands, where she currently works today–building impactful marketing programs that
resonate with consumers. With over a decade of experience, Erin oversees strategic
planning, budget management, product launches, and creative execution across various
channels in the Western industry. Erin manages key brand partnerships, including the
PRCA, National Finals Rodeo, The All American Quarter Horse Congress and The Dude
Ranchers Association as the Official Boot. She also works with 650 AM WSM radio, The
Grand Ole Opry and established the holiday, National Day of the Cowgirl, which is
celebrated each year on September 15th. She also coordinates brand events and campaigns, directs photoshoots, and travels nationwide to connect with industry partners.
In addition to driving brand growth and sponsorships, Erin manages a growing team of
professional rodeo athlete endorsees that make up TEAM DURANGO. Erin is also a 2021
COWGIRL Magazine 30 Under 30 alum. Erin feels extremely grateful to have a position that
has allowed her to use her many talents and manage Durango’s voice, image, and persona
in the western industry.
Personal mission statement.
“To lead with integrity, inspire through action, and empower others to reach their
fullest potential. I am committed to building meaningful relationships, fostering
confidence, and guiding the next generation of leaders by exemplifying unwavering
faith and a servant heart. Through mentorship, encouragement, and a focus on
positive impact, I strive to honor God in all that I do and be a light to others, creating a
ripple effect of growth, kindness, and leadership.”
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS.
NATALIE MCFARLAND
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
After freelancing her way through college, Natalie established McFarland Productions in 2014, which has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years. Her passion and focus have always remained the same; capturing, understanding, preserving and promoting Ranching, Farming, Western Lifestyle and AgriBusiness. She has always had a love for the western culture and even at a young age it was unmistakably clear she would someday find a career serving the industry.
Natalie grew up on a small ranch, rodeoed, showed horses in a variety of disciplines, showed livestock, and participated in 4H and Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. She has trained herding dogs and started colts, worked with sheep and cattle and has had the experience of racing to finish up a hayfield before a rainstorm hit. She understands the joys, sorrows, wins, losses and hard work of ranchers and farmers. That’s why McFarland Productions can produce authentic marketing campaigns for the businesses, organizations, events, and brands of the western and agriculture industry – it’s who she is.
With a passion for building community surrounding brands, Natalie focuses on building real connections between companies/brands and the people that make up their community. Telling the stories of your customers and making them apart of the brand’s story is her main focus. Creating real, human, meaningful connections and strengthening community within the western and agriculture industry through strategic marketing services.
SCOUT FOSTER
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC STORYTELLING
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
Scout’s faithfulness to the agriculture and western sports industry is rooted in tradition. Growing up in Central Florida, she stood by her family as they supported different sectors of the industry, including raising beef cattle, bucking bulls for local rodeos, and spending weekends with her grandparents who lived on Disney’s Wilderness Preserve.
Moving away from The Mouse, Scout graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Nation’s top agricultural communications college at Texas Tech University in 2022.
Now residing in Crockett, she and her husband, Lane, keep busy raising beef cattle and bucking bulls with her family. Scout also loves gardening, raising chickens, reading, and her two dogs: Rue and Dill.
