In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ben Janssen, President of Cimarron Trailers. Just like in horsemanship, building a great trailer—or a great company—starts with attention to detail, a commitment to quality, and a clear purpose behind every step of the process. From the shop floor to the arena, we talk about how putting value into the work you do creates the best outcome possible for the ones you're serving.

My Experience with Cimarron Trailers

If you’ve been following along with my journey, you already know I’m a big fan of Cimarron’s stock combos—I’ve owned three, and I’m working on designing a custom living quarters trailer with them now. But the more I learn about their company, the more I appreciate the philosophy behind their work. Like good horsemanship, Cimarron’s approach is rooted in quality, consistency, and attention to detail.

What “Better by Design” Means at Cimarron

Ben and I talked about what it means to be “Better by Design”—and not just when it comes to the trailers themselves, but the way the entire company operates. Cimarron is 100% employee-owned, which means every person on the line has skin in the game. That sense of ownership shows up in the finished product. From the swing-out saddle racks to the oversized steps and thoughtful storage design, everything is built with the user—and their horse—in mind.

Trailer Craftsmanship and Horsemanship Have More in Common Than You Think

What really struck me during our conversation was how much Cimarron’s design philosophy overlaps with the principles I teach in horsemanship. Whether you’re building a trailer or building a better horse, the process matters. Paying attention to the small things—with horses, like signal before the signal or body position; or with trailers, how your tack door shuts with ease—those small things compound into something bigger. In horsemanship, that’s what we call feel. In business, that’s craftsmanship. Either way, it’s a commitment to excellence.

Putting the Customer (and the Horse) First

Ben shared how Cimarron listens to their customers, tests ideas in real-world settings, and isn’t afraid to go the extra mile—even when it’s not the easiest or cheapest route. That level of intentionality is what makes their trailers stand out. It’s also what makes a horseman stand out. When you take pride in your process, when you invest the time and energy to get 1% better each day, the results speak for themselves.

Trailers That Hold Their Value and Deliver Long-Term Benefits

We also talked about how Cimarron’s trailers are built to last—and hold their value better than most. It reminded me of something a friend once told me: “I’ve never regretted buying the best.” That holds true whether you’re investing in a great horse, a high-quality saddle, or a trailer you can rely on for years to come.

Cimarron’s Role in the Horse Industry—and My Own

At the end of the day, Cimarron isn’t just building trailers—they’re building experiences. They’re helping families stay connected, helping competitors stay competitive, and helping all of us haul a little easier and safer. I’m proud to pull a Cimarron and even prouder to represent a company that’s walking the walk and living out the same principles I try to apply in my own life and work.

Thanks again to Ben and the Cimarron team for joining me on the show—and for building a product that truly is better by design.