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America's Story
Telling America’s Story is an ongoing series devoted to the people who shape this country through their work, passion, and perseverance. Every life carries a story worth telling, and capturing even a small piece of that journey is an honor.
Dan Morales
In the back warehouse of 184 North Main Street, Sheridan, Wyoming, Dan Morales spends his days crafting a staple of the cowboy lifestyle: King's Saddlery & King Ropes. As a young man fresh out of high school, Dan learned the technique for stretching, curing and tying the iconic, hand-made ropes that have wound their way into rodeo arenas, movie sets and ranches around the world. And, while he may have improvised some tricks to make his day-to-day a bit easier — like with the help of a golf cart — the recipe for making these iconic ropes has held steady in his 45 years.
Since its founding in 1961 by Don King, the brand has earned a legendary reputation in the cowboy community for quality, consistency and artistry. Thanks to the dedication of craftsmen like Dan, King Ropes continues to preserve a classic Western art form, and set the standard for rope-making.
Since its founding in 1961 by Don King, the brand has earned a legendary reputation in the cowboy community for quality, consistency and artistry. Thanks to the dedication of craftsmen like Dan, King Ropes continues to preserve a classic Western art form, and set the standard for rope-making.
Sean Weaver
An unalienable right enshrined in the Declaration of Independence is the pursuit of happiness. No one exemplifies this more than Sean Weaver, founder of Dream Weaver Creative. A South Dakota State University graduate with a BS in Business Economics and over a decade of experience chasing epic visuals, Sean masterfully blends photography, videography, and storytelling to elevate brands in the hunting and lifestyle worlds. He's built for the tough stuff—pictured here on a pheasant hunt, doing what he loves most: capturing rare moments for global audiences that few ever witness firsthand.
Eric Fuson
Among the hidden gems of the AAlbrecht-Kemper Museum of Artis its basement library where Executive Director Eric Fuson often finds inspiration. Fuson is a former art professor with 30-plus years as a ceramicist and printmaker. Today, he's leading the museum—housed in a stunning historic mansion—into an exciting new chapter with fresh, regional-focused exhibits.
Art museums like the Albrecht-Kemper in St. Joseph, Missouri, aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re essential for communities. They spark creativity, educate kids, support working artists and bring people together.
Art museums like the Albrecht-Kemper in St. Joseph, Missouri, aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re essential for communities. They spark creativity, educate kids, support working artists and bring people together.
Trina Clark
When Trina Clark first considered moving her family overseas to help victims of trauma and abuse, she never imagined the same heartbreak was happening right here in our communities.
After years of mission work in developing countries, Trina joined forces with Stacy Kerns, founder of Sisters of Solace, and discovered the urgent need in St. Joseph, Missouri. Today, as Executive Director, Trina leads a life-changing, two-year residency program—offered completely free of charge—to women rebuilding their lives after trauma and abuse.
At Sisters of Solace, these courageous women don’t just find safety—they gain real skills, confidence, and independence. They run their own coffee shop, hand-pour beautiful candles, and create an array of products sold locally. Every purchase directly supports their healing journey and is helping fund a brand-new maternity ward for expectant mothers entering the program.
When you support Sisters of Solace, you’re giving women a fresh start, a safe home, and the tools to build the future they deserve.
After years of mission work in developing countries, Trina joined forces with Stacy Kerns, founder of Sisters of Solace, and discovered the urgent need in St. Joseph, Missouri. Today, as Executive Director, Trina leads a life-changing, two-year residency program—offered completely free of charge—to women rebuilding their lives after trauma and abuse.
At Sisters of Solace, these courageous women don’t just find safety—they gain real skills, confidence, and independence. They run their own coffee shop, hand-pour beautiful candles, and create an array of products sold locally. Every purchase directly supports their healing journey and is helping fund a brand-new maternity ward for expectant mothers entering the program.
When you support Sisters of Solace, you’re giving women a fresh start, a safe home, and the tools to build the future they deserve.
Brent Peterson
Our nation is unique in the world because it thrives on a spirit of personal reinvention. And there's no greater example of this than Brent Peterson.
Back when he moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, his fiance dragged him out for a bike ride on some local Parkway trails. At the time, he was at his heaviest weight, puffing through a pack of cigarettes a day, and the hill climb left his ego bruised as she powered ahead while he gasped for air.
That moment lit a fire — Peterson quit smoking, shed the weight and proved he could ride with the best of them.
Inspired, he dove headfirst into cycling: commuting daily, training with a coach, and crushing long-distance events. By late 2019, he ditched his 16-year career and headed to bicycle training school and launched a career in bicycle mechanics.
In 2022, he successfully launched Tubes Bike Shop, which is housed in an old building he bought and transformed into one of the city's must-see stores.
Back when he moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, his fiance dragged him out for a bike ride on some local Parkway trails. At the time, he was at his heaviest weight, puffing through a pack of cigarettes a day, and the hill climb left his ego bruised as she powered ahead while he gasped for air.
That moment lit a fire — Peterson quit smoking, shed the weight and proved he could ride with the best of them.
Inspired, he dove headfirst into cycling: commuting daily, training with a coach, and crushing long-distance events. By late 2019, he ditched his 16-year career and headed to bicycle training school and launched a career in bicycle mechanics.
In 2022, he successfully launched Tubes Bike Shop, which is housed in an old building he bought and transformed into one of the city's must-see stores.
Emily Morris
Feeding the world takes many forms.
Meet hard-working Emily Morris, who works at Matheson Oyster Company on Mobjack Bay—just a few miles from the Chesapeake Bay's mouth in Gloucester, Virginia.
The bay's four converging rivers fuel abundant algae for oysters to thrive on, while fresh Chesapeake inflows create perfect salinity levels. Grown surface-level in adjustable longlines and harvested via innovative FlipFarm systems, these oysters never touch the bottom or mud—ensuring pristine quality from bay to table.
Meet hard-working Emily Morris, who works at Matheson Oyster Company on Mobjack Bay—just a few miles from the Chesapeake Bay's mouth in Gloucester, Virginia.
The bay's four converging rivers fuel abundant algae for oysters to thrive on, while fresh Chesapeake inflows create perfect salinity levels. Grown surface-level in adjustable longlines and harvested via innovative FlipFarm systems, these oysters never touch the bottom or mud—ensuring pristine quality from bay to table.
Collin Serigne
Born and raised shrimping on Bayou Lafourche in southeastern Louisiana, Collin Serigne recently journeyed to Virginia to try his hand at oyster farming. The U.S. ranks 5th in the world in oyster production, accounting for about $327 million in revenue in 2023. Photos taken at Matheson Oyster Company, Gloucester Point, Virginia.
John Brueck
Building cars is one thing, but keeping them rolling? That’s where unsung, hardworking people like John Brueck shine. As one of over 670,000 auto mechanics in the U.S., John’s work at Sarek Autowerke in Glen Allen, Virginia, ensures Land Rovers, Minis and BMWs stay road-ready. From rebuilds to restorations, he keeps us moving—because without mechanics, we’d all be stranded. Sarek Autowerke Inc.
Josh Buterin
Nearly 290 million cars are on U.S. roads today — most sold by one of 60,000 dealerships across the country. One of those dealerships is Country Hill Motors in Merriam, Kansas, owned by our friend Josh Buterin. A passionate classic car collector, Josh discovered early on that his dealership’s ads stood out when he simply waved at the camera — a small gesture that became a big part of his brand. That unique, personal approach helped fuel decades of success. In 2026, Josh will celebrate 40 years of selling cars — and standing out from the crowd.
Andy Malott
Andy Malott honed his craft on air-cooled Volkswagen engines from a young age and now runs ADM Performance in St. Joseph, Missouri. Tucked inside a plain brick building without even a sign, his shop draws VW enthusiasts nationwide for expert repairs, engine rebuilds, and performance upgrades. Once ubiquitous on America’s roads, the iconic VW Beetle and van remain beloved classics, kept alive by a handful of dedicated craftsmen like Andy. Andy Agt Malott
Dale McDonough
With 2.75 million miles of paved roads crisscrossing the United States, nearly every mile needs a traffic sign to guide the way. That’s where Korman Signs in Richmond, Virginia, shines. Since 1975, they’ve been one of America’s largest road sign manufacturers, making signs that often dwarf the drivers that read them. Pictured is Dale McDonough, VP of Operations, whose work keeps millions of cars moving in the right direction – and stopping when they need to. Korman Signs, Inc.
Daniel Journey & Owen Phillips
Featured here are mechanics Daniel Journey and Owen Phillips, test-driving a nearly restored classic Porsche 911. Journey, a 32-year-old entrepreneur who now owns JP Werks in Kansas City, took the reins of his father’s shop just a few years ago. He's now considered one of the nation’s most respected Porsche mechanics.
Dave Jerman
In a world where fewer young people choose to work with their hands, we’re fortunate to have talents like Dave Jerman keeping the craft of engine building and auto restoration alive. Jerman's mechanical journey began when he was 8; now he works full-time on classic Porsches at JP Werks in Kansas City.
Susan Patterson
Inside the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Susan Patterson stands among works that help tell the story of the American West. As Curator of Special Exhibits, she helps shape the way visitors experience art, history, and the enduring spirit of the West through thoughtfully assembled exhibitions and careful preservation. Photographed inside the museum’s Prix de West permanent exhibition, Susan represents the kind of quiet stewardship that keeps Western heritage alive, connecting past and present through spaces designed to inspire, educate, and honor the legacy of the frontier.
Barbara Fluty
With paint on her hands and a lifetime of creativity behind her, Barbara Fluty has always found her way back to the canvas. In her Oklahoma City home, where she was photographed, her work reflects years of dedication shaped by both formal training and lived experience. From entering paintings at the state fair as a child to earning a fine arts degree from the University of Oklahoma, Barbara’s path has been guided by an instinct to create.
Her career carried her into the world of design within the furniture industry, and later into her own decorative painting business, where her work found its way into interiors across the country. But even through those chapters, her true passion remained rooted in fine art. In recent years, she returned to that calling, focusing on still lifes that highlight the beauty of everyday objects and landscapes that capture the majesty of God’s creation, all through the rich depth of oil paint.
Through each piece, Barbara hopes to offer something lasting. A sense of beauty, a moment of stillness, and a reminder of the world around us. Her work is not just a reflection of what she sees, but of a life spent creating, learning, and ultimately returning to what she loves most.
Her career carried her into the world of design within the furniture industry, and later into her own decorative painting business, where her work found its way into interiors across the country. But even through those chapters, her true passion remained rooted in fine art. In recent years, she returned to that calling, focusing on still lifes that highlight the beauty of everyday objects and landscapes that capture the majesty of God’s creation, all through the rich depth of oil paint.
Through each piece, Barbara hopes to offer something lasting. A sense of beauty, a moment of stillness, and a reminder of the world around us. Her work is not just a reflection of what she sees, but of a life spent creating, learning, and ultimately returning to what she loves most.
David Nigro Sr.
Building a business that thrives for seven decades is no small feat. David Nigro Sr. of Nigro's Western Store proudly carries on his family’s tradition as the second-generation leader. Founded by his father in the 1950s, David has steered this iconic, Kansas City-based retail business into the 21st century, recently launching an online store to bring America's Western heritage to customers worldwide.
David Nigro
Since 1956, Nigro's Western Store has been a Kansas City treasure. Now led by David Nigro, this third-generation, family-run business offers custom hat-shaping and boot fittings for a one-of-a-kind experience. As one of the Midwest’s longest-running western stores, Nigro's draws folks from across the nation with its authentic western wear and unmatched service. In a world of big box stores and online giants, Nigro's proves heritage and heart still win.
Gary Helm
Just beyond the exhibits at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia, Gary Helm spends his days helping visitors step into one of the most defining chapters of American history. As a Visitor Engagement Associate, he serves as a steady presence between the past and those who come to understand it, offering guidance, conversation, and moments of connection that bring the stories within the museum to life.
Photographed where history is preserved and shared, Gary plays a quiet but important role in shaping each visitor’s experience. Through simple interactions and thoughtful engagement, he helps ensure that the lessons, complexities, and human stories of the Civil War continue to be seen, felt, and remembered.
Photographed where history is preserved and shared, Gary plays a quiet but important role in shaping each visitor’s experience. Through simple interactions and thoughtful engagement, he helps ensure that the lessons, complexities, and human stories of the Civil War continue to be seen, felt, and remembered.
Winston Dryer
Winston Dryer of Tolar, Texas, showed his first heifer when he was 7. Now, at the ripe old age of 12, he's got big plans to live the life of a cowboy.
Guinevere Bowman
Among the 500-plus hard-working kids from 31 states at last summer's National Junior Shorthorn Show was Guinevere Bowman of New Salem, Indiana. The event, remarked Montie Soules, CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, "was truly a spectacle of youth empowerment and genetic excellence."
Liv Jurevicius
Meet Liv Jurevicius – a 12-year-old cattle-show champ from Grove, Oklahoma! While she’s chasing ribbons in the ring, she's already dreaming of becoming a lawyer, proving once more the value of American Junior Shorthorn Association. America’s next generation is already writing the story.
Maddox Reddy
Maddox Reedy takes the competition of the show ring seriously. But it's baseball, basketball and farming that fill the rest of his days. “Beef cattle teaches you a lot of good work ethic,” Maddox says from his family farm near Lovington, Illinois. “There’s a lot of interesting people to meet and you get to travel to new places. It teaches you life lessons.”
Addison and Cambree Dick
Addison (right) and Cambree Dick—two sisters raised on the Oklahoma prairie near Nowata—have a deep love for ranching and showing Shorthorn cattle. Addison is already dreaming big: she wants to become a lawyer while building a top-tier cow-calf operation back home. Cambree isn’t sure what the future holds yet, but one thing’s certain—she loves the competition and opportunities of the American Junior Shorthorn Association.
Ja'Lynn Finnell
Ja’Lynn Finnell from Gravette, Arkansas, just finished his second year showing at the National Junior Shorthorn Show. He loves barn time with his heifers and family. His dream job? Becoming a pro football player… for now, says Dad. The future looks bright for this hardworking kid!
Red Jackets of Leadership
The next generation of cattle producers proudly dons the red jackets of leadership. Elected last summer to serve on the board of directors of the American Junior Shorthorn Association, they include Cole Brus of Wolbuch, Nebraska; Jack Jordan of Rensselaer, Indiana; and Nathan Hill, Yorktown, Indiana. The Shorthorn breed claims the title of America's first beef breed, brought to our shores in 1784, the same year the Revolutionary War ended. Formed in 1872, the American Shorthorn Association is the nation's first beef breed association. The American Junior Shorthorn Association followed nearly a century later, created in 1968.
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