
Championdrive.com is pleased to present the second of our new series, “Beyond the Winners Circle”. This week's “Beyond the Winners Circle” features Robyn (Ott) Baker, from Stillwater, OK. We invite you to read our interview with Robyn below. Please continue to check back weekly for our next edition of “Beyond the Winners Circle”.
Where do you live?
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Married/Kids?
I am married to Marshall Baker.
What college did you attend and what was your major?
Undergrad: Oklahoma State University, B.S. in Agricultural Communications
Law School: University of Oklahoma College of Law, Juris Doctorate
What is your job/career?
I am an attorney. I practice law in Oklahoma City at a business law firm named Mock, Schwabe, Waldo, Elder, Reeves & Bryant, PLLC. I practice in the areas of commercial litigation, banking and bankruptcy.
Has showing impacted your career?
Not literally, but certainly it has impacted me personally and the way I approach my job. Lawyers work long hours at times and they must be self-motivated and productive with their time. One of the greatest benefits I received from showing was developing into a hard worker.
What do you feel your biggest accomplishment is thus far?
Professionally, by biggest accomplishment was landing my first legal job. My husband and I moved to Indiana shortly after I graduated from law school. I had no connections in the Indiana legal world. After much perseverance, I accepted a position at a large, prestigious firm in Indiana. I will always be very proud of myself for getting that job.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
First, I’ve learned all plans are destined to change, so who knows what is in store for my family and I. I would hope to have a great family, involved in agriculture, and living in a rural area. There just might be a few sheep behind the house ready for the kids to show as well. We will see.
What was your favorite show? Why?
My favorite show growing up was always the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, Colorado. The show lasted several days, which allowed for time to hang-out with friends, go skiing, etc. I also have to note that the NAILE in Louisville, Kentucky is a favorite show of mine. Although I only showed there once, I won Reserve Grand. Needless to say, I also won the “Rookie of the Year” award for that show. I got a big kick out of that! Not only was that show my biggest win, but the win holds personal family meaning to me.
What was your favorite lamb you showed? Why?
My grandpa bought me my first lamb, which was appropriately named “Gramps,” when I was just nine years old. Gramps was the jump-start to not only my showing career, but also my parents’ Ott Club Lambs business. Of course, he didn’t win, but I loved and loved on that lamb.
What did you enjoy the most about showing?
The relationships. Not only did I meet many great friends and had a lot of fun, but showing also kept our family very close. The older I get, the more and more I appreciate those showing trips all over the country with my family and even just doing chores in the evenings.
What do you miss most about showing?
Would you judge me if I said the sale money? Ha (Just kidding!). Sincerely, the thing I miss the most about showing is the quality time with friends and family. I also miss the adrenalin of show day.
If you could go back and do one thing over (showing wise), what would it be?
Not take myself too seriously. I am an extremely competitive person, and I came to shows with my game face on. There is nothing wrong with doing your best and wanting to win, but I wish I hadn’t taken myself quite so seriously.
Who helped you along the way the most?
There is no doubt that my folks helped me the most. As a family we would practice and practice, analyze for hours which sheep we would keep back to show rather than sell, watch other showmen and judges to get better, etc.
What piece of advice would you give for those looking to go into your career?
The road to becoming a lawyer is a little longer than most careers and takes a lot of hard work, but once you get there it is worth it. Becoming an attorney is a wonderful career choice. It is interesting, challenging, rewarding and always something different.
If you had two lambs in the grand drive, who would you get to show the other one?
My little brother, Cody.
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