"Give yourself a seat at the table. Believe in your abilities. Believe in what you can do . . . have that confidence to do it because you can."

Rachel Cutrer '01

Rachel Cutrer '01 is an inspiring leader in rural entrepreneurship whose story exemplifies resilience, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. Rachel’s journey from her college dorm room to a multi-million-dollar enterprise is a testament to her determination and resourcefulness. Despite initial skepticism from those around her who did not understand a burgeoning new technology, the internet, Rachel trusted her ability to succeed. Her success in building and managing businesses in rural Texas showcases the impact that one driven individual can have, not only on her industry but also within her community. Rachel's accomplishments make her an exceptional example to honor on National Women's Entrepreneurship Day.

Rachel is a returning "Prof-for-a-Day" for the Rister '74 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. Watch this year's presentation here.

Rachel, along with her husband, Brandon Cutrer, has built 5 successful businesses from the ground up:

Ranch House Designs – Founded while Rachel was a sophomore at Texas A&M, this business began as a way to create affordable websites for agricultural businesses. Today, it has grown into a multi-million-dollar marketing agency serving rural clients across the nation.

BRC Ranch – Starting with just six cows and no land, Rachel and her husband built BRC Ranch from the ground up. Now, it’s a highly respected Brahman cattle ranch that emphasizes quality breeding and has earned numerous championships in the cattle industry.

Brahman Country Beef – Launched five years ago, this farm-to-table business brings beef directly from BRC Ranch to consumers, allowing Rachel’s family to connect with local customers and promote quality, locally-sourced meat.

Brahman Country Genetics – This global cattle genetics business focuses on Brahman cattle, offering semen and embryo sales to clients around the world, extending the impact of BRC Ranch beyond the U.S.

The Ranch Downtown – Located in downtown Wharton, Texas, this brick-and-mortar store sells farm-to-table products, including Brahman Country Beef, local honey, spices, and other regional goods, furthering Rachel’s commitment to supporting her rural community.

Over the years, they have grown their businesses step-by-step, often taking risks to achieve their goals. Rachel emphasizes that growth does not have to happen all at once and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to work with what they have. Her belief that "if you can be trusted with the little things, you’ll be trusted with bigger things" has guided her journey, allowing her to build her ventures gradually.

A pivotal moment in Rachel's story highlights her belief in “giving yourself a seat at the table." She recalled meeting an official from Mexico, a former governor and cattle rancher, who expressed interest in her cattle at the Houston Livestock Show. Rachel admits that her immediate reaction was to defer to her husband for such business transactions, but the Mexican governor insisted on talking to her. This instance served as a lesson to embrace her role as an expert and advocate for her business. This decision led Rachel to an opportunity to judge a national cattle show in Mexico, the first woman to do so. Rachel encourages other women to step up confidently, knowing they are qualified and capable, reminding them never to diminish their expertise or rely on others to represent them.

Rachel’s experiences also highlight the unique rewards and challenges of running a business in rural America. Her businesses are rooted in the small community of Wharton, Texas, where she emphasizes the value of strong local relationships and giving back. Whether creating a Brahman cattle museum to boost local tourism or rallying community support during a business emergency, Rachel has shown that rural entrepreneurs have a unique ability to foster close-knit networks that can be incredibly supportive. Her commitment to community and family values enriches her role as a business leader.

On National Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Rachel Cutrer's story stands out as an inspiring example for women entrepreneurs everywhere. "Every day I get to do my dream job, working with the brands I love and probably more importantly, working with people that I love—our family business and our co-workers." Her journey demonstrates that with determination, a clear vision, and confidence in one’s abilities, anyone can achieve extraordinary success. She shows that taking risks, embracing one’s worth, and investing in the community are keys to a fulfilling entrepreneurial path, encouraging the next generation of women to chase their dreams with purpose and pride.