8 9 Michele Hahnfeld and the Marsh McLennan Agency match up well with FWSSR. Since she was a child, Michele Hahnfeld has been on the go. Between family, work, volunteer and civic activities she’s either coming or going in pursuit of her passions. Among her comings and goings, it’s easy to find her at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo every January and February volunteering and representing an important FWSSR partner, the Marsh McLennan Agency. Hahnfeld grew up in nearby Glen Rose, Texas, in the 1970s and 80s. It was a typical rural setting in those days. Michelle and her sister Dana, like many small-town kids, were involved in a plethora of extracurricular activities. “I was super active with sports, UIL, band, cheerleading, 4-H and FHA (Future Homemakers of America),” said Hahnfeld. “We always had weird pets, so we always won the Pet Parade every July fourth. Miniature donkeys, a fawn named Bobo, a raccoon named Charlie and so many hound dogs – usually named Blue or Red, depending on if they were a bluetick or red blood.” That same passion and drive that fueled Hahnfeld’s active lifestyle as a youth continues to keep her constantly on the go today. Besides a busy work schedule – she serves as Vice President / Advisor for Business Insurance at the Marsh McLennan Agency – Hahnfeld remains a very active volunteer not only for the Stock Show but many other Fort Worth non-profit organizations. While projects like Meals on Wheels, Jewel Charity Ball, Lighthouse for the Blind, American Cancer Society and All Saints Episcopal School also keep her hopping, one can sense that her passion and commitment puts FWSSR in a category by itself. “I love all things rodeo and it’s my favorite season, right after fall and football,” she said. “I love it when I see a family enjoying a day at the Stock Show. Mom, dad and all the kids dressed up and walking around, eating corndogs, hopping on tractors, maybe trying out a new mattress, listening to music and loving the rodeo. One of my faves is running into friends who I may only see once a year.” Her history of FWSSR volunteerism goes back to 1999 when she sold the Rodeo Souvenir Annual as a member of the Junior League of Fort Worth. Hahnfeld chaired the rodeo program sales committee for the Junior League later in 2004. She was also eager to step into either a Hoss or Elwood costume in the Moos Brothers earliest days when the FWSSR mascots came on the scene in 2005. Hahnfeld was elected to the Stock Show’s board of directors in 2012 and was appointed to the Shooting Sports committee in 2023. PROFESSIONALISM AND PARTNERSHIPS Highly regarded in Fort Worth’s insurance and risk management circles, the relationships that Hahnfeld has cultivated with firms including The Brants Company, John L. Wortham, Marsh and now Marsh McLennan has brought a tremendous value to the Stock Show. “Marsh McClennan Agency believes the Stock Show is an important tradition in Fort Worth that we want to wholly support,” said Hahnfeld. “The Stock Show allows us to entertain our customers and introduce our Western heritage to our ‘new to Fort Worth’ customers as well.” Since 2010, Marsh McLennan has supported a wide scope of FWSSR programs including Ag Development Fund, Youth Art Contest, Calf Scramble and others. “Michele’s heart for community and never-ending energy are nothing short of inspiring,” said FWSSR Sponsorship Manager, Sonia Benavides. “Her dedication to the FWSSR goes beyond sponsorship; she’s truly part of our family as a dedicated volunteer and advocate for all things Stock Show. Michelle has shown time and again that she doesn’t just support this event – she lives it.” FAMILY THING For many, the Stock Show is a “family thing” and it’s no exception for the Hahnfelds. Her husband, Eric, is a longtime member of the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate and a principal with the architectural firm, Grace Herbert Curtis Architects, that has designed many of the recent renovations and expansions at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. “Getting my daughter, sister and grandkids all involved is fun,” said Hahnfeld. “With Dana (sister) serving on the Greeting and Parade Committees, April (daughter) on the Group Sales Committee and Eric on the Syndicate, it’s a blast showing the grandkids everything we do and how they can, maybe, serve in the future. They’ve helped me decorate tables for the group sales committee from time to time. I want them to know what a privilege it is to be a part of this grand ol’ tradition.” VOLUNTEER MAGNET Being well connected in the Fort Worth business community made Hahnfeld a natural selection to chair the Show’s Group Sales Committee. Committee members sell customized rodeo packages that can include meals, receptions, behind the scenes tours and other unique features. “Since its inception I’ve recruited some of my best girlfriends to join me,” said Hahnfeld. “We’ll decorate for the company events making magic with zero budget and some empty vodka bottles and anything else we can find to make for a special FWSSR evening for our group experiences. “As the tagline says, ‘This thing is legendary,’ The economic impact provided by the Stock Show is astounding. We’ve kept rodeo real – thank you Bob Watt, Brad Barnes and now Matt Carter – and I love that our livestock show brings kids from virtually every county in Texas and makes them feel special whether they’re showing livestock, chickens, a restored tractor or an amazing piece of art.” PERFECT PARTNERS BOTTOM PHOTO: Michele Hahnfeld fourth from the right with members of the group sales commitee including (L to R): Julia Gadberry, Blaire Cantrell, April Hahnfeld, and Virgina Huffman. THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO | Sponsor Spotlight
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