Kara Smith of Rural Colorado on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Kara Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Kara, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, hands down.

In a world that moves fast and rewards loud voices, integrity is what keeps you grounded. Intelligence can open doors, and energy can move things forward but without integrity, none of it lasts. As a fifth-generation rancher and business owner, everything I do, whether it’s raising cattle, building a brand, or raising my daughters is rooted in trust. That means doing what you say you’re going to do, even when no one’s watching.

Integrity is the thread that ties together legacy, leadership, and long-term impact. You can learn new skills, and you can recharge your energy but if you lose people’s trust, you’ve lost everything that matters.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kara Smith—5th-generation rancher and co-founder of Colorado Craft Beef. What began as an extension of our legacy family cattle operation has grown into a fully integrated beef brand committed to delivering real food and trusted fuel. It is rooted in American values, produced on American soil, and built for the future of American families.

At Colorado Craft Beef, we’ve done what few in the industry have: expanded from agricultural roots into full-scale production and consumer goods. We oversee every step of the process from how our cattle are raised and finished, to how our products are processed, packaged, and delivered. That level of control allows us to uphold standards that reflect our core values: integrity, intentionality, and full transparency.

Our growth has allowed us to step into the CPG space with purpose. We’re crafting shelf-stable beef snacks, American-made tallow, and nutrient-dense products that stay true to how we were raised: keep it simple, keep it honest, and make it last. Everything we create is designed to fuel families with real, clean food—not filler—and restore trust in where that food comes from.

We’re also proud to collaborate with iconic American brands like Jocko Fuel and Origin USA. Companies that share our commitment to American-made excellence and uncompromising standards. Alongside Jocko Willink and other veteran leaders, these partnerships help us amplify our mission, extend our values into new spaces, and continue supporting rural economies and domestic manufacturing.

Ultimately, our work is about more than beef. It’s about preserving the American legacy. A legacy on the land, in the kitchen, and across generations. Whether it’s a steak, a beef stick, or a jar of tallow, we’re building a brand grounded in tradition, driven by purpose, and unapologetically American.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad, without a doubt. He’s pushing 70 and can still outwork most 20-year-olds. Growing up, he didn’t just talk about work ethic he lived it every day. He made it clear that if you start something, you finish it. No shortcuts, no excuses. He taught me that hard work can overcome just about anything, and that showing up consistently, especially when it’s tough, is what builds real character. That mindset has shaped everything I do, from ranching to building a business.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Perfection is a fallacy.

To my younger self, I’d say: don’t let the chase for perfection keep you from living. That mindset robbed me of opportunities. Opportunities to try new things, to fail forward, to take chances that could’ve led to growth. I was so focused on getting it “right” that I sometimes missed out on the experience altogether. Looking back, I’d remind myself that the imperfect moments are often the ones that shape you the most. Take the leap. Do it for the experience, not the outcome.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the cattle industry and honestly, in production agriculture as a whole is the belief that if your neighbor is making money, you’re losing it. It’s this scarcity mindset that pits people against each other instead of pushing the industry forward. But the truth is, it’s not a zero-sum game.

We need to shift the perspective from competition to collaboration. If we focus on making the pie bigger through innovation, transparency, and shared success we all can get a bigger slice. When one of us raises the bar, it creates opportunity for all of us. Agriculture doesn’t thrive in isolation. We’re stronger when we build together.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Growing up and building a life on the ranch has given me a profound understanding of real-life consequences. Lessons learned that extend far beyond textbooks or theory. Caring for the land and animals isn’t a nine-to-five job; it’s a relentless responsibility where the stakes are incredibly high and outcomes often uncertain.

Mother Nature is both beautiful and unforgiving. There are moments when, despite every effort, you can’t save an animal you’ve come to know, love and respect. It’s a hard truth to accept that a life must end so that others may continue, so that my family and I can be nourished and thrive. This awareness teaches humility, respect, and gratitude in a way few other experiences can.

Those are lessons I once struggled to put into words or pass on. They can’t simply be taught—they must be lived. That’s why I’ve chosen to raise my children back on the ranch, where the rhythms of nature and the demands of stewardship are undeniable teachers. Here, they witness firsthand the resilience required to tend to cattle through subzero winters, the unwavering commitment to feed and care for them even on holidays, and the quiet dignity in honoring the circle of life.

Ranch life instills a work ethic and sense of responsibility that can’t be faked. It demands courage, patience, and an intimate understanding that every choice has meaning. These are the lessons I want my children to carry with them, not just for ranching, but for life.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than