Patrick Gottsch - 2026

Patrick Gottsch was a visionary entrepreneur whose life's work transformed how the stories of rural America are shared. As the founder of RFD Network, he built trusted media brands that celebrated agriculture, western sports, country music, and the people and values that define rural life.

Raised on his family's farm in Elkhorn, Nebraska, Patrick's firsthand understanding of rural America shaped a lifelong mission: to ensure the people, traditions, and industries that sustain rural communities were seen, heard, and valued. His experience in agriculture and later as a commodity broker gave him a unique perspective on the needs of farmers and ranchers, ultimately inspiring his vision to create a national media platform dedicated to serving them.

In 2000, Patrick launched RFD-TV with a bold vision to create the nation's first television network dedicated exclusively to rural America. From that singular idea, he built a family of media brands reaching millions of homes nationwide, including RFD-TV, Cowboy Channel, Cowboy+, Cowgirl Channel, Rural Radio on SiriusXM, and RFD+, while remaining steadfast in his commitment to authentic storytelling and the communities he served.

Patrick's impact on Fort Worth is both significant and lasting. RFD Network has had a presence in the Fort Worth Stockyards for years, and has continued to champion the district's role as a national destination for western heritage and culture. 

Through RFD-TV and numerous other ventures, Patrick created new opportunities for farmers, ranchers, rodeo athletes, musicians, agricultural leaders, and rural communities. His work preserved cherished traditions while introducing them to new audiences, ensuring they remained relevant for future generations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Patrick believed deeply in family, faith, and community. He brought his daughters into the business early, mentoring and empowering them to become the next generation of leaders. Today, his legacy lives on through Gatsby Gottsch Solheim and Raquel Gottsch Koehler, who lead RFD Network and continue his commitment to serving rural America through authentic storytelling, innovation, and community.

Those who knew Patrick remember not only his entrepreneurial vision but also his generosity, optimism, and unwavering belief in the people and communities he served. Patrick's legacy is measured not only by the institutions he built, but by the lives, communities, and traditions he strengthened along the way. We are honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the Hickman Legacy Award.