SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce has selected Justin Jonas as its 2026 Man of the Year, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual whose leadership, character, and contributions have profoundly shaped the city’s future.
A lifelong champion of agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community service, Jonas was honored Thursday night during the Chamber’s annual awards ceremony. The award recognizes his decades of work that have driven extraordinary economic growth and elevated San Angelo’s standing on the national stage.
Born and raised in New Braunfels, Jonas developed his passion for agriculture and competition early through 4-H, FFA, and athletics, where he earned all-state honors in basketball. His entrepreneurial drive surfaced at age 8, when he turned a $5 snow cone stand visit into a sold-out business venture under his father’s guidance at the Comal County Fair.
Jonas excelled in livestock competition, claiming top honors at major shows in San Antonio, San Angelo, El Paso, and the State Fair of Texas. He continued his education at Texas A&M University, competing on nationally recognized livestock and wool judging teams, before earning a master’s degree from Angelo State University.
His professional career began at Ranchers Lamb of Texas (RLOT), where he played a key role in growing the operation into one of the nation’s premier lamb packing facilities. Jonas also became a leading lamb pelt marketer and remains the No. 2 dealer in the country.
In August 2007, he was appointed Executive Director of the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo (SASSR) at a time when the event faced significant financial challenges. Under his leadership, SASSR underwent a remarkable turnaround through operational restructuring, innovation, and accountability.
Key accomplishments include:
- Livestock show entries surging from approximately 3,000 to nearly 15,000, drawing participants from 246 of Texas’s 254 counties.
- The premium sale growing from roughly $100,000 to more than $1 million.
- Sponsorships increasing from about $150,000 to over $2 million.
- The SASSR Foundation expanding from $250,000 to more than $23 million, enabling new scholarships, enhanced competitions, and construction of a state-of-the-art outdoor arena.
- An annual economic impact for San Angelo now exceeding $80 million.
Jonas also made history by becoming the first rodeo in the nation to host a **Cinch Chute-Out** event. Despite initial skepticism from other major rodeos, the decision proved transformative, boosting demand and expanding the San Angelo rodeo from nine to 13 performances per year — all of which now sell out, with the Cinch Chute-Out leading the way.
Rory Hemmert, executive with Cinch Jeans, praised Jonas in a statement: “I deal with some of the biggest names and most iconic rodeos and venues all over the nation, and I can say without hesitation: Justin Jonas has the brightest mind and best rodeo eye of anyone I work with. … I believe Justin could run any Fortune 500 company in the world. However, his passion is livestock and the western way of life. San Angelo, myself, and countless others are blessed that he is in our lives.”
Boyd Polhamus, the renowned rodeo announcer who has called the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo since 2001 and has announced multiple National Finals Rodeos (NFR), shared these words about his colleague and dear friend: “Justin Jonas represents the best of all of them. Not only is he intelligent, he is selfless. His deep abiding faith and love for his family is his guiding rudder in everything he chooses to accomplish. … Who Justin Jonas is, is God’s gift to him, but who Justin Jonas has BECOME is not only his beautiful gift to God … but also to the city of San Angelo.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Jonas is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Bridget, recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. Together with their daughters Macy and Ginger and son Levi, the family is grounded in strong Christian faith. Jonas serves on the advisement board at The Garden church, where his leadership is marked by humility, compassion, and a commitment to honoring God.
“Justin, San Angelo is stronger, more vibrant, and more prosperous because of you,” the Chamber stated in its presentation. “Your vision, your character, and your dedication have left a legacy that will benefit this city for generations to come.”
Congratulations to Justin Jonas, the 2026 San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: