In honor of Jo and Holt Hickman’s lasting contributions to Fort Worth and their extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, preservation, and entrepreneurial vision, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame & Museum proudly presents the 2nd Annual Jo & Holt Hickman Legacy Awards.
Each year, the Legacy Awards recognize two outstanding individuals or entities whose work reflects the pioneering spirit of Jo and Holt Hickman through exceptional leadership in Preservation, Western Heritage, Community Impact, and Entrepreneurial Spirit.
Holt Hickman was a legendary figure in Fort Worth’s business community and a driving force behind the revitalization of the Fort Worth Stockyards. As founder and chairman of Hickman Companies, he played a pivotal role in preserving the city’s Western heritage while transforming it into a destination for millions of visitors. His influence also extended to the renovation of Historic Camp Bowie and Fort Worth’s far South Side. Among his many accolades, Holt was named Outstanding Business Executive by the Fort Worth Business Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the Golden Deeds Award in 2006. Holt passed away in 2014, leaving behind a vibrant legacy that continues to shape Fort Worth.
Jo Hickman, Holt’s high school sweetheart and devoted wife, was his steadfast partner in life, business, and philanthropy. Together, they nurtured a family and built a legacy rooted in service and community. Jo supported Holt in purchasing the Sterquell Wagon Collection, relocating the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and investing in the historic preservation of the Stockyards. Today, she continues to give generously to area nonprofits, including the Jo and Holt Hickman Center for ACH Child and Family Services.
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Jean Roach
Service & Dedication
Jean Roach is an icon in the Fort Worth community, widely respected for her visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to serving others. Guided by her belief in “leaving everything better than you found it,” she has dedicated her life to strengthening the city through meaningful and lasting contributions.
Her impact spans the arts, healthcare, education, and philanthropy, where her leadership and generosity have helped shape Fort Worth in profound ways. Among her most significant contributions is the creation of the KinderFrogs School at TCU. When approached by a group of young mothers seeking support for children with Down Syndrome, Jean recognized a critical gap in resources and boldly proposed the creation of a full-time preschool program. In less than six months, she secured a $1.5 million challenge grant and additional funding to bring the vision to life. Today, KinderFrogs stands as a nationally recognized program, transforming the lives of countless children and families.
A lifelong member of Tri Delta, Jean’s commitment to the organization spans more than 60 years of leadership, mentorship, and service. Her influence reaches from Tri Delta’s Foundation to its philanthropic partnership with Cook Children’s, and to generations of young women at Texas Christian University. In recognition of her extraordinary service and dedication, she was awarded Tri Delta’s highest honor, the Ernestine Block Grigsby Award. She is also a Sustaining member of the Junior League of Fort Worth, where her dedication has earned her the organization’s Sustainer of the Year honor, along with continued service in advisory roles for Christmas in Cowtown and as an Honorary Chair of the Grand Entry Gala.
Known for her integrity, humility, and steady leadership, Jean is fully invested in every endeavor she undertakes—offering not just her name, but her time, energy, and insight. At the invitation of Jo and Holt Hickman, Jean and her late husband, John V. Roach, lent their counsel and support during the growth of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, contributing to its development and long-term vision. Today, Jean and her son-in-law, Tull Bailey, continue that commitment as valued members of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
Together, Jean and John have been devoted champions for Fort Worth and Texas Christian University, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership and service.
In the spirit of Jo and Holt Hickman—whose legacy is defined by vision, generosity, and a deep commitment to community—Jean Roach embodies those same values, making her a fitting and distinguished recipient of the Hickman Legacy Award.
Patrick Gottsch
Visionary & Entrepreneur
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.
