Tim Zigrang is a man of many hats, quite literally. Hailing from the picturesque hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula he seamlessly embodies the roles of both a seasoned cowboy and a skilled general contractor. Tim’s journey through life weaves together the rugged essence of the cowboy lifestyle with the precision and artistry of custom home construction.
Zigrang didn’t fully embrace the cowboy life until he was an adult but reminds us that Palos Verdes is steeped in equestrian culture. “If you go back to PV in the old days, it was a big ranch community,” he reminisces, reflecting on the rich equestrian heritage of his hometown. Indeed, Palos Verdes boasts a long-standing tradition of horseback riding, with meticulously maintained trails crisscrossing the landscape, inviting riders to explore its natural beauty.
Zigrang’s passion for horses burned slowly. Growing up he found himself drawn back to the saddle time and time again. “Around 18 or 19, I spent a summer in Colorado as a wrangler,” he recalls, recounting his formative experiences as a young cowboy. “I learned how to ride, thrust into it, and I loved it.”
However, it wasn’t until later in life, when he took his own family on vacation to a Wyoming dude ranch, that he truly immersed himself in the world of roping. “It was a great family experience,” the father of three grown daughters reflects fondly. “We went back for 10 years in a row.” It was during these vacations that he forged lasting friendships with fellow ropers, igniting a passion for the sport that would come to define much of his adult life.
Back in Palos Verdes, Zigrang found himself drawn to the Empty Saddle Club, a bastion of western culture amidst the Los Angeles suburban landscape. Founded in the late 1930s, the club serves as a sanctuary for those who share his love for the cowboy way of life. “We call ourselves a cattle club,” he explains with a hint of pride. “We try to preserve our western way of life. We have 120 horses and cattle.”
Zigrang’s journey into the world of roping has been nothing short of exhilarating. What started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a full-blown passion, propelling him into the competitive arena of rodeos and team roping events. “It took some time but within a year I started to compete,” he recalls, reflecting on his early foray into the sport. “Anyone can do it. I’ve seen them from ages 8 to 80-year-olds.”
Zigrang has steadily climbed the ranks, eventually finding himself roping in prestigious events such as the World Series Finale of Roping in Las Vegas.
One particular year, out of 350 teams, Zigrang and his partner secured an impressive 11th place, earning $20,000 in prize money. “I’ve won 7 or 8 World Series Ropings,” he adds, underscoring his prowess in the sport. His success even took him across the pond, where he clinched the European Championship in team roping.
At the heart of roping lies team roping, the most popular event in recreational rodeos. This thrilling sport, where two riders work in tandem to capture a steer by its head and feet, traces its roots back to the practicalities of ranch life. “It came out of necessity of what you do on the ranch,” Zigrang explains.
Despite his achievements on the rodeo circuit, Zigrang remains grounded in his roots, regularly practicing at the Empty Saddle Club alongside fellow enthusiasts. “We practice four days a week,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of honing his skills and staying connected to the cowboy heritage.
Zigrang’s dedication to his craft extends beyond the arena and into the world of custom home construction. As the founder of Zigrang Construction, Inc., he has spent over 30 years building a reputation for excellence in the South Bay area. “Our homes really are true pieces of art,” he remarks proudly. “They will endure for many lifetimes. It’s all about the detail and we pay very close attention to detail. So close, every customer becomes a family friend,” Zigrang shares.
In both his personal and professional life, he adheres to the principles of what he calls the cowboy way; integrity, hard work, and mutual respect. “You give your word, you keep it. You treat people the way you want to be treated,” he says simply. “And they do the same. That attitude and mindset changed the way I do business. It’s more fun and less stressful,” he laughs. As he looks to the future, Zigrang shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s astride his horse at the Empty Saddle Club, at one of his homes in Texas or Palos Verdes, or overseeing a construction site, he approaches each day with the same unwavering commitment and passion. “As long as I can keep doing it, I’ll keep doing it,” he declares.
