Life in the Outback of America: Things Take Time by Fred and Joyce Evans (Danita Bye Foreword)
A lot can change in 80+ years.
We’ve gone from riding horses to flying in airplanes… from heating homes with wood-burning stoves to simply turning a dial… from growing and hunting our own food to buying fresh strawberries from halfway around the world in the middle of winter.
But even with all that change, some things stay the same—like the values that shape who we are and how we lead.
For me, those values were formed on a windswept stretch of land in western North Dakota, on a place we call The Triple T Ranch. Life out there wasn’t fancy, and it sure wasn’t easy—but it was rich in something you can’t buy at a store: character.
That’s where I learned about grit, gratitude, and generosity. It’s where I saw that faith and connection matter more than status or stuff. And it’s where I watched my parents, Fred and Joyce Evans, live out those values day after day.
They grew up in “Little House on the Prairie”-style conditions—tough winters, hard work, and plenty of challenges. But they didn’t just get through it; they built something lasting. Their story, which they tell in their memoir Life in the Outback of America, is about more than ranching. It’s about resilience, faith, and building a legacy.
As I reflect on their journey, I can’t help but connect it to the leadership model I’m working on today—what I call D.A.K.O.T.A. Character: Determination, Authenticity, Kindness, Ownership, Tenacity, and Awareness. These aren’t just leadership traits to me—they’re lived values I saw daily growing up.
This post is a little look back… and a big reminder of how strong character shapes strong futures.
Foreword to Life in the Outback of America: Things Take Time
By Danita Evans Bye
Life in the Outback of America: Things Take Time follows my parents’ lives while learning to survive and thrive, under often harsh conditions, in North Dakota’s Little Knife River Valley.
Their story is split into sections: from my parents’ deep appreciation of the land’s history and explanation of their ancestors’ arrival here to their separate upbringings in the valley, to marrying and raising a family together, to their tremendous success and partnership in life, ranching, and business.
I grew up on my parents’ ranch, the Triple T. I spent much of my adult life in Minnesota. After my kids grew up and started pursuing their own adventures, I moved back to North Dakota, settling in the Little Knife River Valley, just over the hill from where I grew up.
When I first returned home about 10 years ago and met new people, I often asked, “Do you know my parents, Fred and Joyce Evans?” A small number of those I asked responded with uncertainty, “Maybe,”or “I think so,” they’d say. I instantly knew they had not met my parents!
Most people I asked exclaimed, “Absolutely!” Then, they shared heartfelt stories about how my parents had significantly impacted their lives. People who had been disoriented and discouraged in their lives shared that they walked away from conversations with my parents filled with hope and encouragement. My parents always believe in the best outcomes and the best in people. To them, strangers are opportunities for connecting and forming relationships; they love encouraging and hearing their stories.
Mom and Dad’s combined strengths and shared values have created a strong foundation. Their walk with God underscored everything they do. Building on faith, they made The TripleT Ranch a dream come true. The ranch still thrives today.
My parents have an unmatched zest for living and learning. After meeting with my parents, community and industry leaders with seemingly impossible visions have felt energized to move forward and understand better how to proceed. Mom and Dad have consistently shown a knack for seeing what could be and possess the grit and determination to turn it into reality.
Mom and Dad believe they have been blessed to bless others. I consider that their legacy and their generosity extend beyond their financial resources. It is heartwarming to see their passion for mentoring 20-somethings from church, which includes frequently inviting them back to the ranch for a visit. My parents’ gift of hospitality extends to so many people of all ages and walks of life. Mom and Dad provide a safe and intimate setting for rest and rejuvenation. They believe everyone has unique and beautiful gifts to share.
Borrowing from one of Dad’s favorite expressions (of which he has many!), Mom and Dad always make it happen! They possess unyielding determination and resilience, and the sisu spirit that my mom and dad talk about in the book fueled their dream of owning a cattle ranch and more. While growing up on the ranch, I witnessed how my parents worked hard, even when facing obstacles that overwhelmed the average person. Together, they pursue their visions and goals against all hardships, setbacks, and roadblocks.
This book represents more than my parents’ life stories. It’s an entrepreneurial guide, a source of leadership wisdom, and spiritual encouragement. It is my sincere wish that my parents’ journey will inspire you as deeply as it has inspired me.
Their legacy is a gift!
Danita Bye