The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys star, Galyna Saltkovska, is ready to turn the page after a startling breakup with Steve McBee Sr. The shocking revelation of Steve’s affair with her former best friend, Masha Petrova, left Saltkovska heartbroken. Declaring that she will never forgive Petrova for the betrayal, Saltkovska is determined to avoid any future entanglements with her. “She’s not worth it,” Saltkovska remarked, underscoring her resolve. She continued, “Protecting myself, my daughter Erena Chaples, and our future is what truly matters now.”
With newfound determination and a commitment to her work, Saltkovska is proving her place in the McBee family was never just about romance. “They can see that my presence on the farm wasn’t solely tied to my relationship with Steve,” explained Saltkovska. “I’ve always wanted to be part of their family.” In her role as CFO at McBee Farm & Cattle Co, she remains a pivotal figure, someone Steven McBee Jr. and his brothers, Jesse and Cole, rely on. Even when faced with challenges like balancing personal and professional life, Saltkovska stays grounded. “I had to set my boundaries,” she reflected. “It’s essential to focus on yourself sometimes.”
Saltkovska feels a sense of pride in her business partners as they steer through challenging times both at work and in their personal spheres. “I’m particularly proud of Steven’s efforts lately,” she commented, addressing concerns about whether the brothers might replicate their father’s mistakes with women. “He’s recognizing past missteps and making positive changes.” Saltkovska’s unwavering support will always be available should Steven or his brothers seek her guidance.
Stopping by the Decider studio, Saltkovska chatted about the series, the transformation of the McBee brothers into doting fathers, and addressed any feelings of being “business trapped” in her relationship with Steve.
DECIDER: Galyna, what has it been like watching this season back for you?
GALYNA SALTKOVSKA: It has been a much better experience for me. Everybody knows that I had a rough couple of years. For me, this season was about showing who I am outside the relationship I once had with Steve while continuing to support the family and the business.
I don’t know what you’ve been seeing online, but I’ve noticed that fans are giving you a lot of support this season. Are you glad it’s clear to people that your intentions and your love for this family are genuine?
I really appreciate that so much. You’re right. I’ve gotten so much support. I did not expect that, but I’m so grateful. Steve Sr.’s going to prison was obviously emotional for everyone. Did you get to say goodbye to him before he left? Yes, we all did. I obviously did not go with him and his family on the bus. I wanted to make sure that they had their space.
There’s been a lot of talk about Steven Jr.’s trying to give Allie Eklund 20% of the tallow business. People are claiming that he tried to “business-trap” her like Steve Sr. did to you. Do you feel “business-trapped” at all?
I do feel a little business-trapped. Though, I try not to look at it that way. I look at it as Steve giving me an opportunity because he saw something in me. Our personal relationship did not go the way I had expected, but I still appreciate the chance to be in business with the family and be part of everything.
Steve’s sons have maybe inherited some of their father’s less than desirable qualities when it comes to relationships. Is there hope for them to make some changes before it’s too late?
I think so, and I already see the changes, especially in Steven. I’m very proud of everything that Steven has been doing recently. He is changing his behavior and acknowledging the things he’s done wrong in past relationships. He knows he needs to do better in the future.
The boys’ reaction to Steve Sr.’s making his ex-wife Kristi McBee the interim president of McBee Farm & Cattle Co. was well covered, but what were your thoughts on that decision?
It’s a lot of pressure to deal with the business. It’s great to have somebody from the family to hold everyone accountable and watch over things. I was grateful to Kristi for stepping into the role.
I love Kristi, but I’m afraid she’s letting internet trolls get under her skin. What advice would you give her when dealing with keyboard warriors?
Don’t pay attention to any of them. If you do go look at their pages and profiles, they usually have zero followers and zero pictures. It’s best not to pay attention. Also, Kristi is more successful than any internet troll will ever be.
I think when a business is having financial issues, people are eager to put the blame anywhere they can. In that vein, the boys came at you at the car wash for having work/life balance. Were you surprised by their accusations?
I was not incredibly surprised, just because I know their perceptions. I would advise that it’s healthy to have a work/life balance. If you’re not able to have that balance, your business is not going to do well.
How did you get over that moment with the boys and move forward?
I just said, “Thank you for the TV show.” [Laughs] One of my biggest takeaways from this experience is that I’ve learned how to get over things. I have been so tough on myself my entire life, but once the show started airing, I knew I had to start drawing boundaries. It’s okay to have a work/life balance. It’s okay to focus on yourself. It took me a while to understand that, but you have to have it. If the boys don’t like it, it is what it is.
As a mother to a beautiful daughter, Erena, what’s it been like for you to watch Cole and Jesse become girl dads?
I love it. I am so enjoying watching the girls grow up. Having my own daughter was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Becoming a parent really does change who you are.
I can’t believe they both have daughters.
I know! And Steven is a grandfather to only girls. Let’s see if he changes the way he treats women.
Speaking of Steve’s women, his girlfriend Masha Petrova has been testing you this season.
I call her “Mashed Potatoes” now [laughs].
You can call her whatever you want! Although you’ve had some dustups in the past—and I’m putting that kindly—you’ve handled yourself very well and allowed people to see that she is the real instigator. Do you think you’ll ever let her get under your skin again?
She definitely knows how to get my blood boiling. That’s why I stay away from any situations involving her now. It’s not worth it. She’s not worth it. My life is more important. I have to protect myself, my daughter, and our future. So, I’m passing on mashed potatoes, thanks [laughs]. She’s in the past now.
Masha even tried to come for Kristi, which didn’t end well for her. The McBees can see how much you care for them. Does it feel good to know that the family now trusts and appreciates you?
Absolutely. They can see that I wasn’t just on the farm for my relationship with Steve. I always wanted to be part of the family. I want to help build something together. I am glad that they are seeing it now. It’s extremely rewarding.
I was so glad to see that Kacie and the girls invited you to her Bachelorette party in Vegas! What did it mean to you to be included?
I was sad that I wasn’t there for the engagement, but so happy to be able to join the girls in Vegas. Honestly, I haven’t been to a lot of Bachelorette parties. The only Bachelorette outing I went to before this was Alexis Bellino’s party. That was a different vibe [laughs]. Kacie’s Bachelorette night was a full-out party with strippers! Those guys were so hot.
Did you all stay out late?
I was not out as late as the rest of the crew. My age is getting to me [laughs]. I was like, “I’m checking out; I will let you youngsters do your thing.” I know that they had so much fun, and I’m still thinking about those guys!
Kacie and Cole just had their second daughter, Tate. When did you hear the news? Will you get to meet her soon?
I found out the next morning. It was very unexpected. Cole called me and told me all about the experience before I had to fly here. As soon as I’m back in Kansas City, I will make sure to meet their new little one because I freaking adore that family.
Lastly, what can you tease about the rest of the season?
All I can say is that the season finale is going to be a reality TV spectacle. It’s definitely something that you do not want to miss.