Meet Brian Hulet | Business Owner and Sports Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Hulet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
My beliefs around risk have changed significantly in my career. Early on, I sought ways to minimize risk. I would occasionally take minor risks, but would often worry about the potential problems or negative outcomes. In the last few years I have learned to lean into risk. Growth comes from taking risk.

When I started a business 10 years ago I did it carefully, slowly, and thoughtfully. I was so cautious that it made progress slow and growth nearly impossible. I would analyze decisions, evaluate potential outcomes and by the time I made a decision the opportunity was gone.

In the business I run today, I try to make much quicker decisions. I want to take risks because I know it produces growth. I try to spend just enough time analyzing a decision to avoid major issues, but I don’t need to know every potential outcome. Some decisions are made because they feel right and nothing else. Because I am taking more risk I am seeing more progress. It’s more of a roller coaster ride–lots of successes AND failures–but I don’t mind a good roller coaster!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I attended college with the intent to pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy, but after I graduated with a Bachelor’s in exercise science I jumped into the workforce. I spent almost 20 years working in Healthcare Administration. During that time my wife, Sherrie, and I started a couple of businesses and a non-profit organization. The businesses did okay but ultimately proved to be too much stress on me and my family. I focused more efforts on my career and worked into some good paying corporate jobs. I was devastated when my boss sat me down and said “we’re going to be eliminating your position.” After 5 months without work I found another corporate job, worked hard and felt I was doing very well when I found out this organization was going to be laying off a large amount of employees. I knew it was likely I would be included in that lay-off. This time, instead of being devastated, I determined to be the one who decided whether I had a job or not.

With the help of some coaching and good friends I figured out how to find and buy a business that fit my passions: business, service and sports. I bought Sports Exchange in Mesa, AZ which had been in business for 19 years. Sports Exchange is a sporting goods retail store offering both new and used athletic gear–especially football, fitness, and martial arts equipment–with a consistent customer base. Today we are focused on providing opportunities for everyone to participate in athletic activities, regardless of circumstances. We are working with non-profit organizations and developing new relationships to offer low cost and free equipment to those in need. I enjoy finding new ways to help support our community and foster a desire to be active!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A few spots we would definitely go to eat:
Culinary Dropout, Matty-Gs Steakburgers, Caldwell BBQ and Organ Stop Pizza

I like the outdoors so I would want to go paddle boarding on the Salt River, visit Papago Park, and spend some time walking around downtown Scottsdale. We would also need to go to a game depending on the time of year, either Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks or Arizona Cardinals. There’s so much to do in the Phoenix area and if there’s more time, one of my favorite spots in Arizona is Woods Canyon Lake on the Mogollon Rim.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Most of the credit to my success goes to my wife and kids for their love and support. My friend Alan has also been an incredible mentor, providing wise advice through difficult and stressful times. Above all I am grateful to God who has made it possible for me to learn and grow through a variety of experiences. I have continually felt His support along my life’s journey.

Website: https://sportsxchangeaz.com

Instagram: @sportsxchangeaz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportsxchangeaz/