Episode 6: Tyler Huntey | Always in go mode

From Baseball to Business: Tyler Hunte’s Journey and Insights

In the latest episode of Merchants of Change, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tyler Hunte, a former Division I baseball player from Central Michigan University who successfully transitioned into the business world. Tyler shared his journey from sports to sales and entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for former athletes and military veterans considering similar paths.

Tyler’s favorite memories from his sports career revolve around camaraderie and winning a championship at Central Michigan. He emphasized the importance of being part of a team and the lasting impact of those relationships. “The best part of playing sports, especially at that level, is the camaraderie,” Tyler shared.

After his baseball career ended, Tyler faced a challenging transition. He worked the third shift at a cereal bar factory to pay off student loans, describing it as a humbling and formative experience. “It was a unique bunch of people,” he said, reflecting on the lessons learned from working with individuals from various backgrounds. However, it wasn’t long before Tyler realized this wasn’t a long-term career path. He eventually moved back home, took on substitute teaching, and grappled with the loss of purpose that often accompanies the end of an athletic career.

A pivotal moment came when a family friend invited him to a wine party, leading to his first sales job. He started with no formal training, a list of old customers, and a phone. “I figured it out,” Tyler said, highlighting the resilience and adaptability that sports had ingrained in him.

Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey began when he took over his family’s childcare business, Hunties Clubhouse, which now operates six locations, serves 750 children daily, and employs 165 people. The transition from sales to running a business was driven by his newfound purpose after becoming a father.

Tyler attributes much of his success to the skills he developed as an athlete. “Getting up every day and going,” he said, emphasizing the grind and dedication required in both sports and sales. The ability to take feedback and be coachable also played a crucial role. “Athletes are really good at taking feedback and not taking it too personally,” he noted.

For athletes considering a career in sales, Tyler offers valuable advice. He stresses the importance of finding a mentor who will invest time and effort into their development. “Pick your leader, not your company,” he advised, underscoring the impact a good mentor can have on early career success.

When asked about essential skills for new salespeople, Tyler recommended reading “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. The book, he said, teaches foundational principles of interpersonal communication and empathy, which are crucial in sales.

Tyler’s passion for sales stems from the direct correlation between effort and reward. “You get out of it what you put into it,” he said, appreciating the control and potential for financial success that sales offers.

To be dialed in, Tyler emphasized clarity and preparation. “Dialed in is clarity of your mission, clarity of your expectations, and preparation,” he said. Being dialed in means being ready to perform at your best without distractions, having laid the groundwork for success.

Tyler’s journey from baseball to business illustrates the transferable skills and mindset that athletes bring to the corporate world. His story is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and drive that sports instills, making athletes well-suited for careers in sales and entrepreneurship.