As co-owner of Hi Tempo Sports and founder of the Foot Lab, Brad Nelson brings over four decades of entrepreneurial experience rooted in grit, persistence, and a deep commitment to customer well-being. From starting out in ski boot fitting to becoming a certified pedorthist, Brad has built a business legacy grounded in service and innovation.
In this episode, Brad sits down with Julie to share the full arc of his journey, from acquiring Hi Tempo in 1978 to growing it into a regional powerhouse and thoughtfully transitioning ownership to the next generation of leadership. With humor and humility, Brad reflects on the lessons he learned the hard way, the power of mentorship, and how his background in foot health became a life-changing service for thousands.
The conversation explores the emotional and strategic realities of succession planning, the challenges of educating young athletes on long-term injury prevention, and how the outdoor recreation industry has shifted in the wake of COVID. Brad also discusses why every owner needs to start planning their exit far earlier than they think.
Whether you're facing a transition or just getting started, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom and encouragement for business owners at every stage.
Learn more about Hi Tempo here: https://www.hitempo.com/
Learn more about the Footlab here:https://www.hitempo.com/foot-lab/
Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor
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