016 Building Under Armour: Lessons from Early Executive Sean Sullivan

On episode 16 of the SBL Podcast, Justin sits down with Sean “Sully” Sullivan, a former Under Armour executive who helped lead the company through its explosive early growth. As employee #73, Sully witnessed firsthand how UA scaled from a scrappy startup into one of the most recognized brands in sports, growing at a staggering 30% quarter after quarter for nearly a decade. He shares invaluable lessons on building a brand, adapting in a high-growth environment, and learning every corner of the business to stay sharp.He talks about the power of reinvention, the value of maintaining authentic relationships, and how he leverages his deep network across the sports industry. From keeping a handwritten note habit to tracking industry movement like a scout, Sully shows how staying connected can open doors in unexpected ways.Packed with stories, insights, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a front-row seat to the evolution of sports business and what it takes to keep growing through every chapter.