In Episode 50 of the Killer Growth podcast, Samuel McVay sits down with Tylen Hall-The Hunter's Helper-for a second attempt at their conversation after a technical mishap derailed the first recording. Tylen brings a unique career trajectory: he grew up around his father's outfitting business, spent years as a journeyman pipe fitter in refineries, lived half the year in a remote Mexican fishing village, and eventually transitioned to full-time hunting consultation after a serious injury in 2021 ended his trades career.
During the conversation, Tylen opens up about the reality of turning a passion into a livelihood. He explains how his hunting group couldn't afford land leases in their mid-20s, which forced them to pivot and eventually launch into the outfitting industry. The discussion touches on the steep learning curve between hunting as a hobby versus hunting for a paycheck-when you depend on that income to feed your family, you improve faster. Tylen also shares practical hunting knowledge, including scouting techniques, proper layering for cold-weather hunts, and plans for future content like a foraging podcast.
The episode captures authentic, off-the-cuff storytelling about building a business around expertise and passion, with plenty of humor about the learning process.
Building a business around passion sounds romantic until the paycheck depends on it. That's the core lesson Tylen Hall has learned over his unconventional career path-from outfitting apprentice to pipe fitter to full-time hunting consultant.
From Passion to Profession: The Outfitting Industry
Tylen grew up immersed in hunting culture through his father's outfitting business. But childhood exposure is different from making a living at it. In his mid-20s, Tylen and his hunting group couldn't afford individual land leases, a common barrier for young hunters trying to access quality hunting grounds. That constraint became the catalyst for joining his father's outfitting operation and eventually launching what would become Hunter's Helper.
The transition from hobby to livelihood forces a different kind of learning. "When you rely on that paycheck for your kids to eat, you become better faster," Tylen explained. It's a principle that applies to any service-based business-the stakes change your approach fundamentally. You can't afford to cut corners or coast on assumptions.
Building Expertise Through Diverse Experience
Before fully committing to hunting consultation, Tylen worked as a journeyman pipe fitter in refineries and spent extended periods living in a remote Mexican fishing village. Those experiences, while seemingly unrelated to hunting, shaped his problem-solving mindset and resilience. When a serious injury in 2021 ended his trades career, he had already built credibility in the hunting space and was positioned to transition into full-time consulting.
This diversified background mirrors what many service business owners discover: your unique combination of skills and experiences becomes your competitive advantage. Tylen's ability to understand different industries, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and solve practical problems translates into better client relationships and more creative solutions.
Content Creation and Community Building
Hunter's Helper now operates across multiple platforms-YouTube and TikTok-sharing hunting education and entertaining content. One memorable video series documents a client named Joe who showed up to a hunting expedition in office clothes and a windbreaker, leading to a viral moment about proper layering for cold weather. This kind of relatable content builds community and demonstrates expertise without feeling preachy.
Tylen and Samuel also discussed future content ideas, including a live foraging podcast during winter months when ticks aren't a concern. That kind of seasonal, platform-specific planning shows how successful outdoor educators think about reaching their audience where they are, with content that solves real problems (like avoiding ticks while foraging).
Tylen's journey proves that turning expertise into a sustainable business requires more than passion-it demands adaptability, continuous learning, and a willingness to fail publicly if it means helping others succeed.
What does Tylen Hall do as the Hunter's Helper, and how does he build his business?
Tylen Hall is a full-time hunter and content creator who helps other hunters through 'The Hunter's Helper.' He builds his business by creating valuable hunting content and establishing himself as a trusted resource in the hunting community. Like any service-based business, success depends on visibility-which is exactly why hunters and outdoor guides need strong online presence through local SEO and digital marketing to attract clients looking for guided hunts or hunting expertise in their area.
How can hunting guides and outdoor service businesses benefit from digital marketing?
Hunting guides, outfitters, and outdoor service businesses rely on attracting clients who are actively searching for their services. Local SEO helps these businesses rank on Google Maps and search results when potential clients search 'hunting guide near me' or 'fishing outfitter in [city].' Google Ads and Meta Ads put their services in front of the right audience. A professional website and CRM system help convert interested hunters into paying clients and build long-term relationships.
How does KillerGrowth help outdoor and hunting guide businesses get more clients online?
KillerGrowth uses local SEO to get hunting guides and outdoor service businesses found on Google when potential clients search for them. We build conversion-focused websites that showcase your expertise and services, run targeted Google Ads and Meta Ads to reach hunters in your area, and implement GoHighLevel CRM to manage leads and bookings. We also handle social media management to build your brand authority and keep followers engaged with your hunting content.
What makes KillerGrowth different from other digital marketing agencies in Wichita?
KillerGrowth specializes in local service businesses and outdoor industries-we understand your customers and how they search online. We don't waste time on vanity metrics. Instead, we focus on local SEO rankings, qualified lead generation, and measurable ROI. Our team combines proven Google Ads and Meta Ads strategies with CRM automation so you spend less time managing leads and more time running your business. We're led by Samuel McVay, and we're committed to growth that actually shows up on your bottom line.
How can I get started with KillerGrowth to grow my hunting guide or outdoor service business?
Book a free strategy call with Samuel McVay at killergrowth.com/booking. During this call, we'll review your current online presence, discuss where your ideal clients are searching, and show you exactly how we can help you get more qualified leads. There's no obligation-just honest advice on what will actually move the needle for your business.