How It Started…

In 2021, I was on a book tour in Texas promoting my new children’s book and stopped in San Antonio. I wanted to get a new hat and Herb’s Hat Shop came highly recommended.

When I walked in, I was greeted by a cheerful, sharp dressed woman wearing a colorful scarf and cowboy hat. Her name is Kay Maynard and she’s the business owner. Kay gave me a tour of the store, walked me through what brand, style and color hat I should get based on what I planned on wearing it with.

Next, she introduced me to Allexys, who was the professional hatter who would be fitting and shaping my hat for me. Allexys helped me choose the right crown and brim size for the shape of my face. And .

Kay offered me a beer while I relaxed and waited for my hat to be finished. We chatted about her business, the industry, and the hill country area. It turns out she owns a second hat shop in Blanco, Texas about 45 minutes north up route 281 on the way to Austin. On weekends they have live music in the Blanco store and feature up and coming local artists.

There was a warmth and positive energy about Kay and her hat shop which you notice as soon as you walk in. The environment and customer experience were welcoming. And it was obvious her employees love Kay, enjoy working together and were having fun.

That experience stuck with me; I wanted to have a business more like Kay’s hat shop. Since that fateful day in early 2021 there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by, I haven’t thought about, researched and studied the hat industry.

With that in mind, in late 2023 I decided to get training to become a hatter. (Which I just completed last month.)

Why? In part because I’ve always worn and loved hats. I also know first-hand how putting the right hat on makes you feel a little better and walk a little taller. And I’d like to create that feeling and experience for others.

Also, I want to create that same atmosphere and sense of community that Kay has built. As an author and speaker, so much of your work is spent in solitude. Whether it’s sitting behind a keyboard or even speaking on stage, you’re alone. And then there’s the travel where your time is occupied sitting alone in hotel rooms, airports, and rental cars.

I want something different for myself in the latter part of my career. To create a tangible, in person customer experience and to build a community.

As an author and speaker, there’s so much long-delayed gratification and very limited feedback; if it comes at all. Rarely do you ever hear directly from a person whose life was changed by your book or your speech. And when you do, it’s usually years later after someone made major positive life changes.

It makes you question your impact and whether your work has real meaning. (Don’t even get me started on the fact that nobody reads anymore.)

For the past 13 years I’ve worn multiple professional hats: executive coach, speaker and author namely.

Am I quitting my career as an executive coach and speaker? No. I’m just being more selective about speaking engagements I agree to and clients I accept.

Will I publish any more books? Maybe. But the return on the investment of time no longer exists. Most authors whose last names aren’t King or Rowling will tell you the same.

So, consider this a new professional hat I’ll be wearing and a new chapter in a new season of life.

Hats By Bru is open for business, you can book your appointment here.