5 questions: Indy Fuel's Sean Hallett aims to grow Indy's hockey fans Hockey team's CEO aims to revive interest in sport that has been played in Indianapolis since the 1930s.

Amy Lynch | Star correspondent

For Sean Hallett, reviving Indy’s thirst for hockey has been a family affair.

Hallett’s father, Jim, co-owned the Central Hockey League’s Indianapolis Ice team from 1999 to 2001. After learning about the near completion of the $63 million renovation of the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, father and son decided to partner and bring an East Coast Hockey League expansion franchise — the Indy Fuel — to Indianapolis in September 2013, just ahead of the 2014-15 season.

“The fact that Indianapolis had such a rich hockey history dating back to 1939 and was one of the largest markets without a professional team, created a personal challenge that was outside my comfort zone, but appeared attainable,” Hallett said.

A Canadian, Hallett was living in Toronto at the time, leading a top-performing Ford auto dealership. He says he found the process of relocating to Indianapolis fairly smooth.

“I grew up in Ottawa, which is much more in line with the size of Indianapolis, so the transition from Toronto wasn’t very difficult,” he said. “Indianapolis is unique, and I’ve come to love it in many ways. The transition was really about changing countries, not cities.”

In his current role as chief executive and chief operating officer of the Indy Fuel, Hallett aims to expand Indianapolis’ exposure to hockey and is hoping to introduce the sport to legions of new fans. He admits he loves seeing positive comments on social media about the Indy Fuel, especially from those who’ve just attended their first-ever hockey game.

“The response has and continues to be skeptical from those who haven’t attended a game,” Hallett said. “But for those who have, the response has been phenomenal. I’m proud of having a successful inaugural season, which I believe has cemented the foundation for professional hockey to remain in Indianapolis forever.”

Question: What’s something people might be surprised to know about Indy’s local hockey community?

Answer: “That Indiana Farmers Coliseum is the oldest hockey venue in the country where professional hockey is currently being played.”

Q: What are you most excited about this season?

A: “To unite the community through the sport of hockey, and being a positive contributor to local charitable and civic causes. I’m excited about the level of preparation we had going into this season versus last and building on the momentum and brand awareness we ended last season with.”

Q: What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned in your career?

A: “That you never know where your career is going to take you. I started selling cars when I was 18 years old with the dream of owning a new car dealership. At the age of 28, I was on my way to being the largest Ford dealer in Canada. I never would have guessed I’d be running a professional hockey team.”

Q: What does leadership mean to you?

A: “To me, being a leader means having the ability to recruit, cultivate and motivate employees to work towards a shared vision.”

Q: Do you have a personal business philosophy you try to follow?

A: “Worry about the downside, and let the upside take care of itself.”

More about Sean Hallett

Job title: CEO and COO of the Indy Fuel.

Education: Some college.

Prior employment: President of Erinwood Ford Sales Ltd.

Family: daughter, Jessica and son, Andrew.

Favorite pastimes: Reading, traveling, weight lifting and basketball.

Favorite quote: “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.” — Henry Ford