From Sport to Business

Football Instincts Key Business Success

By Tom Leyde

A background in athletics will serve you well in the business world, says LaMonte Hunley, who is someone who definitely should know.

An All-American linebacker at the University of Arizona who went on to the NFL, he brings gridiron savvy into play daily as a owner of Arizona Health. Now in its 41st year in Tucson, the company provides health and fitness equipment for individuals, corporations and schools.

“When you have an athletic background and those skills in you, you take those instincts to that type of environment,” Hunley said. “You must be able to play with your employees. A team is only as good as each team member. Without athletics I don’t think I could do the things I do day in and day out.”

The Petersburg, Va., native was at Arizona from 1981-1984, playing alongside his brother, Ricky, his first three years. He went on to play three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and one with the Miami Dolphins.

Arizona Health was founded in 1985 by Scott Thompson, who was Hunley’s personal trainer. When Hunley was released by the NFL in 1989, Thompson suggested the two become business partners. Hunley decided to work in the business for a year before that business relationship came to fruition.

“In the process I got to learn the business,” said Hunley, 62. “It was an extension of what I was doing athletically. It was a natural fit and we became partners.”

Thompson died on Nov. 17, 2019, from complications of cystic fibrosis. After Thompson’s diagnosis, Hunley took over business operations.

Arizona Health, Hunley said, is not based on a normal business model. He calls it a destination business rather than a retail business. The staff, Hunley said, are more like teachers and educators than salespersons. 

“We help them (customers) decide what they need for business or home,” Hunley said.

Commercial and private gym owners go to Arizona Health at 6245 E. 22nd St. for equipment, along with schools and recreation centers.

The company’s fitness equipment lines include Precor, Hoist Fitness Systems, Woodway, Life Fitness, UCS, True Fitness, Inspire and Power Plate. And it delivers and services the equipment.

“We’re basically a one-stop shop to take care of all of your needs when it comes to fitness,” Hunley said. “We’ve been blessed in having a staff that has been around for 10 plus years. The maturity and history that our staff has is what makes our store go. It keeps me excited every day.”

Having made a name for himself at the UA, Hunley decided to settle down in Tucson after his NFL career.

“I felt having that name and having that involvement with the UA would give me the opportunity to open a door,” he said. “Even today people associate my name with football.”

He embraced the community of Tucson as well. Hunley coached football at Flowing Wells High School. He also has been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona, the March of Dimes and the Centurions.

“I try to find organizations that are dear to my heart,” he said.

In 2022 Hunley was named a Father of the Year by the Father’s Day Council of Tucson. He and his wife of 35 years, Stephanie, are parents of two daughters, Kendra, 33, and Devyn, 30. They also just welcomed a new granddaughter, Evyn Powell.

Kendra lives in Phoenix and works as a corporate recruiter. Devyn works for a law firm in Las Cruces, N.M. She is married to a New Mexico State University football coach. 

Hunley said he’s proud of Tucson businesses that have been around for 40 plus years, like Arizona Health. “People still believe in what we have to offer,” he said. “That’s what makes me smile every day and keeps driving me every day.”

Pictured above – LaMonte Hunley, Owner, Arizona Health. Photo by Bernt G. Mathis