ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Encourage Mindset, Ethan Van De Hey sits down with Dylan Haugen, an 18-year-old professional dunker, content creator, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Local Service Spotlight. Dylan shares the story behind his rise in the dunking world, from watching Michael Jordan videos as a kid and practicing on low rims to competing in the DunkMan League alongside some of the best dunkers in the world.
Dylan talks about what it’s like performing in front of thousands of people, competing against athletes like three-time NBA Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung, and handling the pressure that comes with performing at the highest level. His approach is simple: trust the work you’ve put in, focus on the process, and treat big moments like something you’ve already experienced.
The conversation goes beyond basketball and dunking. Dylan explains how his passion for dunking eventually led him into content creation, podcasting, digital marketing, and personal branding. What started without a clear plan slowly became a collection of skills that are now helping him build his own brand while also helping other athletes and local businesses.
Dylan also shares how he helped create the Minnesota Dunk Squad, why surrounding yourself with people who share your passion can accelerate your growth, and why he believes there are always new things to learn when you stay curious and keep trying new things.
One of the biggest themes throughout the episode is helping the good guys win. Dylan explains how he and Dennis Yu use AI, marketing, content, and personal branding to amplify real experiences rather than fake them. Whether it’s an athlete trying to build a career or a local business trying to grow, the goal is the same: take something real and help more people see it.
Dylan also talks about setbacks, injuries, staying focused when success suddenly brings attention, using AI to manage opportunities, and why your current level doesn’t have to define where you eventually end up. At just 18 years old, he understands that he is only at the beginning of his journey.
This episode is a reminder that you don’t always need to know exactly where your path is going. Sometimes you just need to find something you love, work at it consistently, surround yourself with the right people, and keep learning. The things you’re doing today may become the skills that open doors for you tomorrow.
What are you waiting for? There is NEVER a right time to make a positive change in your life. Stay disciplined, pursue what you’re passionate about, keep learning, and use your talents to help others. Keep getting better, stay humble, and always look for ways to help the good guys win.
Speakers: Ethan Van De Hey and Dylan Haugen
Want to talk or have episode suggestions?
Email: vandeheyethan@outlook.com
