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Secure the Key to Success in Business and Life

Co-founder of Great American Cookie Company and former CEO of Caribou Coffee, Michael Coles is a transformational leader, accomplished entrepreneur, education advocate, author and motivational keynote speaker.

Michael Coles Book
My Book

Time to Get Tough: How Cookies, Coffee and a Crash Led to Success in Business & Life.

Michael Coles Speaking
Keynote: Taking on Goliath

Delivering motivational keynote speeches for events nationwide.

Michael Coles Documentary
Documentary: No Limits

Michael Coles setting world records in three coast-to-coast bicycle races.

“Because Michael remains in high demand as a speaker for conferences and conventions you will benefit greatly from hearing his formula for dynamic speaking.”

“His speech made such a superb impression that people were talking about it weeks later throughout the community.”

Bill Lampton, Ph.D.
"Biz Communication Guy"

“Reading this book will help you find courage and strength that you did not even know you had. Michael Coles was not a predictable success, which makes his story even more powerful.”

Mary Ansley Southerland
President of the Rotary Club Marietta

“Reading this book will help you find courage and strength that you did not even know you had. Michael Coles was not a predictable success, which makes his story even more powerful.”

Steve Koonin, CEO
Atlanta Hawks

“[TTGT] is a great underdog story that is a must read for anyone interested in facing a big challenge. You will walk away from this book with a renewed faith in the power of perseverance.”

Dr. Kathy Schwaig, Dean
Provost at Kennesaw State University

“Michael Coles embodies the very essence of the can-do spirit. His moving memoir is a powerful self-help book, and you, too, can benefit from this life well led.”

Dr. Michael Shermer
Cycling World Record-Holder and Best-Selling Author

“Coles’s story captures the powerful impact that flows from curiosity, continuous learning and renewal, and always being open to new ideas and the next challenge.”

John Rice, CEO
GE Global Growth

“Entrepreneurs need more stories about grit and perseverance, taking risks, and facing failure. If you’re even thinking about starting a business, you should read this book.”

Ben Chestnut, CEO
Mailchimp

“[Michael Coles] commits the same energy and effort to running and building businesses, to serving his community, and to mentoring a new generation of leaders. If you are entering the business world, you will read this book and see yourself in his story…He made it big, and his story will inspire you to do the same.”

Jim Kennedy, Chairman
Cox Enterprises

Recent Press

Atlanta Business Chronicle Interview

Michael Coles Viewpoint: Why I wrote my book, Time to Get Tough

February 10, 2020 | Atlanta Business Chronicle I had been thinking about writing a book for more than 25 years.…

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Message from Michael Coles Co-founder of Great American Cookie Company

September 23, 2019 | Good Day Atlanta ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - He's a great example of not letting life take him…

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“It’s not complicated. It’s cookies.”

January 25, 2019 | Atlanta Journal Constitution Michael Coles literally crashed. He literally burned. He literally had to learn to…

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Recent Podcasts

Struggle and the Road to Success: The Business Couch with Dr. Yishai and Michael Coles

March 1 | Struggle and the Road to Success - podcast Welcome to The Business Couch with Dr. Yishai. Where…

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Keynote Speaker Michael Coles Talks Business Eliances Heroes Podcast

Jan. 22, 2021 | Eliances Heroes How cookies, coffee, and a devastating crash led to success in the cookie industry…

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Michael Coles Interview With Building Business Podcast

Interview: Michael Coles on The Building Business Podcast

December 2, 2020 | Building Business Podcast interview Michael J. Coles is a co-founder of the Great American Cookie Company and…

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Book Keynote Speaker Michael Coles for Your Next Event

From starting three businesses, recovering from a near-fatal motorcycle accident and setting three trans-continental world bicycling records, making two bids for U.S. Congress, and writing legislation for Georgia’s film tax credit that changed an industry, Michael Coles’ story is one of true grit and perseverance. Coles actively lectures and delivers keynote speeches for universities, organizations and corporate events across the country.

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