Michael Coles

I learned risk early in my life. My father worked hard to build up his own business, taking risks and building a network, eventually moving our family to Kenmore, a nice suburb of Buffalo, NY. A month into my fourth-grade…

After Cookies, I Was Still Hungry After selling Great American Cookies, I began looking into other food concepts for possible ideas. Coffee was on my mind. Quickly, I discovered the huge gap between the largest player—Starbucks, and the closest challenger.…

If you’ve read my book or have heard me speak, you know that I strive to share my story to help those around me face their own Goliaths-like challenges, whatever form they might take.   Starting a new company, changing jobs, going back to school, surviving divorce or in 2020,…

Do not let people underestimate your abilities because of your youth, and on the opposite end of the spectrum stay sharp, nimble, and relevant. Years ago, I read a great line: “Never rest on your laurels, because the hardest thing…

Your success drew and depended upon community resources; from schools to libraries to banks. So, become a good citizen and strive to make your community safer, stronger, and more resilient.   Use the skills that helped you build a great career…

After campaigning for my friend, Governor Zell Miller, I saw how much public service could do to change people’s lives. Also, I saw that not every Georgia politician was as effective.    Putting up a Fight I remained engaged in politics after…

Trust your team members and give them the opportunity to do their best work for you Few businesses invest in human capital in the way that they should. Professional development, opportunities for growth, and a meaningful reward system. Even fewer…

The idea to start a cookie business came from a most unlikely place. While visiting San Diego for a clothing show, I went to the local mall. There I saw a cookie store packed with customers in the middle of…