Memorial Day
The brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military are heroes of our country. They put their lives in harm’s way and make great sacrifices in service of our nation. On Monday, May 31, Memorial Day, we commemorate…
Class of 2021: Take Risks
I’d rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are, For a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I’d rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far, For a might-have-been has never been, but a has was once an are. — Milton Berle (1908–2002), after…
Against the Wind: Setting a World Record
On May 4, 1984, I embarked on a bike race beginning in Savannah, GA and ending in San Diego, CA with the goal of breaking my own world record time. This was the third time and last time I attempted…
Spring: A Season for Growth
“Goliath and I have met on many occasions during my lifetime. And I suspect we will meet again.” I have distilled my story down to several lessons that work for any business or personal endeavor. The lessons serve as a…
Inspiring Women – Happy International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, I would like to give a special shout out to the wonderful women in my life. I’m grateful for their inspiration and impact on my life and the world around us. One of the most important women in…
Michael and Donna Coles Launch Scholarship Endowment to Support Veterans
Kennesaw State University - Michael J. and Donna N. Coles Veterans Scholarship Endowment Fund Building upon a three-decade-long relationship with Kennesaw State University, Michael and Donna Coles announced a significant gift to establish a scholarship endowment benefitting veterans of the…
Why Reading Is Important To A Strong Business Plan
Reading has always been instrumental to my business development. During my time in business, I took to reading a number of business and history books, looking for new approaches and ideas. When I built Great American Cookies, David Halberstam’s The Reckoning was influential. The book argues that the shortsightedness…
Philanthropy in the Jewish Community of Georgia
I’ve been fortunate to work on many important causes throughout my life. Unequivocally, my six years as president of Hillels of Georgia have been some of the most rewarding. Combating Antisemitism From 2012-2019, during my tenure as president of Hillels of Georgia, the world experienced a rise of antisemitism and discrimination that continues today. I am continuously inspired…
Spring Into Something New
During spring break in 1980, my friend Dave Johnson and I rode from Atlanta to Panama City, Florida, over a three-day period—a total of 286 miles. The first day, we faced a torrential downpour and had to stop at a…
Service: Anyone Can Make a Random Act of Kindness
How do you grow up poor and come to understand philanthropy? I never thought about philanthropy in a conventional sense as a child. My parents were working class, and we had little extra money. Like our friends and neighbors, we…