I recently sat down with Cole Townsend, a former college athlete turned successful entrepreneur. Cole’s journey is one of resilience, personal growth, and ambition, navigating life after a series of career-ending injuries to building and selling a thriving hunting outfitter business by the age of 29. In this candid conversation, Cole shares his story of overcoming adversity, starting a business from scratch, and the life lessons he’s learned along the way.
Cole started his journey as a promising high school and college athlete with a clear path to a professional baseball career. Known for his athletic prowess, he was a top performer, always striving to be at the top. However, his world came crashing down after a series of injuries — from ACL repairs to a torn pec and elbow surgery. These injuries forced him to abandon his dream of playing professional baseball. But instead of succumbing to bitterness, Cole used the experience as a humbling turning point.
After his sports career was cut short, Cole pivoted. He pursued a degree in business and marketing while working part-time as a hunting guide. By the time he graduated, Cole had saved up enough money and decided to start his own outfitter business in Canada, catering to waterfowl hunters.
The path to entrepreneurship wasn’t easy. Cole described how he and a friend flew up to Canada to assess land opportunities and made a leap of faith by purchasing hunting zones. Despite the challenges, their first year was an incredible success, netting over 100 clients and turning a profit.
Cole's Key Insight: “I went from being a broke athlete to running a successful business because I trusted my instincts, did the research, and most importantly, made sure I had a solid plan.”
Cole’s hunting outfitter business in Canada quickly gained momentum. By understanding the intricacies of the Canadian hunting industry and tapping into his network of previous clients, Cole built a highly profitable operation. What made their business unique was the location — an area known for its abundance of waterfowl and lack of competition due to restrictions on land leasing.
His ability to scale the business, however, came with challenges. Employees came and went, leading to high turnover. Despite these obstacles, Cole's business thrived for several years until he ultimately sold the company to pursue other ventures.
At 29 years old, after years of hard work, Cole sold his Canadian outfitter business. The decision wasn’t easy, but it was a necessary step for him to focus on his next phase of life, where he plans to expand his horizons beyond the hunting industry. Cole emphasized the importance of knowing when to let go and the value of building something that can be sold or passed on.
Now, Cole is looking toward new opportunities in business, including personal branding, real estate, and leveraging the media reach he’s built through his hunting YouTube channel and Instagram following. He’s keen on maintaining the authenticity that has driven his success so far.
On Moving Forward: “I’m not done yet. I’ve got more ideas, more projects, and I’m just getting started. It’s about taking those battle scars from one venture and applying them to the next.”
As Cole transitions into his 30s, his focus has shifted toward real estate. He’s currently exploring ways to use his newfound capital to invest in properties and further build his wealth. Real estate, as he points out, offers long-term financial security and opportunities for passive income, a major shift from the hands-on work of running an outfitter.
Real estate excites Cole because it blends his competitive nature with the opportunity to create lasting value, both personally and financially. He’s considering investments in duplexes and leveraging tax advantages to maximize his returns, a path he sees as the next logical step in his entrepreneurial journey.
Cole's Take on Real Estate: “Real estate is the perfect store of wealth. It’s tangible, it’s reliable, and it’s something I can control. I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”
Cole Townsend’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and entrepreneurial grit. From the highs of athletic success to the lows of career-ending injuries, and now the transition to building new ventures, Cole’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. His positive outlook and relentless drive have not only helped him succeed but also made him a role model for others pursuing their dreams.
If you enjoyed Cole’s story, you won’t want to miss the full episode of Anyone Have a Pencil?. Tune in to hear more about his journey, insights on entrepreneurship, and how he’s planning to conquer the next chapter of his life. Click here to listen to the full episode now!
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