Meet cole Howard | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with cole Howard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi cole, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When considering the question, “What was your thought process behind starting your own business?” my response is deeply rooted in a lifelong aspiration. I have dreamed of owning my own business my entire life, my family is full of entrepreneurs. This dream wasn’t just a fleeting thought; it was a goal that informed my entire career trajectory. Every step of my professional journey was taken with the intention of absorbing as much knowledge and experience as possible from the entrepreneurs who employed me. This deliberate path was all in preparation for the day I would venture out on my own. The core of my business, The Lucky Creatives, is a reflection of what I love most about business: creativity. Offering creative services to businesses allows me to channel my passion into my work, making the essence of my dream a reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey is a testament to the idea that professional paths are rarely linear and often involve a series of discoveries about one’s true passions and capabilities. Over the past seven years, I’ve dedicated myself to the hospitality business, particularly in building and shaping Green Light Social into one of the busiest nightclubs in the state. My roles have been varied, starting as a doorguy, then moving up to barback, bartender, assistant general manager (AGM), and eventually, general manager. This progression allowed me to deeply understand the operational intricacies of the hospitality industry.

What sets me apart from others is this comprehensive experience combined with my creative flair. Throughout my time in hospitality, I was not just involved in operations but also took on the branding, marketing, and social media aspects of the business. It was through this involvement that I discovered my true passion lies not within the day-to-day operations of hospitality but in the creative process of building brands and storytelling through marketing. This blend of being both a true operator and a creative is what I believe gives me a unique edge. I understand not just what it takes to run a successful business, but also how to effectively use marketing and branding to elevate it.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. The challenges ranged from mastering the diverse set of skills required across different job roles to realizing and then pivoting towards my passion for marketing and branding within a highly operational industry. Overcoming these challenges required a willingness to learn, adapt, and most importantly, introspect. The key lessons I’ve learned along the way include the importance of resilience, the value of hands-on experience in understanding a business, and the undeniable power of a well-told story in branding.

What I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story is that success is multifaceted and often comes from a place of genuine passion and relentless perseverance. The Lucky Creatives is more than just a business; it’s a culmination of years of operational experience, creative passion, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of effective branding and storytelling. My journey underscores the belief that with the right mix of operational know-how and creative vision, it’s possible to build something truly remarkable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I dont drink anymore so im a bit boring, I would most likely tell them to go to dinner at either drakes or Nick and Sams and then go to green light social.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jumping right into the essence of the Shoutout series, it’s clear that our paths and successes are not solely our own doing but are significantly influenced by the support, mentorship, and encouragement we receive along the way. In reflecting on my journey, there’s a pivotal moment and a set of individuals I feel compelled to dedicate my shoutout to: Green Light Social (GLS) and, more specifically, Ian and Eric Fletcher.

Before embarking on what I would consider the beginning of my professional career, I found myself moving from one dead-end job to another, merely trying to make ends meet. This cycle of aimlessness changed when I joined Green Light Social as a door guy. It wasn’t long into this role when I found myself in a situation that required de-escalation. Successfully managing that situation caught the attention of Ian Fletcher, one of the owners of GLS. His words to me that day were not just mere compliments but a catalyst for transformation. He saw potential in me that I hadn’t fully recognized and offered me a chance to redefine my trajectory within the company. His belief, along with that of his brother Eric Fletcher, was all the encouragement I needed.

I dedicated seven years of my life to Green Light Social, climbing the ranks from a door guy to eventually becoming a general manager. This journey was not just about career advancement; it was a profound period of learning and growth, fueled by the autonomy and faith Ian and Eric placed in me. Their mentorship was instrumental in shaping my abilities and, ultimately, in inspiring the foundation of The Lucky Creatives.

Without the pivotal intervention and the environment of trust and opportunity created by Ian and Eric Fletcher at Green Light Social, my path could have been markedly different. Their belief in my potential was a critical turning point, for which I am profoundly grateful. They deserve immense credit and recognition in my story, not just for their direct contributions, but for embodying the very essence of support and mentorship that the Shoutout series aims to celebrate.

Website: theluckycreatives.com

Instagram: theluckycreatives

Youtube: youtube.com/theluckycreatives