Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Medders.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Little Rock, AR, where I lived until college. I was the oldest of four children. My youngest two siblings were adopted when I was 12 years old and have been such a blessing and incredible addition to my family. I attended Baylor University in Waco, TX, for college where I majored in Micro Biology and Environmental Studies. The moment I graduated from college is when I feel like my story truly began. I had always been raised in a very conservative environment and even my college was a Baptist school so when I decided to pack all of my belongings into my Prius and move to Wyoming I really was stepping into a new world. I moved to Wyoming to work for National Outdoor Leadership School. As a guide for NOLS, I instructed rock climbing, skiing, backpacking, mountaineering, rafting, and many more outdoor sports all over the world. I would spend up to three months straight in the wilderness with no phone or connections to the outside world while instructing courses for NOLS.
One of my favorite excursions was to Patagonia, where I spent four months traveling across Argentina and Chile with nothing but a backpack, a kayak, and a tent. During this time, I also climbed the two highest peaks in the western hemisphere, Denali and Aconcagua. In addition to NOLS, I also worked for Search and rescue as a wilderness EMT deep in the wild of the Wind River Mountains. After four years of living in Wyoming and traveling the world, I was recruited to appear on the show Survivor in Fiji. This was an incredible experience and I ultimately placed 7th out of 20. Since Survivor, I have been living in LA and writing for Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine as the outdoor adventure contributor. I also work as a climbing guide for Fulcrum Adventures, where I lead groups on extended trips that focus on leadership skills and team building.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Growing up, I was always a shy kid and had close to no confidence in myself. This could easily lead into spouts of severe depression and many times did throughout my childhood and even teenage years. Instead of going to parties and hanging out with lots of friends, I spent most of my time outside exploring the woods, mountains, rivers, and countryside. This is how I discovered rock climbing and life was never the same since. Rock climbing introduced me to a group of like-minded people and presented me with a challenge that helped to instill confidence within me. I feel that I have been able to turn this downfall into one of the greatest positives of my life.
Recently my parents have gone through a difficult divorce, leaving my mom to care for my younger siblings all by herself. A lot of this responsibility has also fallen on my shoulders, requiring me to put many of my dreams on hold. I hardly see this as a struggle though because they’re my family and I will always be there for them when they need me.
So let’s switch gears and tell us more about you. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.
Currently, I operate my own personal training program and rock climbing courses. I have always been a huge fitness enthusiast and I love applying classic fitness ideas, such as simple weight lifting and cardio exercises, to my programs for rock climbing and other outdoor adventure sports. These two worlds remain separate so often so I believe it sets me apart and makes me unique the way I blend the two worlds together in my fitness regiment. In addition to personal training, I love to write. As the outdoor adventure contributor for Beverlyhills Lifestyle Magazine, I discuss the idea that luxury doesn’t have to be a house in the hills and a Bentley in the garage. For instance, luxury for me is the time I find to go do the things I love like climb a mountain or travel the world. I try to open peoples’ eyes to new worlds in my writing and possibly help them discover something inside of them that has always been there
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
While not a huge proponent for the idea of luck I have at times been dealt a great hand in my life. One day I walked into a chipotle ordered my burrito and was about to chow down when someone tapped me on the shoulder. The person proceeded to ask me what I did for a living and if I would like to be on the show survivor. My answer was obviously yes and that experience has opened so many doors for me. I believe that life offers us all opportunities or “good luck” but not all of us are willing to pour the time and effort into these opportunities that is required to create an entire life out of them. So while yes I have had some good luck I have also put in a tremendous amount of work on the back end.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4793015236
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jcolemedders
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