Today we’d like to introduce you to John Hyland.
John, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been drawn to the process of building — not just businesses, but people, ideas, and possibilities. My journey started in the creative world, helping brands and talent grow online, long before social media became what it is today. I didn’t have a roadmap — just curiosity, grit, and an obsession with figuring things out as I went.
Over time, that curiosity evolved into 1DS Collective, a company built on one belief: that creativity, when paired with strategy, can change everything. What began as a small, scrappy agency has grown into a global collective — managing top creators, producing campaigns for iconic brands, and helping entrepreneurs turn their vision into something tangible and lasting.
The road hasn’t been smooth. There were moments where I lost everything financially — times when rebuilding wasn’t just an option, it was the only path forward. But those seasons became the foundation of who I am today. They taught me resilience, humility, and how to lead from experience, not ego.
That same philosophy inspired my latest project, AuthorityOS™, a book and course my partner and I created to help people turn their expertise into influence and their influence into opportunity. It’s everything we’ve learned from years of building brands and guiding creators — distilled into a system that helps others find their voice and build their platform with purpose.
Today, 1DS is more than an agency. It’s an ecosystem — part marketing, part media, part mentorship. We work with some of the most interesting minds in the world, helping them share their story and scale their impact.
At the heart of it all, my story is about belief — believing in people, in ideas, and in the power to rebuild and rise, no matter how many times you start over.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. I don’t think any real story of growth ever is.
There have been chapters where everything looked like it was falling apart — financially, emotionally, and professionally. Building a company from the ground up is one thing, but rebuilding it after losing everything is something else entirely. There were months when I had to make impossible decisions — cutting people I cared about, taking on debt, and working insane hours just to keep the vision alive.
What made it even harder was that from the outside, everything looked “successful.” We were growing, signing big clients, producing great work — but behind the scenes, I was exhausted and stretched thin. Those moments forced me to confront the truth about leadership: it’s not about pretending you have it all together, it’s about learning how to adapt, simplify, and keep moving when things don’t go as planned.
Looking back, those struggles shaped everything I am as a founder today. They made me sharper, more grounded, and infinitely more grateful. They taught me how to run a leaner, smarter business — and how to prioritize people and purpose over perfection.
Every hard season left behind something valuable — perspective, humility, and proof that even when the path feels uncertain, you can still create something extraordinary if you refuse to quit.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
1DS Collective is a modern marketing and talent company built at the intersection of creativity, culture, and growth. We partner with entrepreneurs, creators, and brands who want to build real influence — not just noise.
Our focus is helping people and companies turn their stories into scalable platforms. That means we don’t just “manage social” or “run campaigns” — we architect brand ecosystems. We develop the strategy, produce the content, manage the audience, and build the long-term infrastructure that drives revenue, reputation, and relevance.
What sets us apart is our ability to operate at a high creative level and think like owners. We’ve built 1DS to be more than an agency — it’s a collective of strategists, creators, and operators who understand how to take an idea from spark to scale. Our team works behind some of the most innovative brands, influencers, and startups in the world, helping them launch, grow, and evolve with precision.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built and the trust we’ve earned. Whether it’s managing top creators, producing viral content, or advising companies at the executive level — we lead with care, clarity, and a long-term mindset.
We recently launched AuthorityOS™, our book and course that teaches people how to build authority through modern content strategy and personal branding. It’s become a natural extension of what 1DS stands for — empowering people to lead through their voice, their expertise, and their story.
At its core, 1DS is about impact. We’re not just helping brands grow — we’re helping people step into who they’re meant to be, and creating work that genuinely moves culture forward.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have amazing people around me who’ve believed in the vision long before it was visible.
My brother Hunter has been there since the very beginning — riding along on this wild journey through every win, loss, and reinvention. He’s seen every version of this story and has always stayed steady, loyal, and real. Having someone who knows your entire journey and still believes just as much as you do is something I’ll never take for granted.
My business partner Sam Parham is truly the best partner I could ask for. He’s brilliant, creative, and grounded — someone who can turn big ideas into real momentum. Together, we’ve built 1DS Collective into something far greater than either of us could’ve imagined on our own. His trust, work ethic, and friendship have been essential to everything we’ve accomplished.
And my beautiful partner, Charity, deserves endless credit. She’s not only supported everything I do, but she’s also a powerhouse entrepreneur herself — constantly inspiring me to push further and think bigger. Watching her build, lead, and create reminds me every day what’s possible when you lead with courage and conviction.
Finally, none of this would exist without our team at 1DS Collective — the people behind the scenes who bring the vision to life daily. They’re the soul of this company and the reason we continue to grow, evolve, and make an impact.
The truth is, success is never a solo act. It’s built on trust, belief, and the people who show up beside you — and I’m beyond grateful for mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.1dscollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_hy/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hyland/
