Colton Duncan is one of the country’s most promising political consultants. He has established himself as one of the industry’s top strategists. He has worked for a number of companies and now runs his own organization. Candidates and causes seeking a deliberate, hard-hitting viral approach can turn to Forty5 Strategies for strategy and media assistance. Colton grew up in Lubbock, Texas, alongside his five younger brothers as the oldest in his family. His desire for power and success took him beyond the confines of West Texas. He was the Vice President of the student body at Texas State University and studied Political Science there. Colton’s passion for politics led him to become the Texas Federation of College Republicans’ State Chairman.
Colton secured a position with a Digital Marketing agency that specializes in running campaigns for Conservative candidates and groups. He went on to work for Turning Point USA, the country’s greatest conservative advocacy organization, after revolutionizing the art of political campaigning online. He established TPUSA’s Production Department in collaboration with the Movement’s brightest stars. His team went on to create award-winning initiatives that were cutting-edge.
Colton was then hired by Arsenal Media Group as their third employee. With one of their first contracts, this start-up Political Consulting firm grabbed the attention of the nation. Kim Klacik’s Baltimore Ad, one of the most watched Campaign Ads in history, has been seen by everyone in the Movement. Colton produced this commercial, as well as a number of other significant videos and projects. For their Mini-Documentary on Cuba, “Everything You’ve Heard About Cuba Is A Lie,” his team won a coveted Telly award.
Colton is one of the most sought-after Republican consultants due to his unconventional ideas and razor sharp wit Colton is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he works and lives. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling. He is also committed to the preservation of life and the environment
1. Why did you become an entrepreneur in the first place?
I‘ve always had a passion for politics and entrepreneurship. Originally, I wanted to be a political commentator and was considering going to law school. After meeting some great people in the movement, I discovered that starting my own business would enable me to do both of those things on a larger scale. That’s what led me down this path.
2. Tell us, how do you deal with fear?
I don’t really believe in fear. I’m more motivated by excitement and the unknown. I think that’s what takes me to new heights in life, makes me want to do better things, and ultimately gives my work an edge.
3. What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
“It’s supposed to be hard.” It’s not supposed to be easy, but you’re supposed to enjoy the process. I think if people embrace that when they start their own business or any kind of entrepreneurial venture, it makes things easier in the long run.
4. Name one of the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I encounter in my day to day life is staying organized. I wear multiple hats for various clients, which requires me to be constantly creating new plans of attack for each one. This is difficult because you can’t rely on past strategies. I overcome this by doing everything in my power to be organized, whether it’s making lists or utilizing task management tools to stay on track.
5. What do you see as your greatest success in life, so far?
I would have to say my greatest success at this stage in life is owning my own business. I think that’s what makes me unique, allowing me to stand out from the crowd of people seeking jobs after graduation. I don’t want “a job.” I want a career that allows me to be successful and enjoy myself while doing it
6. One key to effective leadership is good communication. What advice can you offer on that?
Be a leader who doesn’t just talk about communication, but demonstrates it through constant interaction. There’s no reason for any employee to have a question if their boss isn’t willing to take the time to answer it. I think another means of effective communication is to imagine what you would say if you were talking to a friend. If it makes sense, then your point will make sense to the person who needs convincing too.
7. What’s a personal self-talk, mantra, affirmation, or self-belief that contributes to your success?
I remind myself every day that my happiness and success are my most important pursuits. Everything I do in my business, although I do work very hard at that and make sure to keep my clients happy, is with the ultimate goal of building my own successful brand and business and fueling my own happiness.
8. What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about the next wave in conservative culture. I know we are going to have great success in the mid-terms. We are already seeing success for conservative candidates in off-year elections. People are already fed up with Woke culture and the idea that the twitter crowd can try to make you disappear, and with local schools being told what they can or can’t teach. The candidates and groups who are seizing on this messaging and believe in the importance of a return to American values are the exact clients who value my business, so I am excited to see how the near future is going to build my business as well.
9. Tell us, how do you deal with rejection?
I don’t let it bother me. Usually my thought is, “their loss.” I know I bring a lot to the table and every business that I have been a part of so far has had great success, and I know that Forty5 Strategies is just in the beginning phase of what is going to be a hugely profitable and successful enterprise. More often than not people are asking for our help.
10. What is one business idea that you are willing to give to our readers for free?
A platform for social media influencers to use to offer services to up-and-coming businesses. A business owner could basically shop for influencers that would be a good fit for their product or services.
11.How do you bring ideas to life?
I treat every idea like it’s my business. I see them all as opportunities to grow and expand into new fields that are going to allow me to be the most successful in the industry.
12. What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I don’t procrastinate. If there is something that you need to do, do it! I used to delay and it caused me to be ineffective and business and, quite frankly, got in the way of my happiness. I got fed up with myself and started accomplishing things. It’s made me much happier and a much more effective leader and businessman.
13. Please tell us the one thing that separates your business from the competition?
I treat everyone like they are the highlight of my day. I offer them a nice dopamine rush, flatter them, and make them feel how much I enjoy their company and running into them. This of course makes them want to repeat it and makes them anticipate our next meeting. That kind of personalized attention sets us apart.
14. In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?
Your demeanor is equally as important as your work ethic and productivity. I only hire people that are going to reflect well on me and my brand.
15. What book would you recommend and why?
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green. If you haven’t read this, you are doing yourself a disservice.
