Cole Evans, Denver, is a visionary entrepreneur and the Founder, Chairman, & CEO of KISS NUTRACEUTICALS, a leading health and wellness manufacturing company based in Denver, Colorado. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Evans honed his business acumen at Trinity University, where he excelled in entrepreneurship and management. A talented sportsman, he led his high school and college teams in golf and soccer to numerous championships. Evans’s passion for innovation and strategic partnerships has positioned KISS NUTRACEUTICALS as a key player in the global health sector. His commitment to community welfare and his unique approach to business challenges set him apart as a dynamic leader in the industry.

Q&A with Cole Evans

Can you tell us about your background and where you grew up?

Cole Evans: I grew up in Denver, Colorado, in a family of entrepreneurs. Both my parents and grandparents were successful entrepreneurs. I attended Kent Denver School in Cherry Hills Village and later went to Trinity University School of Business in San Antonio, TX, where I double majored in Entrepreneurship and Business Management.

What sports did you participate in during your school years?

Cole Evans: I was very active in sports. I played golf and soccer in high school at Kent Denver School, leading as team captain to multiple state championships. I continued these sports in college at Trinity University, playing both at the collegiate level.

How did your journey as an entrepreneur begin?

Cole Evans: My entrepreneurial journey started in college. I won Trinity University’s Business School’s Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition as a freshman and various other national competitions. This success, including winning at Kevin Plank’s Cupid’s Cup Entrepreneurship Competition, led me to pursue my business full-time and drop out of college after my sophomore year.

Tell us about KISS NUTRACEUTICALS and your role there.

Cole Evans: As the Founder, Chairman & CEO of KISS NUTRACEUTICALS, I lead a health and wellness consumer packaged goods manufacturing business. We specialize in manufacturing and packaging vitamin and supplement gummy products for major global brands. Our company is based in Denver, CO, with a significant manufacturing facility and over 100 employees.

How have you tackled challenges in your business, especially during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic?

Cole Evans: During challenging times, I focused on sourcing raw ingredients and packaging from US suppliers and set up additional warehouses in Denver. This strategic shift helped us overcome supply chain challenges and contributed significantly to our growth.

Can you share your philosophy on success and entrepreneurship?

Cole Evans: Success for me is about freedom and controlling one’s destiny. It’s not just a monetary matter but having control over your time and schedule. As an entrepreneur, you need thick skin, the ability to handle stress, and relentless determination. Success comes from learning from failures and never repeating the same mistake.

What motivates you the most in life and in your business?

Cole Evans: My biggest motivation is helping people associated with my organization to be more successful. I take pride in creating opportunities and businesses that allow people from all walks of life to achieve success.

How do you manage stress and maintain a work-life balance?

Cole Evans: When stressed, I find relief in activities like golf or fly fishing. These activities help me get more creative and compartmentalize business stress effectively.

What are your future aspirations as an entrepreneur?

Cole Evans: I aim to be an entrepreneur for life, always engaged in new projects and challenges. I believe staying active and continually challenging oneself is vital for both mental and physical health.

How do you measure your own success?

Cole Evans: I measure success based on setting and accomplishing personal goals. While financial aspects are part of it, it’s more about achieving the daily, weekly, and long-term goals I set for myself and my business.

Key Takeaways 

• Entrepreneurial Spirit from an Early Age: Cole Evans‘ journey into entrepreneurship was deeply influenced by his family background and personal drive. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, he developed a keen interest in business and innovation from a young age. His success in various national business pitch competitions during his college years, including winning the prestigious Cupid’s Cup, highlights his early knack for entrepreneurship and strategic thinking.
   
• Overcoming Challenges with Strategic Adaptability: Evans’ approach to navigating the challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates his adaptability and strategic thinking. By focusing on local sourcing and enhancing supply chain efficiencies, he not only overcame the hurdles but also significantly grew his business, proving the effectiveness of his problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of adversity.
   
• Defining Success Beyond Financial Gains: Evans emphasizes that success is not merely a monetary achievement but a broader concept encompassing freedom, control over one’s destiny, and the ability to set and achieve personal and professional goals. His philosophy extends to ensuring the well-being and growth of everyone associated with his business, reflecting his holistic view of success as a shared and inclusive journey.

Published by: Nelly Chavez