Hartford, CT is known for many things. Their strength in community, their leadership representation, and the array of connections that are made within this cultural city. However, Hartford is also to thank for giving the world the gift of Johnnie Coles. Born and raised in the insurance capital of the world, Johnnie is proof of what hard work and dedication resemble. Growing up poor in the city of Hartford, Johnnie was presented with many opportunities to succeed. One of those opportunities included a college preparatory school education. Unfortunately, drug abuse led him down an unexpected path. And before he knew it, the opportunities afforded to him came to a screeching halt by the hands of a 9-year prison sentence. Completely throwing a monkey wrench in what could have been, Johnnie was forced to deal with strenuous consequences. He made many attempts to get free and clean but was unfortunately unsuccessful at that time. Facing the 9-year sentence was deemed as a curse, but ironically turned out to be one of the biggest blessings of his life. The sentencing fueled him to become the greatest version of himself possible. Johnnie’s favorite quote, by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is, “If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl. Whatever you do, you have to keep it moving forward.” That is exactly what Johnnie did – he always kept it moving forward.

With this mindset, he served 5 years of a 9-year prison sentence, shifting his life for the better and forever. After those 5 years, Johnnie made parole and was released to a halfway house. When most hear the term halfway house, they don’t fully understand it. Some look at it as a place of craze and doom, while others view it as an open door to better days. For Johnnie, it was definitely an open door to much better days. While residing there, he managed to get 2 jobs, and a bicycle and saved $10,000 in 9 months. This was the second chance that he needed and he took full advantage of it.

Decades later, Johnnie Coles has successfully changed his life and his lifestyle. He has been clean for over 20 years, has 2 thriving businesses, and is an author, motivational speaker, and comedian. Throughout his travels and business moves, he gladly mentors men of all ages and provides motivation to the local rehab facilities. He also has been featured in school and community events, providing empowerment and proof of what a made-up mind looks like. This journey prompted him to write his first book, “Failure Is Not An Option.” Within it, he gives 8 powerful keys that set readers up for success. Accrediting his mother, sister, and grandmother as being great sources of inspiration, Johnnie continues to be dedicated to his journey. His work ethic and ability to see the necessary positives in everything allow him to remain consistent in his pursuit of the greater. He may not have the accolades, degrees, and awards that some have; however, he does have an attribute that is undeniable. Passion. He has committed his life to helping others find their purpose, against all odds and against all obstacles. In Johnnie’s world, roadblocks don’t have permission to stop him or anyone connected to him.

Daily, this husband and father declares, “Today I win at everything I put my mind to and my crusade is to help others do the same.” This is the essence of who Johnnie is and how he continues to lead in this world.