In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon welcomes guest Coleman Flentge, who shares his inspirational journey from a small town in Kentucky to building a career and business centered around music. Coleman Flentge discusses the impact of his mother's unwavering hustle and how her sacrifices shaped his own determination and drive. He recalls overcoming early discouragement and finding his passion for music, eventually moving to Florida to pursue his dreams and earning a master's degree in music education. Together, Aaron Gordon and Coleman Flentge explore the transformative power of music, how it connects people, heals, and helps individuals express themselves, whether alone or in a community. They emphasize that making and enjoying music is a deeply personal, freeing experience not limited by talent. The episode closes with reflections on creativity, mindfulness, and an inspiring Mark Twain quote about living fully. If you're looking for motivation to follow your passion and appreciate the everyday hustle, this episode delivers powerful insights and heartfelt stories.

Get To Know Coleman Flentge Coleman Flentge is a native of Kentucky who moved to Tampa, Florida, in 2014 to attend the University of Tampa (UT). At UT, Coleman studied conducting. He was the assistant conductor for the Men's Glee Club and Chamber Singers. He was recognized by the UT faculty for his academic achievements, becoming the department tutor for Music Theory and History. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education in 2017.

Coleman began his career as a music educator in Plant City, where he was the music teacher at Walden Lake Elementary from 2017 to 2021. While there, Coleman developed an enriching musical experience for his students by supervising an excellent, rigorous general music program and conducting a multi-voice chorus and a ukulele ensemble.

In 2019, Coleman was given the honor of leading the 150 voices of the East Chorus for the Hillsborough County Fine Arts Festival.

In 2020, he received the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Award for bringing his passion for inclusion into all his classes.

Since 2018, Coleman has served as the Associate Director of Music at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church-Tampa under the direction of Dr. Ryan Hebert. At St. Andrew's, Coleman conducts the adult choir, two children's choirs, and a professional handbell ensemble.

A graduate of the Summer Master of Music Education (Choral Conducting) program from Florida State University, Coleman has conducted a variety of choral pieces from all eras of music, which he believes has helped him refine effective rehearsal strategies.

Coleman is the Music Facilitator at Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School in Temple Terrace. Since the inaugural year for a music program at Patel, Coleman has built and cultivated a distinctive program offering options for every learner interested in pursuing the Musical Arts. He is currently teaching two choruses, an orchestra, guitar, and music theory. The program has blossomed into a rich, meaningful music experience for all its participants.

As the Artistic Director for the PCC Chorale, for a third season, Coleman is enthusiastically continuing development of the group's musical excellence. Coleman firmly believes that music performance should be an experience that brings people together, unifying us through the art and genius of music. Coleman is doing his part to nurture the singers' vocal skills and enrich their lives while leading them toward new musical frontiers.

LinkedIn Living Uninterrupted

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Hustle Inspired by Upbringing: Coleman Flentge shares how his drive to succeed originates from witnessing his mother's relentless determination to provide for her family against all odds. This highlights how early-life experiences and unsung acts of perseverance from loved ones can deeply shape our motivations and define how we approach our own hustle.

2. The Transformative Power of Music: The episode explores music's unique ability to heal, energize, and connect people—regardless of skill level or background. Both Aaron Gordon and Coleman Flentge discuss how music serves not only those who listen but especially those who create it, illustrating that authentic self-expression through music can bring profound personal fulfillment and communal bonding.

3. Creativity as Presence and Healing: Coleman Flentge emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with creativity as a path to mindfulness, personal growth, and resilience. By leaving his classroom teaching career to pursue a venture centered on fostering creativity and presence, he demonstrates that stepping beyond comfort zones and nurturing one's creative spirit can spark entrepreneurial empowerment and help navigate life's biggest transitions.

Show Overview 00:00 Gratitude for Coleman 03:31 Driven Passion Fuels Musical Journey 08:38 Resilience and Lifelong Inspiration 12:31 Transformative Power of Music 15:00 Music: Innate to Humanity 16:52 Music as Soul's Expression 23:06 Transformative Power of Music 25:40 The Timeless Power of Music 27:23 Fear of Life and Death