In this solo episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton breaks down three foundational pillars that shape long-term success for creatives and business owners: coaching, mentorship, and community.

Drawing from real experiences building Hard Copy Media, navigating financial uncertainty, and finding the right people to grow alongside, this episode explores why talent alone isn’t enough. Colton shares hard-earned lessons about choosing the right coaches, learning from mentors who are just a few steps ahead, and investing in communities that believe in community over competition.

You’ll hear honest insights on:

• How the right coaching can help you break through plateaus
• Why mentorship doesn’t have to be formal to be powerful
• How community accelerates growth, referrals, and opportunity
• Why showing up, giving back, and being a good human still matters

Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or business owner feeling stuck or isolated, this episode is a reminder that success is rarely built alone — it’s built together. 

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more real conversations on creativity, leadership, and building a sustainable creative career.

#CreativeCommunity

#Mentorship

#HardCopyMedia

00:00 – Welcome to the Hard Copy Media Podcast

00:55 – Why This Episode Matters for Creatives

01:30 – The Three Pillars: Coaching, Mentorship & Community

02:10 – Why Coaching Is Critical for Business Owners

03:45 – Learning Hard Truths You Can’t See Yourself

05:20 – The Problem With “Influencer Coaches”

07:10 – How to Choose the Right Coach (Avoid the Hype)

09:00 – My Experience With Creators University

11:45 – Ignoring Coaching… Until Everything Stalled

14:30 – Betting on Coaching During a Financial Low

17:10 – How the Right Coaching Changed My Business

19:45 – What Great Coaching Actually Feels Like

22:00 – Coaching vs Ego vs Real Accountability

24:15 – Mentorship: Learning From People Further Along

27:00 – Finding Mentors Without Formal Programs

30:20 – Why Mentorship Is a Two-Way Relationship

33:10 – Why Community Is the Most Powerful Tool

35:45 – Finding Your Tribe and Showing Up

38:30 – Arizona’s Creative & Business Communities

41:40 – Community Over Competition Explained

45:30 – Why Creative Communities Create Opportunity

48:15 – Giving Back Without Expecting Anything

51:20 – Why People Need to Know, Like, and Trust You

54:30 – Being a Good Human Is a Competitive Advantage

57:00 – Luck, Opportunity, and Experience Explained

59:00 – Final Thoughts on Coaching, Mentorship & Community

01:01:20 – How to Get Involved & Take Action

01:03:10 – Subscribe & Closing Thoughts