Meet Colton Palmer | Facilitator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Colton Palmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colton, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I was about seven years old, I started my first business selling motivational magnets, figurines, African hats and bag sets, and art at church on Sundays. My Uncle (Greg Twitty, aka King Twitty) taught me the concept of wholesales versus retail, allowing me to purchase products from him at a wholesale rate to sell at church. He lived in D.C. but would travel to CIAA amongst other festivals to set up as a vendor. I would tag along selling alongside him and try my best to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

That spark set me on a path of entrepreneurship. I was less concerned about being my own boss and more concerned about controlling my destiny, but most importantly, fulfilling what I believe is my purpose; connecting, facilitating, and motivating others to realize their dream and how to pursue that dream with purpose and intentionality.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Gold Group is a full service agency. Our primary objective is to facilitate or bring ease to a business, campaign, project or event. We have developed a network of specialists in their respective fields allowing us to fashion a team that meets the clients needs. Our team is composed of driven, goal oriented individuals who specialize in enhancement by way of strategy development, branding, marketing, public relations, media production, and content development. We have a singular goal to facilitate the enhancement of our clients brand, business, and performance.

I believe we are a unique organization because we did not try to fit in an existing category. As a facilitator I am able to leverage my network, relationships, and knowledge to guide organizations to the necessary outlets to accomplish their goals. Creating a title instead of trying to fit under one is empowering. It has given me the flexibility to take on projects that I can bring value.

I am very excited about our future. We have had opportunities to invest in companies that we have worked with like Bedlam Vodka. Our relationship with Bedlam started as a marketing and branding relationship that lead to an equity opportunity.

It was very challenging trying to discover how I could leverage my talents into business dealings. I spent years trying to figure out how to monetize my connections and network while offering solutions to businesses. As I progressed, one day it dawned on me. Im not a consultant, this isn’t a marketing firm, I am a facilitator. I am or can be the one connection that a person or business needs to reach and exceed their goals.

I have learned so much along the way but the key ingredient to my business was the greatest lesson of all. You don’t have to do it by yourself! Surround yourself with a team of experts. That was the last piece f the puzzle for me. I have individuals who have their own businesses that I bring in for a client to fulfill the needs of that specific client. If the client needs a team, I have a short list specialist in their given field that can come on board and hit the ground running.

I want the world to know that you don’t have to fall into an existing category ie marketing, branding, etc. You can created your own title, your own category. I am a facilitator and my business is enhancement.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend is coming to visit the Greater Raleigh-Durham area, there is so much to do, but we are hitting the Living Room first, right in the heart of downtown Durham. Kick things off right! Next morning our recovery meal is right up the street at Beyu Cafe; waffles and toast or shrimp grits, and we are back on the move.

Next, Glenwood Ave is a must. The Glenwood South district in Raleigh is a block party every weekend. The street is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants stretching for nearly a half-mile. Glenwood gives you options, but we’re hitting them all.

After the weekend, we will bounce between Raleigh and Durham, checking out what all the area has to offer. We will likely hit 21C for a dope museum experience in Durham, followed by drinks at Unscripted or the Durham Hotel. Durham is rich in culture and history. We will kick the next day off at Rofhiwa Book Café with a cup of coffee, then head to Parrish St. (Black Wall Street) historic area to take in the history. If it’s baseball season, we will catch the Durham Bulls game. We could spend a month just exploring Durham before we ever made it to Raleigh, but with only a week, we have to make our way up 40.

In Raleigh, we will start downtown and check out the exhibit at the CAM museum, then walk up the street to grab a cocktail from Killjoy, Wonderland, or Glenwood Social. I’m not big into hockey, but it’s a must-have experience. If it’s hockey season, we will hit a Carolina Hurricanes game. If it’s soccer season, we will support the ladies of the Carolina Courage, and if you should be so lucky, basketball season UNC vs. Duke! The Tobacco Road rivalry runs real deep. Whether at the game, at a bar, or a restaurant, it’s like Super Bowl Sunday in the Triangle when that game is on.

The Raleigh-Durham area is indeed a Southern collective in the heart of North Carolina. The true beauty of the Triangle lies in the amalgamation of people and cultures. So no matter the time of year or what you’re into, we will engage the people, embrace the culture, and do it big!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my ecosystem, family, friends, community (Durham, NC) for allowing me to learn, grow and excel. I am proud to be a Palmer. I am proud to be from Durham, NC, the Bull City. I am proud to be an Alum of North Carolina State University. I am proud to have competed for North Carolina State University Wrestling. I am a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi. I am thankful and forever grateful to those who have influenced who I have become as a man.

Website: GoldGroupInc.com | Talkofrdu.com

Instagram: @ColtonPalmer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coltonspalmer

Twitter: @ColtonPalmer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltonspalmer7/

Image Credits
Photo 1 Nine19Photography.com @nine19_photog Photo 2 Jordanesteemphotography.com Photo 3 H&F Productions LLC. @handfproductions Photo 4 Photo 5 Filmaticz Productions LLC. @filmaticz_production Photo 6 Filmaticz Productions LLC. @filmaticz_production