Failure Is Not An Option: Johnnie Coles

By: Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Thursday, October 5, 2023 | 5:00 PM ET

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Johnnie Coles about his journey from drug addiction to now, author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. He is even amazed of his incredible journey. He is a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and was able to turn his life around with hope, determination, hard work, and a great amount of resilience.

Coles has established a legacy as one of Connecticut's premier providers of automotive detailing services, Dunrite Detail. Their commitment to excellence has made them an integral part of the Hartford business community.

His give back is speaking weekly (since 2009) with men in a situation where he once found himself; in a Rehabilitation Center. His "no-failure" blueprint is the catalyst for his newfound life.

He was sentenced to nine years, served five years in prison, nine months in a halfway house, and three and half years on parole. He considers the five years "inside" as the head start he needed on his road to sobriety.

His advice to individuals going through the sobriety journey is, "Beat yourself with a feather". "Be gentle and kind to yourself and know it is a process." It's ok to make mistakes, but just don't stay where you are."

You can listen to the interview in its entirety HERE.

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