Scott Kolbe is the other half of the Kolbeco mastermind. You’ve probably seen photos of him on a bike, out in the mountains, or crossing the finish line at some crazy race. But do you really know him? His favorite things, what makes him happy, his embarrassing stories? We know you want to know. We wanted to know. So we sat down for our latest RAPIDFIRE to grill Mr. Kolbe and find out all the details.
Let’s dive on in!
Q:I would ask you how you heard about Kolbeco, but considering you’re married to the wonderful Lauren Kolbe, it’s pretty obvious. When and how did you get your start with Kolbeco?
A: I previously worked for a tech company in Peoria who had a St. Louis office and they were planning to close our office in October 2002. I wasn’t willing to move to Peoria, so we parted ways that day. I came home early that day, around noon, and Lauren was stressed and overworked with client work. She was pitching a story for Riggs and I thought, hmm, I guess I could help now that I’m here! This was my first pitch and it was exciting to brainstorm and come up with the right, catchy, story angle. I ended up pitching the story to Remodeling Magazine, and it landed the cover! At that point I knew I had a knack for it and enjoyed pitching, so I thought I might as well make it my job! Plus I get to work with my wife. I can’t complain about that. (Not that Lauren would let him complain.)
Q: What is your job role at Kolbeco?
A: Legally, the paperwork says I am a member. But in reality, I am partner and sales director.
Q: Do you have a favorite moment at Kolbeco, other than meeting me?
A: That was certainly a highlight. There are so many to choose from… I would have to say one of them is when Antennas Direct was on the Today Show. I was getting ready for a conference and saw Rich Demuro on the Today Show talking about antennas. He called them ugly rabbit ears, and I knew we had an angle. After brainstorming with Pat, we reached out to Rich Demuro and he was interested in testing out an antenna and he showed it on the Today Show! Antennas Direct was small at the time, Richard and his wife were watching the segment at home and to hear his excitement was amazing. This segment blew up their sales, Best Buy called to start carrying their products in stores, it gave Antennas Direct so much street cred, which was amazing.
Another great memory was when we got to work with Glenn Close. When working with a celebrity with that much recognition, you never know what to expect. She was a really awesome woman who was down to earth, kind and funny. It was awesome working with her, a great opportunity and cool experience.
Q: Do you have any secret skills or talents?
A: Well according to Miles and Lauren, I am pretty good at harmonica. (Don’t question this.)
Q: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A: If you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, you have to tell yourself it’s the only way to feed your family and for survival, and you will succeed. If you do it any other way, you’ll be distracted and fail. You have to give it your all.
Q: What is the secret to your happiness?
A: Being outside, hiking, running, biking, boating… anything in nature. It gives me space to clear my mind and reset.
Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A: A race car driver. I raced BMX bikes and go-carts, raced and loved going fast. I thought if I got to do that as a job, it would be the greatest thing on Earth. I realized as I got older that wasn’t exactly practical…
Q: What music gets you pumped up?
A: My go-to for a workout or for more energy is Metallica or Pantera
Q: Guilty pleasures?
A: Chocolate chip cookies.
Q: What do you need for survival?
A: This ties back to the secret to my happiness. I need space, to get outdoors and get away. To be outside with no music, no TV and just clear my head and get a new perspective.
Q: What is the last show you binged?
A: Ozark. I’m not a big binge-watcher, but this was binge worthy.
Q: Dream vacation, and you’re not paying for it.
A: I’ve always wanted to go to Machu Picchu in Peru. It has amazing hiking and outdoors mixed with history and innovation.
Q: Celebrity crush?
A: I’m not really a celebrity idol type person… my idea of a celebrity crush is someone I admire and look up to, someone who takes their passion and makes a business out of it. I really admire the Triathlete, Heather Jackson.
Q: First music purchase?
A: Sammy Hagar
Q: Favorite quote?
A: Colorado, the only state you wake up earlier on Saturday.
Q: If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A: I would be a rescue dog. I feel like they have such interesting stories and lives, and then they’re adopted and get to start over with a wonderful, loving family.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
A: I love IPA beers and local brews, because I’m secretly a hipster.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment outside of Kolbeco?
A: My triathlons, qualifying for USAT Age Group in Nationals, it was something I never imagined, but my family, friends and my Coach Sam (Samantha Murphy) all believed in me.
Q: You’re on a deserted island. What 3 items do you bring?
A: I’m very realistic and wise. I would bring a hammock (to keep me off the ground and away from animals and bugs), swim goggles and flint.
Q: And the final question… how do you REALLY feel about dogs in the office?
A: I love it, except for when they bark when people come in! They’re our greeting committee. I love giving Bubba (Erin’s dog Simon) a peanut butter sandwich, it’s my favorite part of the day.
There he is, Mr. Scott Kolbe in all of his glory! Want to learn more about him? Ask him to go on a hike. Want to get on his good side? Take him out for a beer or go shopping at Big Shark. Stay tuned for our next RAPIDFIRE blog to get to know another magical member of the Kolbeco team!
