Colton Duncan

Colton Duncan is one of America’s youngest Political Consultants. He has established himself as one of the leading Strategists in his field. He has worked for a number of firms and has launched an agency of his own. Forty5 Strategies offers strategy and media consulting to candidates or causes that seek a calculated, hard-hitting viral strategy.

The oldest in his family, Colton was raised in Lubbock, Texas along with his 5 younger brothers. His thirst for influence and success sent him beyond the walls of West Texas. He studied Political Science at Texas State University and served as the Vice President of the College. Colton’s lust for politics also led him to become the State Chairman of the Texas Federation of College Republicans.

Immediately after University, Colton accepted a position with a Digital Marketing firm that catered to Conservative candidates and organizations. He revolutionized the art of political activism online and went on to work for the nation’s top Conservative Advocacy organization, Turning Point USA. He worked hand-in-hand with the Movement’s top leaders to establish TPUSA’s Production Department. His team went on to produce cutting-edge, award winning projects.

Colton then went on to join Arsenal Media Group, as their third hire. This start-up Political Consulting group took the Nation by storm with one of their first projects. Everyone in the Movement has seen Kim Klacik’s Baltimore Ad, one of the most watched Campaign Ads in history. Colton was the Producer for this Ad, as well as many other notable videos and projects. His team received a much-coveted Telly award for their Mini-Doc on Cuba: Everything You’ve Heard About Cuba Is A Lie.

Unconventional strategies and sharp, quick wit have made Colton one of the most highly sought-after Consultants in the GOP.

Colton currently works and resides in Phoenix, Arizona. He enjoys traveling, hunting, and fishing. He is also passionate and dedicated to the conservation of life and nature.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

President Donald Trump is without a doubt one of, if not THE most successful Communicator in all of American History. He was brash, bold and vulgar — and I couldn’t get enough of it. Gone are the days of weak, spineless “Republicans” that continuously bows to the Wokeness of the Left. Forty5 Strategies will always be there for Politicians that have a backbone and want to win, not just pose for photo-ops.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I wake up early every morning and get ready to Frank Sinatra, Lil Wayne and Elton John. My morning routine is paramount to my successful days. And as odd as it sounds, time spent each morning talking in the mirror is helpful, too. Just to remind myself that I am the God of my own Universe. My trials are no one’s fault but my own and my tribulations are no one’s fault but my own.

How do you bring ideas to life?

When you want to get something done just do it. Any time I have a project or a task I need help with I call in favors. I pride myself on my willingness to help others in their rise to success, because it’s a noble thing to do sure, but also because it allows me to offer them opportunities to return the favor. Any chance you get to help someone in their career, take it (unless it can harm you, of course). In doing this, I have become friend to all and enemy to like maybe two. This helps me get stuff done.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Cancel culture is on its way out. The TikTok generation is over it and I think Conservatives have a real chance to really perfect the art of tasteful trolling. President Trump did it in the most beautiful way. Boomers, Xers and GenZ find it hilarious and there’s so much meme content to be made. I’m looking forward to my fellow Millennials realizing life isn’t all that serious. Take a joke.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

When you think of something you need to do, just do it! I used to procrastinate so bad that it ate up my happiness. If you pass a bank and think to yourself “Oh, that’s right. I need to remember to call my Bank.” DO IT THEN. Call the damn Banker and knock that off your to-do list forever. I started just doing things immediately and it has made all the difference.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I think I actually have been pretty good at figuring things out as I go along, but if there was one bit of advice, I would give my younger self it would be this: people are either stupid or lazy, don’t associate with either unless you can use them to do your bidding.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

The term “everything happens for a reason” is total BS. It’s a phrase meant for bereaving parents and the recently unemployed. God either gave us free will or he didn’t. Nothing is pre-determined and the thought of our lives being pre-planned is actually terrifying.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Never stop innovating. It’s easy to get caught up in your work when you find something that works really well. It’s easy to forget about the other things you could be learning, and I think those are often the best opportunities.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Be seen and be approachable. I’ve become known for my expertise in virality and messaging. I’m always asked for free advice, and I almost always give it. Hurts no one, helps me. I have done a phenomenal job of keeping up with my professional relationships, and this is very important. I may go a year without seeing someone, but if I am in their city I make it a priority to grab a cocktail with them. Do this for a few years, maintain contact on social media and tou will start finding yourself at the epicenter of everything, invited to everything and playing a role in everything.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Never make the mistake of putting your name and reputation on someone else’s mistake. In the past I have asked others to sign off on projects, only for them to screw it up and tarnish my reputation as opposed to their own. Closely guard anything with your name on it.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Someone needs to create a platform for all influencers to sign up and offer services to growing businesses. Essentially a business could go into an app, select their product/service and find influencers that would be perfect to promote it.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a deep tissue massage. Or better yet, a full spa day. That’s my way of resetting and it’s insanely important.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I am a huge fan of Telegram. I love the channels and it makes it insanely easy to compartmentalize clients, tasks and work flow within the company. Added bonus: it’s encrypted and you can delete entire swaths of messages off of other people’s devices as well.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene changed my life and will change yours as well.

What is your favorite quote?

“My happiness is not the means to any end. It is the end. It is its own goal. It is its own purpose.”
– Ayn Rand

Key Learnings:

• People are either stupid or lazy, don’t associate with either.
• Become the God of your own Universe — put your happiness above everyone else’s
• Maintain those professional relationships and use small favors to gain admiration from others