Cole Kelly: How a Young Charlotte County Entrepreneur Built a Business Rooted in Water, Community, and Opportunity
March 15th, 2026
 Charlotte County’s 40 Under 40 program recognizes young professionals who are not only building successful careers, but also contributing to the identity and long-term strength of the community. These stories reflect how talent grows here when opportunity, environment, and collaboration intersect.
Cole Kelly’s journey is a clear example of that intersection. As a Charlotte County young entrepreneur and a leader within Punta Gorda Adventures, Kelly’s path has been shaped less by traditional milestones and more by real-world experience, mentorship, and a deep connection to the region’s waterways. |
An Education Shaped by Real LifeKelly grew up in Lakeland, Florida, where he began his education through a mix of formal coursework and early responsibility. He completed dual enrollment at Polk State College and earned an associate degree before continuing his studies at the University of Central Florida. However, life soon required him to shift focus. “I did dual enrollment in High School at Polk State College, and graduated with an AA degree in 2021. I then went to UCF to study Business Management. I dropped out to work more and support my mom in the fall semester of 2022.” Rather than viewing that decision as a setback, Kelly describes it as the start of a different kind of education. “I really wasn’t learning anything anyway. ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ taught me more than 2 semesters of business school and $32,000.” That mindset would later influence how he approached entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and growth. Kelly is also outspoken about the pace of change in modern business and the role technology plays in staying competitive. “I think AI is evolving faster than college curriculum can keep up with.” That belief continues to shape how he thinks about opportunity, efficiency, and the future of work in Charlotte County. |
Inspiration, Mentorship, and VisionKelly credits a small group of mentors and inspirations with shaping his approach to business and leadership. Their influence helps explain how he moved from uncertainty into entrepreneurship. “My biggest inspirations in life are Alex Hormozi, Gordon Reigelman, my partner in the Charlotte Harbor Guide & Map, Zach Gloer the founder of Punta Gorda Adventures, and my Papa.” Each played a different role in his development, from business strategy to personal values. “Alex Hormozi taught me more about business than anyone else. His ‘$100M’ book series is a master class on making offers, attracting leads, and structuring business models.” Zach Gloer, who would later become his business partner, was instrumental in giving Kelly an opportunity before he had formal credentials to lean on. “Zach believed in me when no one else did. And gave me a chance to shine before I had achievements to stand on.” That trust would become the foundation for what Punta Gorda Adventures would eventually become. |
Values Rooted in Family and ResponsibilityWhile mentors and business influences shaped how Kelly approaches entrepreneurship, his values were formed much earlier through family. One influence, in particular, continues to guide how he leads and how he thinks about responsibility. “My Papa passed away last December 2024. He taught me a lot about being a man, God, and what it means to be a patriarch.” Kelly has spoken openly about how that loss reframed his sense of purpose and accountability, both personally and professionally. “With him gone, I’m the man of my family. So I try to lead my family the way he did, and that pressure inspires me to do better.” That sense of responsibility shows up in how Kelly approaches his work, his partnerships, and his commitment to building something lasting in Charlotte County. Leadership, for him, is not abstract. It is tied directly to showing up, taking ownership, and setting an example, both on the water and off. |
Finding His Way to Charlotte CountyKelly’s move to Charlotte County came during a period of personal responsibility and transition. “I first came to Charlotte County in April of 2023, I was 20 years old at the time. A little mix of tragedy and opportunity brought me down here.” Family circumstances required immediate action and reshaped his plans. “My mom became very ill with Lyme Disease and couldn’t work anymore. I was paying the mortgage for a while, but eventually we had to sell our childhood home.” An invitation to Punta Gorda created a path forward and introduced Kelly to a region that would soon feel like home. “One of my Dad’s best friends, my Uncle Josh, was running a jet ski business, Water Thrills, in Punta Gorda and invited me to come live with him and help him run the business.” What began as a temporary solution evolved into a long-term connection to Charlotte County and its waterfront economy. |
A County Defined by Water, Nature, and Access
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Charlotte County’s geography is central to why Punta Gorda Adventures works here. The region’s natural environment creates experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere. “The barrier islands, our unique waterways.” Kelly points to the way land and water intersect throughout the county. “Having the large harbor, access to the Gulf, and two fresh water rivers make for a coastal environment like no other.” Those features shape not only tourism, but quality of life, conservation, and the sense of place that draws people to live and work in Charlotte County.
More Than a Place to WorkFor Kelly, Punta Gorda and Charlotte County are not simply where his business operates. They are central to his sense of belonging and direction. “I can’t see myself living anywhere else for a long time.” That feeling is rooted in how deeply connected he has become to the community and the landscape. “Really because the community has taken me under their wings, and I’ve gotten so involved. I’ve never experienced those types of communal bonds before, and it’s something that has grown to fill my heart a lot.” Charlotte County’s waterways, barrier islands, and harbor system provide the backdrop for Punta Gorda Adventures, but they also shape daily life. Access to the water, the ability to explore island-to-island, and the balance between recreation and stewardship create an environment that feels both grounded and expansive. Kelly sees that connection as inseparable from his long-term plans. “I think it influences our business in a different way.” Tourism may bring visitors to the water, but local relationships and community trust sustain the business year-round. For Kelly, that balance reinforces why Charlotte County is not just a good place to build a company, but a place to build a life. |
Leadership, Resilience, and Looking Ahead
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Just for Fun
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Living, Working, and Building a Life in Charlotte CountyCole Kelly’s story reflects a larger truth about Charlotte County. This is a place where careers and quality of life grow together, not in competition with one another. From waterfront industries and tourism to emerging technology and entrepreneurship, Charlotte County offers opportunities for people who want meaningful work without giving up connection to place. Access to the water, barrier islands, rivers, and harbor is not just part of the scenery here. It shapes how people live, work, and recharge. For many professionals, that balance is what turns a job into a long-term commitment to a community. Through programs like Careers on the Coast, Charlotte County continues to highlight real stories of people building careers across industries while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, natural assets, and community connections that define the region. Cole’s experience working alongside local partners, tourism leaders, and business organizations shows how collaboration plays a central role in Charlotte County’s workforce ecosystem. It is a place where mentorship, hands-on experience, and community support help turn ambition into opportunity. |
Learn More About Life and Opportunity in Charlotte CountyIf Cole’s journey sparked your interest, explore more about the people, places, and industries shaping Charlotte County:
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