



Shaping how we work with clients
Shaping our community involvement
Shaping how we treat each other
We’ll miss you. Thanks for helping us become the company we are today!
As I finished writing this on a Tuesday night, Colten is still here. It’s his last day. He’s said all his goodbyes, hugged the hugs, and now he’s talking through a client issue with our AM Director.
“Seriously, I can come back for that call, it’s not a problem,” he says. “How am I setting you up for success without being there? Hey, my keys are turned in but my heart is still here.”
We love you, Colten.
And no, you don’t need to come back for that call.
“It’s always been about the people for me. Our Gravitate team and clients (past and present), our community partners, our vendors, and everyone else with who I have crossed paths. I owe a lot to these people. The knowledge shared and gained, the friendships forged, and the experiences over these past 8 years have meant the world to me and are all coming with me. To guide me, to teach me, and to be with me as I move forward in life. This isn’t the end to any of that, just the end of my role as CEO at Gravitate. Everything else is ours, it’s what we built together and Gravitate was a damn good facilitator. I was hired 8 years ago by Don Elliott and although he wasn’t here for the entirety of my time at Gravitate, it’s fitting I end Gravitate with him. Thank you for trusting me enough to hire me and thank you for trusting me enough to run Gravitate for you and the team this past year. It’s been a dream. ”
Our Thoughts
“Colten is the type of person who goes around making the world a better place, and he proved it daily at Gravitate. He will be sorely missed, and I will forever appreciate what he has done.”
“Colten is a people expert and business polymath. He knows how to get the best out of people and instantly elevates any room he walks in. Colten's drive, skill, generosity, honesty, integrity, and kindness will be carried on by anyone who is lucky enough to cross paths with him!”
“Colten sets the bar high: as a leader and as a human being. Gravitate will be forever grateful for his investment into our team, our clients, and our work. Wishing him, Katie, and the full Tidwell family the best on this next adventure!”
“Colten is the only person I know who has achieved self-actualization. Not only does he genuinely care for all individuals, but his unwavering work ethic and heartfelt desire to help others is a huge inspiration to me. I still heed career advice and lessons I learned from Colten to this day.”
“I’ve been in marketing for over 30 years, and I’ve worked with some of the best (and worst) leaders in the business. Colten is by far the most effective and empathetic CEO I’ve ever known. Sure, he makes the trains run on time, but where he really shines is bringing out the best of everyone he works with, through inspiration, example, and support. I can’t wait to work with him again.”
“Colten truly embraces everything that all leaders should exemplify... Empathy, Authenticity, and Curiosity. Colten is never afraid to be himself, respectfully. He inspires and empowers others to do the same - he has taught me that being me is more than enough. I am forever grateful to have had Colten as a boss and to have him as my mentor. ”
“Colten is a great colleague but more importantly an amazing human. He’s taught me a lot over the years about work, life, and friendship. I’ll really miss having him around but know we’ll always be in touch and he’ll always be there if we need him.”
“You are an amazing, boss, CEO, and all-around human being. I strive to be a better person because of you. Your energy and attitude will be greatly missed.”
“Colten has been a key influencer that has helped me grow as a leader, a marketing professional, and a human for the past two years. Thank you for all that you have done for me (like sharing a desk for six months) and Gravitate as a whole! Keep on crushing! ”
“Colten exemplifies the compassionate, vulnerable leadership so crucial to today's workplace. Whether you've known him for half a year or seven, working with him feels like home. His north star has guided Gravitate to its current success, and we'll keep following it into the future.”