Daily Inspiration: Meet Colby Chilcote

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colby Chilcote.

Hi Colby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
• One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I feel most confident when I know what I’m doing, but I learned early on in my career that being able to “figure it out” is more important than being an expert. When I’m faced with a new challenge, my confidence comes from a faith in myself that I can figure it out. It might take me a while, but if I put in the work I’m confident I can get there. I try not to sweat the uncertainty, the early phase where you question yourself or try to tell yourself that you have no business doing what you’re doing, because I know it won’t last forever. Pushing yourself through the discomfort has a much higher payoff than being perfect.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
• Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc.

I am an entrepreneur and small business owner. I started Sandpaper Creative in 2022, a creative agency and marketing consulting firm. After almost 20 years in marketing, I love running my own agency because every day is different. From small businesses to big tech companies, the clients and projects vary widely. I enjoy the challenge of launching new projects just as much as building relationships with long-term clients. I get to dabble in all of the aspects of marketing that I love — strategy, branding, design, copy writing, the list goes on.

In 2024, I opened Our Town Coffee & Treats with my long-time friend and pastry chef, Mary Bobenmoyer. We specialize in small-batch baked goods and homemade syrups for our espresso drinks, all made in-house with high-quality ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible. Our beans come from Chunky Bear Coffee Roasters in Cadillac, our eggs from a local farm, we use Michigan honey and maple syrup, and only the best butter.

The businesses complement and contrast each other: one is remote and creative, the other is local and community-centered. Running both has pushed me to grow as a business owner—navigating everything from licensing and payroll to marketing strategy and customer experience.Together, they deepen my understanding of what it takes to build something people genuinely connect with.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
• What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

Some of the best advice I got early in my career was to make yourself invaluable. That can mean a lot of things, but it usually comes down to developing real expertise in something—being the person everyone can count on. Maybe you have the artistic vision, you can upsell anyone, or you’re the best writer on the team. That kind of mastery matters. It helps you stand out and it adds real value.
But there’s a limit to how singular your focus can be, especially if you want to lead a team or run the show. You need to understand how all the pieces fit together. You don’t have to be great at everything, but you should be willing to learn or at least understand your blind spots. If you’re really clear on your strengths and weaknesses and can intentionally surround yourself with people whose skills complement yours. If you’re great at big picture thinking but bad at keeping track of the details, you want someone on your team who’s great at organization and execution.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
• If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Flexibility: Over the course of your career you can expect to see shifts in your team, your role, the technology, and even the industry. It can be disruptive and frustrating, but the more open you are, the more opportunities you can find in the changes.

Reliability: If I had the choice between two designers and one was more skilled but the other was more reliable, I would hire the one that I knew I could count on to get the job done. Follow through, timeliness, consistent communication all fall under this same category for me.

Creativity: Come to the table with a different perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ourtowncoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtowncoffee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurTownCoffee
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-chilcote
• Other: https://www.sandpapercreativeagency.com