Meet JAMES A Collett | Small Business Owner and Retired Special Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with JAMES A Collett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JAMES A, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk Taking in Business: A Personal Perspective from a Retired Special Agent
Risk is an inherent aspect of both life and business. As a retired Special Agent with the US Government who spent seven years in the Middle East, I have experienced risk in its most extreme forms. My career involved several close calls with death, from bomb attacks to being shot at. These experiences have profoundly shaped how I think about risk and the role it has played in my life and career.

Understanding Risk
Risk, to me, is the possibility of an unfavorable outcome. However, it is also the gateway to opportunities and growth. In business, risks come in various forms – financial, operational, market, and strategic. My approach to risk involves a balance between caution and courage. It’s not about avoiding risk altogether, but about making informed decisions and preparing for different scenarios. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Risk Mitigation
From my time in the Middle East, I learned the importance of risk mitigation. In high-stakes environments, thorough preparation and contingency planning are crucial. This mindset has translated seamlessly into my business endeavors. Before launching my business, I conducted thorough research and analysis, understanding potential downsides, evaluating probabilities of different outcomes, and considering the impact on my business and personal life. By seeking advice from mentors and industry experts, I ensured that my risks were calculated rather than reckless.

Embracing Uncertainty
Entrepreneurship, much like my career as a Special Agent, is synonymous with uncertainty. Embracing this uncertainty has been a pivotal part of my journey. Every major decision, from website development to market expansion, involved stepping into the unknown. These decisions were often accompanied by fear and doubt. However, I have learned that growth often lies outside of our comfort zones. By embracing uncertainty, I have been able to innovate, adapt, and grow my business.

The Willingness to Risk It All
A crucial lesson from my career is that if you aren’t willing to risk it all, you don’t want it bad enough. In the field, my commitment to my mission often meant putting my life or my team’s life on the line. This level of dedication has driven my entrepreneurial spirit. In business, I apply the same principle: true success requires a willingness to take significant risks. This doesn’t mean being reckless but having the resolve to pursue my goals with unwavering determination, even when faced with substantial risks.

Learning from Failure
Not every risk pays off, and failure is an inevitable part of the journey. Early in my career, I launched a plan that didn’t perform as expected. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I viewed it as a learning opportunity. Analyzing what went wrong and how to make better decisions in the future. Each failure has taught me resilience and has been a stepping stone to success.

Risk and Innovation
Taking risks has been fundamental to driving innovation in my business. Whether it was investing in new technology, entering a new market, or adopting unconventional marketing strategies, these risks have often led to breakthroughs. Innovation requires a willingness to experiment and a tolerance for failure. By fostering a culture that encourages calculated risk-taking, I have been able to keep my business dynamic and forward-thinking.

Personal Growth
On a personal level, taking risks has helped me grow as a leader and an individual. It has taught me to be adaptable, resilient, and decisive. Each risk has been a learning experience, shaping my mindset and approach to both business and life. The confidence gained from overcoming challenges has empowered me to take on bigger and bolder projects.

Conclusion
Risk-taking is a double-edged sword that can lead to failure or success. My philosophy is to approach it with a blend of careful planning and bold action. The role of risk in my career, both as a Special Agent and an entrepreneur, has been transformative, challenging myself, growth, and personal development. By embracing risk and being willing to risk it all, I have been able to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Career Journey: From Marine Corps to Special Agent and Beyond
My career has been a journey of failure, obstacles, resilience, dedication, and transformation. Each phase of my professional life has taught me invaluable lessons and shaped me into the person I am today.

Marine Corps and Clemson University
I began my career in the Marine Corps, where I gained the confidence, structure, and discipline that set the foundation for my future endeavors. The Marine Corps instilled in me a sense of duty, mission accomplishment, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. After my service, I attended Clemson University, where I further developed my leadership skills and academic knowledge, preparing me for the challenges ahead.

Becoming a Special Agent
After Clemson, I embarked on a career as a Special Agent with the US Government. This role was demanding and often dangerous, requiring me to spend seven years in the Middle East. During this time, I faced numerous life-threatening situations, from bomb attacks to being shot at. These experiences taught me the importance of risk mitigation and the value of staying calm under pressure. I learned hard lessons about perseverance and the necessity of quick, decisive action in the face of danger. It always taught me not to sweat the small things in life, and just about everything is small (perspective) – don’t get upset over petty things.

Overcoming Challenges
The path to becoming a Special Agent was far from easy. I encountered numerous setbacks and failures. Each failure, however, became a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. I learned to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and to never give up, even when hope seemed lost. The balance between my professional duties and personal life was a constant challenge. Being deployed for seven years out of my 25-year career had a profound impact on my personal life and those who loved me. Yet, it was their support and understanding that gave me the strength to carry on.

Transition to Business Ownership
After retiring from my career as a Special Agent, I faced the daunting task of starting over. Transitioning from a life dedicated to national security to becoming the owner of an auto detailing shop (Por4mance Motors and Detail Garage) was a significant shift. This transition, though challenging, was also an opportunity to apply the skills I had honed throughout my career to a new venture. The discipline, attention to detail, and leadership qualities from my time in the Marine Corps and as a Special Agent proved invaluable in the business world.

Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of resilience, the value of never giving up, and the necessity of balancing professional and personal life. These lessons have been instrumental in overcoming the many challenges I have faced. My story is one of perseverance and transformation, demonstrating that even the most significant career changes can lead to new opportunities and successes.

I want the world to know that my brand is built on the principles of dedication, integrity, honesty, and excellence. From serving my country to running a business, my journey reflects a commitment to hard work and the belief that failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone to success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Ultimate Week-Long Itinerary for a Best Friend’s Visit
When my best friend from the Marine Corps visits, we aim to make the most of our time together, enjoying our shared interests and catching up. Here’s how I’d plan the perfect week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Morning: Pick up my friend from the airport and head to a local diner for a hearty breakfast.
Afternoon: Check into a comfortable waterfront hotel to set the tone for a relaxing week. Spend the afternoon lounging by the pool, sipping on some cold beers/wine, and catching up.
Evening: Dinner at a renowned steakhouse to kick off the week with a satisfying meal. Afterward, chilling on the waterfront.

Day 2: Auto Racing and Car Enthusiast Day
Morning: Visit a local auto racing track to watch some live races or, if available, participate in a racing experience where we can get behind the wheel.
Afternoon: Head to a nearby car museum or a custom car shop to marvel at classic and exotic cars.
Evening: Dinner at a sports bar with great food and an impressive car-themed décor. Enjoy a few drinks while watching a live sports event.

Day 3: Scenic Drive and Beach Day
Morning: Take a scenic drive along the coast in a rented classic car, stopping at picturesque spots for photos.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at a beautiful beach, people watching (seeing girls in bikinis is never a bad day).
Evening: A seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant, followed by relaxing on the beach with a couple of beers.

Day 4: Cars and Chillaxing Day
Morning: Breakfast and Top Gear episodes
Afternoon: Visit a local brewery for a tour and tasting session. Enjoy some artisanal beers and a laid-back atmosphere.
Evening: Barbecue dinner at a local spot known for its smoked meats and relaxed vibe. Spend the evening outside, enjoying the food and good conversation.

Day 5: Car Shows and Auto Detailing
Morning: Visit a local car show or automotive event to see some impressive vehicles and meet fellow car enthusiasts.
Afternoon: Head over to my auto detailing shop for a personal tour and maybe even work on detailing a car together, sharing tips and techniques.
Evening: Casual dinner at a popular local restaurant with great food and a relaxed atmosphere. End the night with a visit to a rooftop bar for a nightcap and a view of the city skyline.

Day 6: Catching up
Exploration
Morning: Breakfast and life – discussing life and catching up
Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening: Dinner at a fine dining restaurant to celebrate our week together. Enjoy a multi-course meal with great wine or cocktails.

Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell
Morning: Sleep in and have a late brunch at a popular brunch spot known for its delicious dishes and relaxed vibe.
Afternoon: Spend the final afternoon on a boat cruise or charter a small boat to enjoy some time on the water, soaking up the sun and tranquility.
Evening: Farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant, reflecting on the great week we’ve had. End the night with a quiet drink at the hotel bar, reminiscing about our time in the Marine Corps and the adventures we’ve shared.

Conclusion
This itinerary ensures a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and our shared love for cars and auto racing. By focusing on activities that allow us to catch up and enjoy each other’s company, we create lasting memories while indulging in our favorite pastimes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a heartfelt shoutout to those who have played a pivotal role in shaping me into who I am today. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge God. Although I am not an overly religious man, I use my faith in God to provide me with strength, wisdom, and guidance, helping me navigate the complexities of life and business. Secondly, my wife deserves immense gratitude. She has been my rock, always supporting me through the good and bad times. Her unwavering belief in me has been a source of motivation and comfort. Next, my son has been at the center of my life and the decisions I make. His presence has given my journey purpose and direction. My life changed, for the better, the day he was born. As a young man, lost, trying to establish my identity in this world, the Marine Corps played a significant role in my development, instilling in me the confidence, structure, and discipline that have been fundamental to my success. Lastly, I want to thank my family. While they may not always agree with my decisions, their support remains steadfast. Their love and encouragement have been invaluable throughout my journey.

Website: https://Por4mance.com

Instagram: @porschepor4mance

Linkedin: Por4mance Motors and Detail Garage – James Collett

Twitter: Por4mance

Facebook: Por4mance Motors and Detail Garage

Yelp: Por4mance

Youtube: Por4mance

Other: Pinterest – Por4mance

Image Credits
All images were taken by me.