Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Crawford.
Edward, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, it has been quite the journey. Born and raised in good ol’ Upstate Louisiana, I never imagined where life would take me. But I’ll tell ya, it’s been a heck of a wild ride.
It all started when I signed up for the Peace Corps at fresh out of college. Off I went to the Dominican Republic, near Haiti, where life was about as different as you could imagine from back home. I found myself in this little town called Los Blancos, working alongside farmers, getting my hands dirty, and losing a good 40 pounds to tropical fever and other sicknesses along the way. But you know what? It was there, in the simplicity of life and the struggles of the community, that I found my calling—to help others and be part of a team.
Fast forward a bit, and I found myself serving in Afghanistan as a Naval Intelligence Officer. Leaving my wife and kids behind just six days after my son was born? One of the hardest things I have every done emotionally. And then there were the missions and thinks that didn’t go as plan and amazing men that did not make it back. I learned how tough and committed our U.S. Military leaders are and was honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside them.
After my military service, I found myself navigating the world of business, from Wall Street to starting my own ventures. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Failed attempts, shut-down businesses, you name it. Balancing work, studying at MIT, and serving in the Navy Reserves all at once? Let’s just say I learned about juggling the hard way.
But through it all, one thing remained constant—my love for team work and trying to make an impact. Whether it was supporting small businesses or co-founding Coltala Holdings, I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a difference. And you know what? I still trying.
Today, I stand here, humbled by the journey but proud of where it’s taken me. Sure, there have been failures along the way, but they’ve only made the journey more meaningful. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t just about wealth or accolades—it’s about the lives we touch and the difference we make in the world. And that’s a journey worth taking.
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?
Well, I guess I can tell y’all a bit about my journey—it’s been a real rollercoaster, for I have learned so much along the way about life, friendship, commitment, and faith in God. Started off with the Peace Corps, thinking I could change the world, you know? But man, did I stumble hard. Lost over 40 pounds to sickness, got sicker than a dog, and had my Dominican neighbors practically carrying me through it all. Humbling doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Then came Afghanistan. Leaving my family behind just days after my son was born? I remembered the sacrifices my grandfathers and others in my family had made to serve and protect our country and felt that the Lord was leading me do to this… Didn’t go as planned, though. Failed on a mission, lost friends, and sadly, our commander as well.
After the service, I tried to land a spot as a White House fellow—no dice. Almost followed my dream to start a coffee company, but it didn’t pan out . And trying to juggle Goldman Sachs, grad school at MIT, Navy Reserves, and a young family all at once? Let’s just say I learned about balance the hard way.
But through all the ups and downs, one thing stayed with me—the drive to make a difference. Started Coltala with a buddy, and man, those first couple years were rough. Thought we were gonna go under, but somehow, we pulled through.
And yeah, I still carry the weight of losing friends overseas. That’s why I volunteer at the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas and Carry the Load—to help those who are struggling like I did. Because despite all the failures, I still believe in making an impact. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what success really looks like in the end.
We’ve been impressed with Coltala Holdings, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
With a deep commitment to God and country, Coltala empowers entrepreneurs to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our great nation, creating jobs and fulfilling the American dream. Coltala backs exceptional leaders to build businesses that comprise the backbone of America. Coltala acquires founder and family-owned businesses in Texas and focus on essential services and is led by founders who have been in operating roles, including Founder, President, CEO, CFO as well as led teams in Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Operations, and Finance. Coltala has deployed over $300M of flexible capital into mission and margin-focused companies across multiple essential service companies.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t be afraid of failure. Learn from it and adapt to it. Perfection cannot be attained in business, and perfection can risk mission. We all have a plan until you get punched in the face. This is personal growth at its finest. Fail fast and learn and always fail forward! Don’t take yourself so seriously, we are on this earth for a short time, make the most of it and learn to laugh and see the good in even the most dire situation. God puts you there for a reason. Dream big, and don’t quit. When you get knocked off the horse, get back on and never stop trying to ride into the sunset!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coltala.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardjcrawford/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edwardjcrawford
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardcrawford4/
- Other: edwardcrawford.com
Eduardo -Building Community Center with Dominicans and Haitians in the Peace Corps
Dominican Republic -COOPCAFESUR Coffee Cooperative Los Blancos. Edward Founded the business in 2015 and celebrated their 19th year as a business recently.
Spear Fishing near Haiti.
COOCAFESURE formation and election of board with 200 coffee farmers.
Afghanistan with teammates.
Afghan Tribal Partners.
Military Officers – MIT Sloan MBA
Island Honeymoon -Edward/Mary
Island Post Deployment Trip- Edward/Mary
Edwards stopping grounds. Bayou Camite Louisiana with the fam in the swamp! Edward’s happy place.
Edward 40th with fam
Two of Edward’s favorite things Alligators and Mary. #Louisianaboy
War Veterans Fund – Electing Veterans to Congress.
Coltala Team
Edward and Peace Corps friend, Joe Kennedy III (Congressmen) speaking together in Miami on continued service to our country.
Best mission of all. Crawford Family
