“Never, Never, Never Give Up.”
Cole Peacock is a dynamic and visionary leader whose career spans more than three decades across corporate, governmental, and entrepreneurial sectors. A proud native of Florida, Cole has lived in Fort Myers since 1983, where his roots run deep as part of a fifth-generation farming family. Guided by a personal mission to empower others and create meaningful impact through mentorship, collaboration, and community service, he has built a professional legacy defined by strategic insight, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to progress. His guiding belief—“Never, never, never give up”—reflects both his personal resilience and his approach to leadership, growth, and societal betterment.
Cole’s career began in public service as a legislative aide in the Florida Legislature, where he gained firsthand experience in governance, policy, and the inner workings of political systems. Managing campaigns at the local, state, and national levels, he developed a deep understanding of governmental processes and community engagement. This foundation not only shaped his professional values but also fueled his later success in corporate affairs and executive leadership. His ability to bridge public policy with business strategy became a defining hallmark of his career.
Over the years, Cole has amassed more than 30 years of executive experience, marked by leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurial ventures, and community initiatives. As Vice President and Director of Corporate Communications, Strategy, and Governmental Affairs at Chico’s FAS, Inc., he was instrumental in building the company’s communications and branding framework. His efforts led to the development of corporate relations programs, crisis management systems, and government advocacy strategies that saved the corporation millions in operational costs and legal exposure. Under his leadership, Chico’s became not only a retail powerhouse but a respected corporate citizen recognized for its philanthropic initiatives.
Cole’s ability to balance strategic planning with authentic engagement set him apart early in his career. At Chico’s, he founded Chico’s Charities, a national philanthropic foundation that raised over $30 million for community initiatives. Through partnerships with organizations such as the American Heart Association, Red Cross, and domestic violence shelters, he built a culture of corporate citizenship that resonated across brands and communities alike. This work positioned him as a leader who understands that success is most meaningful when it uplifts others—a principle that continues to guide his work today.
Following his corporate tenure, Cole founded RC Peacock Consulting, a firm specializing in corporate transformation, branding, and strategic growth. Through this venture, he has advised a wide range of organizations—from Fortune 500 companies to startups, nonprofits, and government agencies. His firm’s expertise spans industries including retail, finance, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Known for his exceptional ability to diagnose organizational challenges and design scalable solutions, Cole has led restructuring efforts, mergers, and board realignments that have revitalized companies and strengthened leadership cohesion.
Among his many partnerships, Cole has served as a corporate consultant for Exeter Finance, a Blackstone Capital company, where his strategic insight supported organizational restructuring and change management. His collaborations with Storm Smart, Ohana Solutions, Guardian Fleet Services, and the Florida Retail Federation highlight his influence across diverse sectors. He has repeatedly proven his capacity to balance visionary leadership with practical implementation, delivering measurable results that enhance both performance and reputation.
In addition to his consulting career, Cole is a respected entrepreneur and community builder. He is the Co-Founder of the Caloosahatchee Cannabis Company and C3 Investments, leading innovative projects such as Seed & Bean Market—Florida’s first cannabis café and CBD marketplace—and PureNative, a premium hemp and lifestyle brand. His ventures reflect his belief in responsible innovation, sustainable business practices, and community-driven growth. Through these enterprises, Cole has not only advanced Florida’s emerging cannabis and hemp industries but also created platforms for education, wellness, and economic development.
Beyond business, Cole’s influence extends deeply into civic and educational leadership. He has held pivotal roles on numerous boards and committees, including the Florida Hemp and Cannabis Statewide Advisory Board, the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Florida Gulf Coast University Lutgert School of Business Board of Directors. His dedication to public service is further evident in his leadership positions with the Edison Ford Winter Estates, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, Uncommon Friends Foundation, and Leadership Florida. Each of these roles underscores his lifelong commitment to community engagement, youth development, and social responsibility.
Throughout his career, Cole has been recognized with numerous honors and awards, reflecting both his professional excellence and civic dedication. From being named among Gulfshore Business’s Top 50 Power Players to receiving the Florida Chamber State Business Advocacy Award and the Congressional Order of Merit, his accolades speak to a life of achievement balanced by purpose. These distinctions are not merely trophies of success but affirmations of a leader whose influence continues to shape industries, policies, and communities across Florida and beyond.
Today, Cole remains at the forefront of business and social innovation. As President of RC Peacock Consulting and an active board leader, he continues to mentor executives, guide corporate transformations, and champion initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable growth. His leadership philosophy is grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and the belief that great leaders cultivate environments where others can thrive. In both his professional and personal life, Cole exemplifies the principle that perseverance, vision, and compassion can transform challenges into opportunities.
Character:
Cole Peacock’s character is defined by integrity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. He leads by example, fostering trust, transparency, and respect in every professional relationship. His dedication to giving back—through service, mentorship, and philanthropy—illustrates a profound sense of responsibility to his community and to the people he leads.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of cross-sector experience, Cole possesses a depth of knowledge that spans business strategy, government affairs, branding, and organizational transformation. His ability to synthesize complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies demonstrates mastery across multiple disciplines. This breadth of expertise allows him to guide organizations with both analytical precision and creative insight.
Strategic:
Cole approaches every endeavor with a long-term strategic vision, balancing immediate impact with sustainable growth. His success in leading turnarounds, launching ventures, and aligning public-private partnerships reveals a rare talent for connecting vision with execution. Through foresight and disciplined planning, he consistently transforms innovative ideas into measurable results that endure.
Communication:
An accomplished communicator and public speaker, Cole bridges gaps between industries, stakeholders, and communities. His experience in corporate communications and government relations has made him a trusted voice for clarity, influence, and inspiration. Whether in the boardroom, at the podium, or within his community, his words consistently move people toward unity, purpose, and progress.
