Meet Cole Manders | Founder & Principal, Clout Advocacy, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cole Manders and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Clout came from the intersection of a few lived experiences. Following my seagoing career as a merchant marine officer, I found myself in trading and shipping—fast-paced, high-stakes, and deeply tied to systems most people never see. Later, I moved into government affairs, where I began to understand how those systems are shaped in the first place. That combination showed me just how important, and how inaccessible, policy influence can be for the people who aren’t sitting in the boardroom.

What ultimately pushed me to start Clout wasn’t a single moment, but a growing sense that many organizations talk a big game about values, equity, and transparency, but often fall short when it counts. I wanted to build something that felt more aligned with what those words should actually mean. Clout exists to help small businesses, founders, start-ups, and underrepresented voices engage in policy without needing a corporate budget or an insider advantage.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Clout is a modern government relations and policy strategy firm built for people who’ve been shut out of the process. We help small businesses, startups, creatives, and advocacy groups navigate complex political and regulatory systems—without needing a Fortune 500 budget or institutional pedigree.

What sets us apart is how we operate. We don’t sell access or play by the same old rules. Clout is built on sharp strategy, plainspoken communication, and a belief that influence shouldn’t be reserved for the well-connected. We make policy feel human—and possible.

Getting here wasn’t easy. The idea for Clout came after a difficult chapter in my career, one that made me rethink who I was working for and why. There were moments of real uncertainty, but also clarity. I learned how important it is to trust your gut, stand firm in your values, and keep building even when the blueprint doesn’t exist yet.

I’m proud that Clout reflects those lessons. It’s not just a business, it’s a new way of advocacy: honest, independent, and built to serve people who deserve a seat at the table. If there’s one thing I’d want people to know, it’s that policy isn’t out of reach. You just need the right kind of Clout.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was visiting Denver for the week, I’d tailor the trip to the season—because this city offers something completely different (and equally great) whether it’s snowing or 75 and sunny.

If it’s ski season, we’d spend a few days in the mountains—probably Breck or Keystone. Skiing here isn’t just about the runs, it’s the whole rhythm of the day: crisp air, powder mornings, and that unbeatable mix of exhaustion and contentment at the end of it all.

If it’s summer, we’re leaning into patio season. I’d start with an Aperol spritz at Tony P’s or Postino (ask for a splash of St. Germain—trust me), followed by dinner at Cart-Driver in LoHi or Gaetano’s if we’re craving something classic. We’d carve out time to hit King Buffet in Arvada, too—one of the most underrated Chinese spots around.

For drinks, I’d take them to Yacht Club or Death & Co—both great for conversation and atmosphere without the pretense. Mornings would start at Little Owl for the best cappuccino in the city, followed by a walk through LoHi or a yoga class at Samadhi to reset. If there’s a show at Mission Ballroom, we’re there.

What I love about Denver is the range—it’s easy to keep things grounded, spontaneous, and a little elevated all at once. That’s what I’d want to share with anyone visiting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to the Bhagavad Gita—a text that found me when I needed it most. There’s a verse that says, ‘You have the right to your work, but not to the fruits of your work.’ That line became a compass. It helped me release the grip of control, ego, and expectation, and return to the work itself—steady, clear, and rooted in purpose. In a season where a lot was uncertain, that wisdom gave me peace. It reminded me that walking the path with intention is enough. That’s the spirit on which Clout was built.

Website: https://www.cloutadvocacy.com

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