Meet Colby Johnson

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

Hi Colby, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be a change in the world. I see the world differently. Most people wake up, clock in, clock out, and do the same thing for 60 years with a smile like that’s just how life goes. I don’t want that. I want to build something different—communities, spaces, ideas that bring people back to life.

Everything feels boring now. We’re told to play it safe, but I believe we’re the most powerful, beautiful version of ourselves when we’re creating and doing what we love. That’s what I want to be remembered for—not money, not clout, not recognition. Just for being real, for breaking out of the box, and for helping others feel free enough to do the same in their own life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I came into the business world loyal, wide-eyed, and ready to give 100%. I thought hard work and good intentions would be enough. But what I quickly learned is that business is cutthroat. It’s often built around a “what can you do for me” mindset, and people try to frame you into a box—one lane, one title, one expectation.

I’ve been successful because I’ve done the opposite. I’ve moved intentionally, positioned myself in rooms that weren’t built for me, and refused to be limited by anyone else’s idea of who I should be.

What sets me apart is that I’m 23, and I’ve already started building something meaningful. I’m proud to be attending Warwick Business School—one of the top MBA programs in the world—as one of the youngest in my cohort. I’ve earned my PMP certification, started a wellness brand rooted in clarity and intention, and I’ve volunteered through the UN and Global Shapers because giving back matters to me just as much as building.

I also work at a Fortune 500 company and I’m learning how big systems operate—but my heart is in changing them. Shadow Spring isn’t just a business to me—it’s proof that discipline, restraint, and creative thinking still have a place in the world.

What I want people to know is that I’m not in this to follow rules. I’m in this to build something that wakes people up—to remind them they don’t have to live on autopilot. That’s what this brand stands for. That’s what I stand for.

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.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d want them to feel what it’s like to move with purpose, have fun, and actually live. Here’s how we’d do it:

We’d catch a Browns, Cavs, or Guardians game—depending on the season. Nothing beats live sports energy, especially when it’s your city.

We’d hit up a few breweries like Lock 15 or HiHO Brewing Co, then check out some local spots like Swenson’s or a food truck pull-up. Cleveland’s got gems, but Akron holds its own if you know where to look.

One day would be all nature—fishing early in the morning, then a calm reset at Summit Metro Parks or Cuyahoga Valley. Another day we’d head out to Cedar Point and just go full adrenaline.

We’d walk through local markets, talk with random people, grab something homemade. It’s about feeling the community, not just seeing the city.

Some nights would be loud, some would be silent—but every moment would be real. That’s how I move. That’s how I’d show anyone around.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out everyone I’ve ever encountered. Every person has told me a story—directly or indirectly—that I’ve carried and personalized in some way.

I’m especially appreciative of the people who overlooked me, told me I couldn’t do what I’m doing now, or were critical in a negative way. They taught me what not to be. They reminded me how important it is to show love, to support people who are trying, and to do good in the world even when it’s not returned.

And I have deep gratitude for the ones who saw me aiming high and didn’t try to clip my wings. The ones who didn’t question it, didn’t mock it, just let me be me—and listened when things got heavy. That quiet support meant everything.

Every encounter shaped me. And I’m still learning from all of it.

Website: https://Shadowspring.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowspringco/profilecard/?igsh=MWl5MGZudzFpZjIyYw==

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/colby-johnson-bb338726b