Hello! I am an 18-year-old senior at the Army and Navy Academy. In my time outside of school, I published a book called “The Teenage Guide to Success,” which incorporates life and mindset advice from a wide range of successful people into a guide tailored to a teenage audience. As an undergraduate in college I plan on studying economics, then business for my MBA.
If you’d like to read more about my book, you can find everything at colefidelman.com
About Colton Fidelman
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my father, Mark Fidelman, here in California. He runs a digital marketing business. My Mom, Kelly Fidelman, lives in upstate New York with my sister, Kate. My mother works as a business recruiter for Solomon Edwards and my sister is in eighth grade.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Though my life has just started, I have taken up my love for writing and am fortunate enough to have made something of it early. I am a published author with a wide network of billionaires, athletes, musicians, and celebrities alike as a byproduct of the interviews I conducted for my book. With writing, I love how creative one can get with it. You could change the tone of an entire essay by switching a few words, or paint a brilliant picture in people’s heads using imagery. The sky’s the limit with writing. I plan on taking my communication skills into the business world and hopefully start a company one day centered around space travel. Space is the next frontier and I do not want to miss it.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Here’s something I’ve learned as an avid chess player: there’s always another solution to the problem.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to be giving talks about my book and raising awareness on issues that young adults face in the world while juggling an expensive startup with my college buddies.
Colton Fidelman & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurant of all time would most likely be Gioala. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve been to. However, Mr. A’s and In & Out are some lofty contenders.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in San Diego for 18 years, save for a few months in Arizona when I was four.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mrs. Peggy Combs, the president of the Army and Navy Academy, is probably one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. You don’t come across many Generals in your life, but when you do, they sure do leave a lasting impression. She has improved my school tenfold from what it was.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
There used to be a frozen yogurt place in Bressi Ranch called X-treme. I would go there all the time when I was younger.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The peacocks at the Leo Carrillo Ranch In Carlsbad. I have never been to a place with peacocks that will walk up to you (and not attack you) instead of running away. They are incredibly friendly, and a great attraction to take anybody to see.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would love to speak with Tony Robbins while serving lunch at a local soup kitchen. I think I’d learn a lot more from talking with him while we’re serving other people rather than ourselves.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
“The Queens Gambit” series — by Scott Frank, and “The Big Short” movie — by Adam McKay.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can play a mean game of Connect Four.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Double Peak Park.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dad does the best job. He pushes me when I don’t even know I need it.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Kids Matter and NAMI (the national alliance on mental illness) in San Diego. These two non-profits help adolescents pick themselves back up in life, which is something I believe a lot of people overlook.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Pay no mind to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic.”—Jean Sibelius
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Carlsbad highlands.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It’s proximity to the ocean and the Carlsbad Village.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
It would have to start with a morning run by the beach, then a drive up to Double Peak Park to see the sunrise. Afterward, breakfast at the Broken Yolk Cafe in La Costa and then a workout before lunch after getting home. For dinner, Mr. A’s, with the long drive in-between to think about the world. And lastly, though it is becoming an increasing rarity for me, a long 9-10 hour sleep after a great day.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Stability. Peace. Serenity.
