Nolen Crawford
An adventure-seeking entrepreneur who adapts to life’s challenges with smiles and creativity.
Scene: Nolen storms in to grab no coffee, but instead sits down and steals all the ascetics… Do you blame him? He was wearing a white shirt.
Howdy Yall!
While my name is Nolen, many people search for Nolan, so here’s what you need to know about me.
5 average scrolls and a little focus is all it takes to know Nolen (that’s me).
So, why a site all about me?
I find meaning in documenting my journey—not just for those with me today, but for future entrepreneurs who may reflect upon it.
I look at the great founders of today and ask myself. What were they thinking in their 20s? What challenges did they overcome before finding success?
Though I haven’t reached my version of success yet, I know it’s on the horizon. The journey will be full of highs and lows, and I’m excited to share every moment with the world.
Now let’s get into the meat and potatoes of who Nolen Crawford is. ( I’m vegetarian so I’ll leave the meat to you, enjoy )
Last Updated: 10/20/2024
I’m Nolen Crawford, and I find entrepreneurship and taking big risk to be quite my jam.
I had a successful sneaker reselling venture in high school, until the Rona had other plans.
Alongside that, I started a split, stack, and delivery firewood business with my dad, managing all aspects of the operation.
I also traded & invested in cryptocurrencies in my late teens.
While I’m driven by business success and ambitious goals, I find my true purpose in the time I give back. Volunteering isn’t just an add-on; it’s a core part of my life, shaping who I am and how I hope to impact others.
The roots of my volunteering journey trace all the way back to grade school. That’s when a simple tradition sparked what I’d call a “giver’s mindset.”
Every birthday, my mom had one rule: instead of bringing presents, my friends would bring donations for a nonprofit of my choice. This small, annual tradition laid a foundation in me that has led to incredible experiences and friendships.
Since then, my path has been full of meaningful moments. A few highlights?
In 2024, I joined GIVE Volunteers and traveled to Thailand, teaching English to grade school kids. Those weeks were life-changing, building connections across language and culture.
As well, during college I volunteered at a nonprofit coffee shop, an experience that eventually led me to my current role at Not Your Average Joe.
Recently, I turned 20! While I was hiking the same well-worn college trail as my peers, I decided to step off and take a different path by pursuing a non-profit job. That’s what I call a risk… but isn’t that what life is all about?
Education & Jobs
University of Oklahoma
2023-2024, Norman OK
Business Administration
Dropped Out
- Business school dean’s honor roll.
- Multicultural Business Program
- Became a Barista.
2024 – Present, OKC
Non-Profit
Entrepreneur In Residence
(Read my News-Press)
- Launch product lines in 2 retailers.
- Manage 30 wholesale accounts and maintain communication..
Hustles
Sneaker Flipper
2018-2022
Sole Investor
- Resold 90 + Sneakers
- Navigated multiple marketing channels to maximize eye-balls.
Firewood Guy
2018-2022
Chief Splitting Officer
- Split & Sold 10 ricks per winter.
- Gained experience in door-to-door sales.
A Brief History of Nolen Crawford
- 2024: I Left College and started working at a Non-Profit in OKC. Volunteered in Thailand teaching English to grade school students.
- 2023: Enrolled in the University of Oklahoma.
- 2022: Graduated high school & co-broadcasted the varsity basketball radio station.
- 2021: Placed 4th in 3A Texas Regional Tennis Tournament.
- 2020: Traveled Texas showing pigs.
- 2019: Competed in Speach & Debate.
- 2018: Started reselling sneakers & firewood.