From a $2 photograph to capturing some of the biggest moments in horse racing! Sometimes the most incredible business journeys begin with the simplest opportunities. For Hunter Fridley, Gateway CEO Class of 2025 alumnus, it all started with his grandma's camera.
Hunter grew up at the racetrack. His dad worked as a trainer, and his mom was an outrider. From an early age, Hunter was comfortable talking to people, striking up conversations and building relationships with jockeys and others throughout the track. Then came a simple request to help figure out his grandma's camera.
Hunter started experimenting with photography, asking jockeys he already knew, "Can I grab a quick picture for you?" His first photograph sold for $2. Who would have imagined where that $2 would take him? Through years of building relationships, improving his skills and saying YES to opportunities, Hunter found himself at a wedding where a connection opened the door to Coady Media.
Today, Hunter contracts with Coady Media, traveling to some of the country's premier racetracks, capturing winner's circle celebrations, live drone racing and some of the highest-stakes moments in the sport. And his business continues to grow!
Hunter has expanded his photography into sports, senior portraits and, most recently, construction photography. Each new opportunity allows him to develop his expertise, build his portfolio and connect with new customers. But one of the biggest turning points in his business wasn't a new camera, a new customer or even a new contract. It was advice from a mentor: "It's hard to grow a business if you're not charging your worth."
That simple statement changed how Hunter viewed his business. He began refining his pricing, recognizing the value of his expertise and understanding that growing a business also means investing in yourself. Better equipment. Better quality. More experience. Greater value. What started as a hobby has become a growing business with opportunities Hunter probably never imagined when he sold that first $2 photograph!
And here's what makes his story even better. Hunter hasn't forgotten where he started—or the relationships that helped him get there. Last week, we had the opportunity to welcome Hunter back to Gateway CEO to visit with our Class of 2027. He shared his experiences building a business while offering encouragement as our students navigate the challenges of planning their own Class Business.
It's pretty special to watch a former student return with real-world experience, business lessons and a growing confidence in what he's capable of accomplishing. In Gateway CEO, we talk a lot about how your network is your net worth. Hunter's journey is a perfect example of what happens when you combine relationships with hard work, curiosity, a willingness to learn and the courage to pursue opportunity.
One camera. One $2 photograph. One relationship at a time. And the opportunities keep growing! ❤️ We often refer to Gateway CEO as a family. It's a community that invests in young adults while they're in the program, but those relationships don't end when they graduate.
Once you're part of the Gateway CEO family, you're always family. Hunter, thank you for coming back to encourage our Class of 2027. We are incredibly proud of the entrepreneur you're becoming and can't wait to see where your business takes you next!
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