A native Texan, Cole grew up in South Arlington in the farmhouse where his grandfather was born and raised. Cole learned the value of hard work, education, and independence at an early age from his mother, a high school English teacher, and his father, a farmer.

Cole graduated from Mansfield High School and earned his B.A. in business at Texas A&M University. In college, during his summer breaks, he would return home to work alongside his father, balancing his academics with the character building that comes from working in the Texas heat.

After graduation, Cole entered the healthcare industry. His creativity, work ethic and pragmatic optimism contributed to his rapid rise, which led to him becoming Director of Sales for a large company. He excelled at growing new lines of business and turning around struggling operations.

In 2009, Cole drew upon his business expertise to co-found Vivicare Health Partners, a provider of home nursing for medically fragile children. He wanted to establish a company based upon creating shared value among the employees, customers and community rather than a company founded on the narrow focus of maximizing short-term profits—a problem that has plagued so many corporations. The key to Vivicare’s success has always been a willingness to invest in people, who in turn feel the confidence and support needed to do great work. When your job is taking care of “little miracles,” nothing less will do.

As an advocate for children with special needs, Cole has worked with legislators, regulators and industry groups in Austin to give every child the opportunity to live a full life. Cole has worked with Cook Children’s, Mission Arlington, and other charitable organizations in the Metroplex, and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Camp Summit, an outdoor camp offering amazing experiences for children and adults with special needs. In addition, Cole has spent time volunteering as a math tutor in Arlington schools and as a youth basketball coach.

In 2001, Cole married his childhood sweetheart, Ann, who has also dedicated her career to helping others. She works as a physical therapist at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. She also serves on the Board of Directors for PMR Charity, and teaches Physical Therapy students at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Cole and Ann have two sons, and Ann is an active parent volunteer at their sons’ schools.