Bio
Len Forkas is founder/CEO of Milestone Towers, a digital infrastructure company building wireless towers on public lands for over 25 years. Adventure athlete who completed the Seven Summits (becoming 5th oldest globally), Race Across America winner, and non-profit founder of Hopecam.org, a charity supporting children with cancer. Author of leadership books drawing from extreme sports experiences.
Key Discussion Points
Everest Achievement & 2023 Failure Lessons [0:50-16:00]
Key Moment: Len Forkas completed the Seven Summits after a 2023 Everest failure due to pulmonary complications
Business Lesson: Deconstructing every decision that led to the failure and meticulous preparation are crucial. Forkas dedicated a year to preparation, including weightlifting, trekking with a 50-lb pack, climbing in Indonesia & Ecuador and hypoxic sleep training
Crevasse Incident & Systems Validation [33:00-36:00]
Key Moment: After a successful summit, Forkas fell into a 70-foot crevasse at 27,000 feet while descending to the South Col.
Business Lesson: The importance of safety systems and meticulous preparation. His polar expedition training saved his life.
Hopecam Growth & Impact [36:00-51:00]
Key Moment: Hopecam doubled its applications from 500 to 1,000 children annually post-COVID and grew hospital partnerships from 60 to 180 in five years. 70% of Hopecam students attend title one schools.
Business Lesson: Viewing sponsors as "investors" in mental health outcomes created by the nonprofit rather than as a traditional donors.
Milestone Towers Business Evolution [72:00-95:00]
Key Moment: Milestone Towers rebranded from Milestone Communications to reflect its real estate asset focus
Business Lesson: Strategic niche and barriers to entry protect competitive advantage. AI is optimizing existing equipment efficiency, and use of 5G networks has not hit full stride. Difficult to entitle locations have the highest value for both the tower owner and wireless carriers.
Leadership Philosophy [114:00-125:00]
Key Moment: Len Forkas' son Matt joined the company after five years of external experience 15.
Business Lesson: Trust and preparation are essential for success in both business and extreme sports. Letting team members own and solve problems is crucial
Next challenge: North Pole expedition, but prioritizing family and team presence for now.
RESOURCES:
https://www.lenforkas.com/
https://coeenterprises.com/podcast/len-forkas-renaissance-man-33/
What Spins The Wheel: https://www.amazon.com/What-Spins-Wheel-Leadership-Lessons/dp/0996096906?sr=8-2
Cold Hard Truth: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Hard-Truth-Special-Color-ebook/dp/B09VDY69FC?sr=8-1
https://www.hopecam.org/
https://youtu.be/D6qjcwEVQYc
