Colin Hodge

WILLIAMSPORT — Otto Bookstore will host Lycoming County native and USA Today National Bestselling author Colin Hodge for the launch of his debut book, “Outrageous Startup Growth,” on Saturday, May 30, from noon to 2 p.m. at 107 W. Fourth St. The event is free and open to the public.

Hodge, a graduate of Hughesville High School’s Class of 2003, is a startup founder and entrepreneur who has led companies and growth teams responsible for more than 100 million users. He co-owns DOWN, a top-10 dating app in the United States with millions in annual revenue, and previously served as the first U.S. CEO of 17Live, the top live-streaming platform in Asia, where he led global expansion and launched the U.S. market. He holds a bachelor of science in computer science from Cornell University.

“Outrageous Startup Growth” has become a go-to resource for founders seeking to grow their companies faster. Hodge, who started his first business at age 15, travels internationally as a keynote speaker and board member for organizations and entrepreneurial communities worldwide.

“I grew up in Lycoming County and dreamt of becoming a star entrepreneur, so I wrote this book for all of the other Colins and Colleens in the area to have the blueprint for starting their own company,” Hodge said. “If you’ve got kids who are graduating or a friend with business aspirations, I hope this book inspires them and sparks many more success stories from our area.”

Otto Bookstore General Manager John Shableski said the event reflects the store’s commitment to celebrating local achievement.

“One aspect of running a bookstore is the opportunity to celebrate the work of someone from our community who went on to publish a successful book,” Shableski said. “You’d be surprised how many success stories are born in a small town. We are looking forward to hosting Colin on Saturday.”

Due to limited supplies, book purchases will be limited to one copy per person. The event is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, families with business-minded young people and anyone considering starting their own company.