COLT President John Rutherford told XBIZ that the three men, whose looks stay true to the company's masculine, handsome image, have natural attitudes in front of the camera with approachable, friendly personalities.
Rutherford said he's lined up several special projects for them, including COLT's new "Minute Man" solo series and the upcoming feature "Hawai'i," which he said was shot on location this year. The three also are currently making the rounds at COLT bar events across the country.
Rutherford said he met Branson, who worked for the online company Randy Blue, after hearing he was interested in becoming a COLT Man. Rutherford was introduced to Darin through MySpace, where his "man-next-door" photos prompted Rutherford to fly him to California for his very first shoot.
Valentin, a native Frenchman who Rutherford said doesn't speak a word of English, was discovered on the dance floor at a COLT event in Paris. Rutherford said Valentin was go-go dancing in a COLT tank top, which prompted him immediately to find a French-speaking friend and get his contact information.
"I can say that we expect their partnership with us here at COLT to help bring hot, natural and masculine men to our COLT fans and viewers," Rutherford said. "While they get to attach themselves to a 40-year-strong brand, we get to have beautiful men who are extremely hot and sexy. We appreciate all our COLT Men and not only does a COLT Man have to have good looks and sex appeal, but they also have to be secure with themselves and have a vision for success."
