Today we’d like to introduce you to Elrick Lounds.
Elrick, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Originally from Arlington area and attended Bowie High School where I left and joined the Air Force. During my time in the Air Force, I was the little guy, my family would attest to it! So I was always drawn towards fitness and training to improve my physique.
Throughout my military career, I spent much of time working out or reading books on various topics -business, philosophy, exercise science, and nutrition topics that would spur my interest in building a business around the fitness industry – on top of that I loved to help others push themselves and learn more about their bodies. After the military, I was blessed to be able to play baseball and train clients at my alma mater Texas Wesleyan University. Back in 2008, fitness wasn’t as social media popular as it is today, but I was dead set on doing more with my love for fitness.
So I started my first company doing both bootcamps and personal training sessions in the DFW area; fast forward to today, I have had my hands in the industry for over ten years now to some capacity. TaperShaper Products started as an idea – actually more of an opportunity for me to tap into the retail side of the industry. I have always loved a challenge and that is exactly what this has been. Since our start in October 2018 its been a journey which we have been learning and growing through ever since!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course not! It has been very challenging, but that comes with the territory. I have come to understand that much of the success that is in our future comes from the ability to take smart risk and adjust accordingly to the result. Being a self-funded business, every dollar invested matters. My real first challenge, which I laugh about now was that I speculated the popularity of certain items in our inventory wrong on our first big order which made for a fun time selling – my first blunder. That was one of many lessons learned.
The biggest challenge in my opinion is that the market is constantly changing, and there are many players – Big and Small. So with that challenge the key has been to swim in bluer, less crowded water. Carving out a niche from a big pie. With any of the obstacles, it makes the journey a learning adventure that constantly keeps me on my toes and pushing me to learn and evolve. Thats exciting in itself!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
TaperShaper Products carries fitness and training tools that help shape and tone the body. Our product line is curated to help customers, whether in the gym or at home have tools available that will enhance their training experience. Our most popular product is our all-natural TS9 activation cream which I created after getting tired of the chemicals in the other brands. This is my favorite product not only because I curated it but also because it is just good for your skin and body – and customers love it.
I take a ton of pride of being exactly the same whether you meet me in the gym or if you buy a product and I am personally handwriting notes after purchase to thank you for supporting us. We set ourselves apart now and into the future by being smart about our product line ensuring that they add real value, and of course making sure that when you see TaperShaper Products, you see my passion for helping people reach their goals.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a shy jokester, nothing like I am now! I have always loved to read and take in new information which I still do to this day. My hobbies were sports and music. Growing up, I loved to be around family, sharing stories, and terrorizing my sisters. I was ambitious though as I am today. When I was 14, I started Mr. E’s Lawn Mowing Service in which I made a nice summer savings before high school.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tapershaperproducts.com
- Phone: 682-220-6900
- Email: elrick@trainwithelrick.com
- Instagram: @tapershaperproducts / @ecasso_
- Facebook: tapershaperproducts
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