Erik Monroe Underwood's early life was marked by challenging circumstances, as he was born to a single mother who had six children, including his twin sister Erika. His mother, who had two sets of twins, was raising seven children on her own, with Erik being the oldest. Despite these difficulties, Erik's leadership skills emerged early, as he took on a caretaker role for his five younger siblings.
Growing up in three housing projects across two states, Erik learned to adapt quickly and make friends in diverse environments. However, his childhood was also marked by the absence of his father, which forced Erik to make tough choices to avoid trouble. It was during this time that he developed a strong sense of responsibility and resilience.
Erik's grandmother, Victoria Nicholas, played a significant role in shaping his life. She took him in at the age of 11 and instilled in him a sense of etiquette and respect for others. Victoria, a strong and formidable woman, gave Erik a book on etiquette by Gloria Vanderbilt and encouraged him to read and practice the principles. Under her guidance, Erik learned important values such as respect for himself and others, opening doors for ladies, and pulling chairs out for women.
Victoria's influence extended beyond etiquette, as she encouraged Erik to keep God first and set high standards for himself. She pushed him to excel and be the best, which would later serve him well in his pursuits in politics and business.
Erik's life was also impacted by the Clark family, whom he met through the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organization when he was just 7 years old. The Clark family, moderate/liberal Republicans, introduced Erik to politics and sparked his passion for the subject. He would often engage in debates with them, which further fueled his interest in politics. Erik's connection with the Clark family also led to his involvement with the company SMP (Specialty Metallurgical Products),where he developed an interest in business.
Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Erik's interests were diverse, ranging from reading and science to politics, track and field, and basketball. He was an exceptional athlete, with undefeated seasons in the 110 and 300 hurdles in both Pennsylvania and Atlanta. Erik's academic achievements were equally impressive, as he attended Morehouse College and later graduated from Central State University in Ohio with a degree in Political Science and International Relations, as well as minors in Business and Journalism.
Today, Erik is a passionate advocate for Colorado, and when not working or innovating, he enjoys a range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, kickboxing, hiking, running, and traveling. He is currently not married and has no children.
