Erik Monroe Underwood was born to a single mother who had six children. His mother had two sets of twins, which Erik has a twin sister named Erika. Erik is the oldest child of all of his siblings. Erik grew up in challenging circumstances. Leadership started very early for Erik, guiding his 5 other siblings. With no father present in his life, Erik had to make tough choices to stay out of trouble. Growing up in three housing projects in 2 States, Erik learned how to make friends and adapt quickly. The greatest influences in his childhood were his grandparents. Especially his grandmother Victoria Nicholas, a great and formidable woman. When Erik went to go live with his Grandmother at age 11, she handed him a etiquette book from author Gloria Vanderbilt. Victoria told Erik to read and absorb the information and she expected Erik to put the book into practice. His grandmother taught him how to be a gentleman in many ways including, having respect for himself and others, holding the door open for a lady, or pulling a chair out for a woman to sit down at a table. Erik’s late Grandmother Victoria set Erik on a path to keep God first and to set the bar high. Victoria pushed Erik to excel and to be the best. Erik would rely on these principles later as he ventured into politics and business. Also important to Erik’s life is Jim Clark and his family. The Clark family was introduced to Erik through the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organization when Erik was 7 years old. Erik, being astute when he was younger, would often debate politics with Jim and his family. The Clark Family were moderate/liberal Republicans, which influenced Erik as a child. During this time Erik began to develop a passion for politics. Later, forging his path towards leadership, Erik ran and won Class President (6th grade). During this time, the Clark family was building a company called SMP (Specialty Metallurgical Products). Erik’s interests in childhood and in high school centered around Reading, Science, Politics, Track & Field, and Basketball. Ever so competitive, he had undefeated seasons in the 110 and 300 hurdles both in Pennsylvania and later when he moved to Atlanta. Erik attended Morehouse College and ultimately graduated from Central State University in Ohio. He excelled in Basketball and Track. He majored in Political Science and International Relations, with minors in Business and in Journalism. Enjoying the great beauty that Colorado has to offer, Erik wants to become Colorado's biggest cheerleader. When not working, writing, or innovating, Erik is very active in the city of Denver and other outlying areas of Colorado. You can catch Erik riding horses, kickboxing, hiking, running, reading and traveling. Currently, Erik is not married and has no children.
