Erik M. Underwood

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...