Robert Erickson Bio
Robert Erickson Bio
Welcome to the journey of lifelong learning with Robert Erickson, the heart and soul of EnglishClassCDMX. Born in 1954 in a small farming community in Wisconsin, Robert’s life mission revolves around empowering individuals to improve their lives by honing their English and communication skills, an endeavor he has been passionately pursuing since 1994. His life’s greatest joy emanates from sharing the knowledge and techniques that have enabled him to overcome adversities, learn, evolve, and triumph over life’s significant challenges.
Early life and the Making of a Mentor
Robert’s early years in a small farming community instilled in him a strong sense of independence and a love for reading. One of his fondest memories is receiving his library card at age six, sparking a lifelong love of learning as a voracious reader. This early passion for knowledge, combined with little supervision, nurtured his self-reliance. At the young age of 17, Robert embarked on his journey towards independence, leaving home and gaining extensive experience working in factories, ranches, farms, and restaurants. This period significantly shaped his work ethic and understanding of the world.
Crisis, Moving West and Transformation
A significant change came in 1978 when Robert moved to Jackson, Wyoming at the age of 24. He worked in construction, and it was during this time that he faced a personal crisis at the age of 28 in 1982. This moment became a turning point in his life, opening him up to the possibility of personal transformation and growth.
In the midst of the crisis, Robert made a conscious decision to do whatever it took to become healthy. He joined a self-help group and committed to attending daily meetings for over five years. During this time, he threw himself into learning all of the group’s material, served as a General Service Representative (GSR), and found a mentor. His commitment to self-improvement and growth was unyielding, and he later took on the role of mentoring others, sharing the wisdom and resilience he had acquired.
Nurtured by Nature in Jackson
Living in the picturesque Jackson, Wyoming, was more than just a residency for Robert; it was a life-shaping experience that helped forge his character and cultivate invaluable relationships. The town’s stunning landscapes, brimming with pristine rivers, majestic mountains, and wide-open spaces, provided an idyllic backdrop for a multitude of outdoor activities. Robert spent his free time hunting, fishing, kayaking, skiing, horseback riding,roller blading, running, climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, and camping in all four seasons. He also developed a keen interest in photography and mountain biking. These activities not only honed his physical strength and endurance but also nurtured his resilience, tenacity, and appreciation for nature. They instilled in him the values of patience, persistence, and respect for the environment. But more than anything, these shared experiences fostered deep, lasting bonds with fellow outdoors enthusiasts, forging friendships and partnerships that enriched his life immeasurably.
Entrepreneurial Journey and the Rise of Grand Teton Plumbing
In 1986, at the age of 32, Robert took the leap to open his own Plumbing Construction firm, Grand Teton Plumbing. Starting as a one-person operation, Robert’s hard work and dedication saw Grand Teton Plumbing grow exponentially over the years. By 2005, the firm had evolved into a multifaceted business with a retail store, a plumbing construction and repair department, and a lawn sprinkler design and installation division. The company also ventured into spa, pool, and chemical sales, along with providing maintenance services. This growth was testament to Robert’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination to succeed.
A New Love: Teaching English
In 1994, at the age of 40, Robert took his first trip to Mexico, invited by his employees. He immediately fell in love with the country and its people. Inspired by this experience, Robert started teaching English on a volunteer basis through the guidance of the Teton Literacy Program. The program trained him and paired him with mostly Spanish-speaking immigrants to help them assimilate into the community. Robert volunteered in this capacity from 1994 to 2005. This initiative marked the beginning of Robert’s journey of combining his love for helping others with teaching language proficiency.
A Lifelong Learner
Robert’s journey of self-education became his greatest strength. His expansive knowledge in business, living freely and strongly, health, creativity, and enlightened self-interest is a testament to his personal journey of failures, changes, and eventual success. He doesn’t claim to know everything, for he is a committed lifelong learner.
This continuous learning process allows him to share his love, enthusiasm, experience, and vision with his students, ultimately helping them reach their individual goals.
A New Chapter in Mexico City
In 2006, at the age of 52, Robert embarked on a new adventure, moving to Mexico City. Two years later, in 2008, he founded English Class CDMX, using his skills and experience to help others in their language and personal development journeys.
🎨🏍️ Embracing Life in Mexico City: A Journey of Art, Adventure, and Language 🇲🇽
Living in the vibrant metropolis of Mexico City has been an incredible source of inspiration for me. Exploring its rich cultural heritage and visiting its world-class museums ignited my passion for art. Starting with watercolors, I embarked on a creative journey, exploring different mediums such as acrylic and ultimately finding my love for oils. Painting has become not only a form of artistic expression but also a way to capture the essence of this vibrant city.
As an avid adventurer, I have also discovered the thrill of exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Mexico on my motorcycle. The open road has led me to hidden gems, charming villages, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Immersing myself in these unique experiences allows me to connect with the local communities, converse in Spanish, and deepen my understanding of the rich tapestry of Mexican culture.
Living in Mexico City has shaped my perspective, enriched my artistic endeavors, and fueled my passion for adventure. It is a constant reminder that life is an incredible canvas waiting to be painted, and every road taken opens doors to new possibilities. I am excited to share my knowledge, experiences, and love for the vibrant Mexican culture with you as we embark on a transformative language learning journey together. 🎨🌎🚀
Digital Learning Pioneer
In 2020, Robert started creating online courses for the popular platform Udemy, further expanding his reach and impact. His first course was released in November 2022, marking another milestone in his career as an educator and mentor. Robert has dedicated himself to making learning accessible to everyone, anytime, anywhere, leveraging the power of digital platforms to democratize education.
Robert's Credo
Robert’s life is shaped by a simple, powerful credo: Learn, Grow, Contribute, Feel Great, and Have as Much Fun as Possible. These five principles guide his every action, his every decision. It’s not just a credo for him – it’s his reality.
He has made significant strides in embodying these principles, but the journey of learning and growth never truly ends. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, to grow, to contribute, to feel great, and to have fun.
Join The Journey
And now, Robert invites you to join him on this inspiring journey. Whether you’re looking to improve your English language skills, seeking personal growth, or wanting to unlock your full potential, Robert is here to guide and support you.
He believes that everyone has the capacity for greatness, and he is committed to helping you discover and nurture yours. So why wait? Connect with Robert today and take the first step towards transforming your life. Embrace the journey of learning, growing, contributing, feeling great, and having as much fun as possible. Welcome to your future!
Gratitude
In his journey thus far, Robert has been privileged to cross paths with countless individuals – those he has loved, contended with, worked alongside, played with, recovered with, taught, and learned from. Each interaction, no matter how brief or seemingly insignificant, has left an indelible mark on his life. He owes a depth of gratitude to all these individuals who have touched his life in various ways. They have challenged him, supported him, inspired him, and taught him valuable lessons about life, love, resilience, and the human spirit. These interactions have enriched his life beyond measure, coloring his experiences with diverse hues of emotion and understanding. Each person he has met has been a piece of the puzzle that makes up his life, contributing to the person he is today. So, to all of you who have been part of his journey – thank you. Your influence and impact, whether you know it or not, have been invaluable. Robert looks forward to continuing to learn from and share with all those he is fortunate enough to encounter in this beautiful journey called life.