Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Locklin.
Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2004, when we weren’t yet a company, myself and the other two owners began to do acrobatic slam dunk work for the Atlanta Hawks. This was the first iteration of the Atlanta Hawks dunk team called the “Sky Squad”. The mascot, at that time, had a dunk team outside of the Hawks and asked us to be a part. For the next four years, we worked with the Hawks, the mascot, and another dunk team called Acrodunk out of Houston, TX. In 2008, the former Hawks mascot had a show for us in Washington DC in which he paid us less than expected. The owner of Acrodunk had also said that we weren’t good enough to run his company in Atlanta. This motivated us to start our own company, Air Elite Inc., in March of 2008. We used the short checks to start our business. From there, we worked tirelessly to make ourselves a staple on the acrobatic slam dunk circuit. We called any and everyone who would have us and we did free shows as well as really low-paying shows for our first two years. Once we started to acquire clients, word of mouth spread throughout our industry. Since then, we took over the dunk team from the Hawks and added seven other NBA teams that we perform at on a regular basis. (Hornets, Knicks, Wizards, Raptors, Spurs, Cavaliers, and Nuggets). In addition to our NBA clients, we have performed at and continue to perform at countless colleges, K-12 schools and corporate events. Today we are a staple on the acrobatic slam dunk circuit, just as we had hoped and planned!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been overly tough but has not been smooth. Initially, we had to do everything out of our own pocket. We also had to learn the true ins and outs of the dunking business. We struggled to get a trampoline and mat made so that we could actually perform. We also struggled to get transportation to and from events. Needless to say, we got all of those things accomplished. We now have several mats and trampolines as well as multiple forms of transportation.
As you know, we’re big fans of Air Elite. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are an acrobatic slam dunk company that travels the U.S. and world providing high flying stunts and exciting entertainment to fans of all ages. What sets us apart from the other dunk teams is that we actually have remained a team over the course of our company’s history. We train up new guys as much as we can but have kept the core group for the most part. Teamwork really does make the dream work and we would be nowhere without all the guys that have been on the team over the years. Brand-wise, I am most proud of creating something that will go on past my years. As of now, we would still get shows even if we never reached out to another client. I would like people to know that we still have more to offer the community. Although we do a good number of k-12 school shows, we want to do even more. Our school shows are very positive and uplifting for the youth. As parents, we understand the value of positive role models that you can actually see and touch. We strive to be that every day and want to invest in our local schools that much more.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be performing as a gymnast. In my younger days, I did gymnastics for ten years. Performing was a major thrill and my teammates became family for life.
Contact Info:
- Email: aireliteinc@gmail.com
- Website: AirEliteDunkers.com
- Instagram: AirEliteDunkers
- Facebook: AirEliteDunkers
- Twitter: AirEliteDunkers
- Youtube: AirEliteDunkers
