Edward Thorpe Jr., a 67-year-old entrepreneur from Champaign, Illinois, is the proud founder of T.P.H. Wellness, a Black-owned family business specializing in custom sports uniforms and apparel. Raised in Champaign, Illinois, Thorpe graduated from Urbana High School and later attended Parkland Community College before serving six years in the U.S. Army as a Culinary Specialist. While golf hasn’t been a large part of his life—he’s only played a few times—Thorpe’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to family, entrepreneurship, and creating a lasting legacy.
Thorpe’s exposure to golf came later in life during a company outing for Prudential, where his wife worked. Although golf didn’t become a major hobby, his focus remained on raising his two sons and supporting them in their extracurricular activities. “I spent the majority of my time with my kids and being involved in their extracurricular activities,” Thorpe shared, underscoring his dedication to family above personal leisure.
In 2012, Thorpe founded T.P.H. Wellness, an LLC that designs and manufactures custom uniforms and apparel for various sports. What sets his company apart is its use of innovative materials, including bamboo and fire-infrared fabrics, which offer benefits for the body that are rarely seen in traditional sportswear. “I saw a need for another brand/style of clothing/uniforms, and being able to do it with fire infrared and bamboo materials has been a plus as many other companies are not using these,” Thorpe explained. His vision is to create a unique product that not only serves athletes but also promotes wellness.
Starting T.P.H. Wellness was a personal and financial investment. Thorpe self-financed the company, determined to turn his vision into reality. “I have used my own money to get this off the ground,” he said, demonstrating his belief in the business. Despite the challenges of being a smaller, lesser-known brand, he remains optimistic and committed to growing the company. “Some challenges are getting people to take a chance on something and someone that isn’t a big-named corp,” he admitted. However, through word-of-mouth and a strong social media presence, T.P.H. Wellness continues to build a loyal customer base. Thorpe emphasizes that each order exceeds customer expectations, a strategy aimed at generating positive referrals and repeat business.
Family plays a crucial role in Thorpe’s entrepreneurial journey. He credits his wife, Clara, whom he’s been married to for 47 years, for her unwavering support, calling her his “best friend and confidant.” Their two sons, Christopher and Jeremy, also contribute to the business by spreading the word and helping with orders. “My wife and I have 2 sons…they help out as much as they can,” Thorpe said, proud of how the business has become a family affair.
When asked about the most fulfilling aspect of running T.P.H. Wellness, Thorpe emphasized that it is a Black-owned business with strong Christian values, built to leave a lasting legacy for his children and grandchildren. “I am working to leave something for my kids and grandkids,” Thorpe shared, highlighting his long-term vision. His commitment to building a brand that prioritizes customer satisfaction, family involvement, and community well-being is central to his approach.
Looking ahead, Thorpe remains focused on providing high-quality products and continuing to grow his company. He wants customers to know that T.P.H. Wellness is a Veteran and Christian-owned business dedicated to making its customers happy and leaving a positive impact. “We want to provide a great product and make our customers happy,” he stated.
Through resilience, innovation, and family support, Edward Thorpe Jr. has built a business that not only meets the needs of athletes but also upholds his values and aspirations. T.P.H. Wellness is more about T.P.H. Wellness by visiting TPHSPORTS.com
