We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Edward Underwood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Edward below.

Edward, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The vision for Touchstone Learning Solutions wasn’t born overnight—it evolved from a deep calling to serve all learners, regardless of their background or starting point. My journey as an educator has been rich and varied, taking me from coach and mentor to therapeutic staff support, teacher, and methodologist. Along the way, I’ve witnessed the challenges and triumphs of learners across every stage of life. Whether it’s a child mastering reading for the first time, a teenager grappling with the concept of learning itself, an adult seeking to retool for higher education or a career change, or someone pursuing knowledge purely for the joy of it, one truth has become clear: our educational system wasn’t designed to truly empower learners.

I couldn’t turn a blind eye to what I saw. The frustration, the disengagement, the missed potential—it called for action. School wasn’t teaching the skills necessary for life: how to think critically, solve problems, or take charge of your future. I know this because I had to learn these things at home. I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a strong foundation in thinking, learning, and personal responsibility from a young age. My father’s unwavering discipline and my mother’s unconditional support gave me the confidence and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

However, as I grew older and began coaching youth and engaging with parents and communities, I realized something profound: not everyone had this same foundation. Without guidance, so many were struggling to pursue their dreams and aspirations, often buried under the weight of a system that didn’t serve them.

As I transitioned through various educational environments—classrooms, community programs, and beyond—I kept encountering the same pattern. Learners weren’t failing due to a lack of intelligence or potential. They were struggling because they weren’t being explicitly shown how to learn. The essential formula for learning was absent, replaced by a one-size-fits-all approach that left countless individuals behind. This realization became the foundation of Touchstone Learning Solutions.

Touchstone was built to meet this gap, to provide a learning framework that can reach anyone, anywhere. It’s not just for children; it’s for anyone ready to unlock their full potential. By integrating timeless learning principles like the Trivium with modern insights into motivation, learning styles, and critical thinking, Touchstone offers a revolutionary approach. It’s not about patching up the flaws in the system—it’s about creating something entirely new.

What excites me most is witnessing the transformation. The light in a child’s eyes when they master a challenging concept. The pride in a learner’s face when they realize their capabilities. The renewed confidence of an adult preparing for a new chapter in their life. These moments are why Touchstone exists.

Touchstone Learning Solutions is more than a business—it’s a mission to empower learners, support families, and strengthen communities. Having taught learners at every level, I created Touchstone for all of them. My goal is to equip each individual with the tools to think critically, grow confidently, and achieve their full potential.

At Touchstone, we’re not just building better learners—we’re building a brighter future. This mission drives me every day: to make education empowering, inspiring, and uplifting for all who seek to learn.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Edward Underwood, and I am the founder of Touchstone Learning Solutions. Our mission is to empower learners, support families, strengthen communities, and bring innovative learning principles to businesses and organizations. With over 25 years of experience as an educator, mentor, and methodologist, I’ve had the privilege of helping learners of all ages discover their potential—whether they are children, parents, educators, professionals, or lifelong learners.
Touchstone Learning Solutions was born out of a desire to fill a critical gap in education and training. People don’t fail because they lack intelligence or talent—they struggle because they were never taught how to learn or how to approach problems systematically. The same applies to organizations and professionals striving for growth. What sets Touchstone apart is that we address this gap with a revolutionary approach to learning and development, integrating classical frameworks like the Trivium with modern insights into motivation, learning styles, and ethical development.

What We Do
At Touchstone, we offer services that cater to both individuals and businesses, including:
Courses and workshops for learners of all ages, from children mastering fundamental skills to adults seeking personal or professional growth.
Business trainings designed to enhance team dynamics, foster critical thinking, and improve problem-solving capabilities.
Consultations for parents, educators, and organizations looking to transform their approach to learning and development.
Our flagship offering, the Thought Purity Method (patent pending), is a systematic approach to cognitive and ethical development. It equips individuals and teams with the tools to think critically, approach challenges methodically, and align their actions with a strong ethical foundation.

What Sets Us Apart
Touchstone is built on the belief that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. We take a personalized approach, helping individuals and teams identify their unique motivations, learning styles, and cognitive strengths. Our methods are rooted in timeless principles but adapted for the complexities of modern life, making them just as effective in business settings as they are in education.

For businesses, this means fostering environments where employees are empowered to:

Develop critical thinking skills to solve problems creatively.
Communicate more effectively and collaboratively.
Align team efforts with organizational values and goals.

What We Solve
We empower learners and educators in both home and professional settings by providing transformative tools and strategies that enhance the learning experience. Our approach ensures individuals gain the skills to learn effectively, think critically, and teach with confidence.

For business owners, we streamline workforce performance through our innovative methodology. By fostering clear communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, we help teams align with organizational goals and thrive in fast-changing environments.

Touchstone is your partner in unlocking potential, whether at home, in the classroom, or in the workplace.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I am deeply proud to present this methodology—a culmination of years of dedication and refinement. What began as a teaching style evolved into an approach and has now matured into a comprehensive methodology I can share with the world. Consolidating this knowledge has been a labor of love, driven by the belief that real learning is transformative and empowering.

This methodology stands in direct contrast to the one-size-fits-all model that stifles individuality and growth. It offers a tailored, impactful way to unlock the potential in learners of all ages, allowing them to experience the power of authentic, meaningful education. Seeing people embrace this methodology and achieve breakthroughs fuels my commitment to making a lasting difference in how we learn, teach, and grow.

What I Want You to Know
Touchstone Learning Solutions is more than an educational service—it’s a mission to transform lives and organizations through the power of learning. Whether you’re looking to empower yourself, your family, or your business, Touchstone offers a systematic, ethical, and personalized approach to growth.

If you’re ready to unlock your potential—or the potential of your team—Touchstone is here to guide you on that journey. Together, we can redefine what it means to learn, grow, and succeed.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation within the market has been built on a foundation of authenticity, service, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in my community. At the core of everything I do is the belief that learning is a transformative process, one that can unlock not just knowledge but confidence, critical thinking, and personal growth.

Touchstone Learning Solutions and the Thought Purity Method have resonated with people because they address a universal need: the desire to learn how to learn, to think critically, and to live with purpose. The overwhelmingly positive feedback I’ve received from parents, educators, learners, and even businesses validates this. I’ve been invited to present my ideas to diverse audiences and collaborate with key organizations, which I believe reflects the value of my approach and the trust I’ve earned in the process.

Several factors have contributed to building my reputation:
Community Engagement:
From leading mentoring programs and coaching youth sports to organizing GED programs and gathering volunteers, my involvement in the community has demonstrated my genuine dedication to helping others. Initiatives like storytime at the library and book clubs show that I am not only invested in education but also in creating spaces where people can connect, grow, and thrive.

Personalized Approach:
The methods I’ve developed, particularly the Thought Purity Method, focus on addressing the unique needs of individuals and teams. This emphasis on customization, combined with a systematic approach to cognitive and ethical development, has set me apart in a market often dominated by generic solutions.

Consistency in Delivering Value:
Whether through coaching youth sports, organizing programs, or offering workshops, I have consistently delivered high-quality, impactful experiences. People know they can count on me to follow through, inspire, and provide tools that create real results.

Building Trust Through Relationships:
Over the years, I’ve developed strong connections with parents, educators, and community leaders. My willingness to listen, adapt, and genuinely care about their goals has fostered trust and credibility.

Innovative and Practical Solutions:
The Thought Purity Method has captured attention because it integrates timeless principles like the Trivium with modern learning insights, making it practical, accessible, and effective across diverse contexts—from classrooms to boardrooms.

Empowering Others:
I don’t just teach or train—I empower. Whether it’s helping a child overcome learning struggles, guiding an adult back to education, or equipping professionals with tools for growth, the goal has always been to help others realize their potential and take ownership of their development.

Word of Mouth and Results:
The transformations I’ve helped create have become my strongest marketing tool. Parents see their children’s newfound confidence, educators notice the effectiveness of my methods, and businesses see the value in critical thinking and ethical alignment. These results have led to glowing testimonials, referrals, and ongoing opportunities to share my work with broader audiences.

At the heart of my reputation is the understanding that success isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about connection, empowerment, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future. Touchstone Learning Solutions embodies these values, and they have been the driving force behind the trust and recognition I’ve earned within my market.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Getting to this point—even having the opportunity to share my journey—is a testament to my resilience. Life has been a series of challenges, each filled with lessons that shaped me and reaffirmed my purpose. I firmly believe we are here to learn—not just through formal education but through every experience life throws our way. Ironically, the very system that should nurture this growth often stifles it. The traditional school system is less about fostering true learning and more about conformity and indoctrination.

Recognizing this harsh truth was a turning point for me. I had a choice: accept the status quo or challenge it. I chose the latter. This decision took me back into the “belly of the beast,” where I could confront the system head-on and help those it was failing. It wasn’t an easy path—there were countless moments of doubt, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and personal sacrifices. But I knew that my mission—to create a space where real learning could thrive—was too important to abandon.

Building Touchstone Learning Solutions and developing the Thought Purity Method required resilience at every step. These concepts defy traditional norms and question deeply entrenched systems, which often resist change. Yet, I stayed true to my vision, driven by the belief that learning should empower individuals, not stifle their potential.

There have been times when the odds felt stacked against me. Moments when I questioned whether the work was worth the effort. But every breakthrough—a child conquering their fear of reading, an adult finding the courage to pursue a new career, or a team mastering innovative strategies—reminds me why I started. Seeing the spark of understanding light up in someone’s eyes is a reward beyond measure.

Resilience, to me, is about holding onto your purpose, even when the world pushes back. It’s about staying grounded in your values while adapting to challenges. Returning to the “belly of the beast” wasn’t just an act of defiance—it was a declaration of my commitment to creating real, transformative learning experiences.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been profoundly fulfilling. Each step forward reinforces my belief that true learning is not just an ideal; it’s a necessity. And continuing this mission with integrity in a world that often values conformity over creativity is, in itself, an act of resilience I’m proud to embody every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.touchstonelearningsolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchstone_learningsolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/touchstonelearning
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/touchstonelearningsolutions/
• Twitter: https://x.com/TLS_Innovate
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TouchstoneLearningSolutions