We were lucky to catch up with Eric Krupkin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eric, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

People often reflect their parents in many ways. In my case, it help shaped my career. My parents were both amazing teachers. Their ability to prepare a lesson and lead a classroom are certainly skills that I continually use but there is more. My father is also a performing singer/songwriter. Watching his gigs and his ability to entertain any crowd taught me to be confident but flexible. My mother spent some time as an excercise instructor. She taught me how to lead with energy and spirit. Both of them encouraged me to be a leader and to use enthusiasm!

As a child, my parents had us sing and dance to original songs for our grandparents and various celebrations. My siblings and I were always ready to perform in any situation. That flexibility still serves me today.

I managed to turn all of these skills and more into my career.

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

Eric Energy is a family entertainment business that offers live, interactive, hands-on science shows that come directly to you in Baltimore/ Washington, surrounding areas and beyond. We provide programs for schools, camps, parties, libraries, museums and more. Our shows involve a wacky scientist that performs visual experiments and uses volunteers throughout.

Eric Energy was a side hustle for 12 years. I never dreamed it would be a full time endeavor. I graduated SUNY Albany with a degree in Communications and Business. My full time jobs as a retail manager and a program director helped prepare me for the transition. I saw the opprortunity and I jumped. There were many doubts but I worked hard and was quickly able to reach my financial goals. My dedication caused me to always give my best performance regardless of the audience size or location. Each show usually produced more opportunities for the future. I was off and running.

I created Team Eric Energy and began to train others in entertaining kids with science. I taught them new tricks to incorporate into their existing skills to engage kids without a screen.

What I am most proud of is that we perform for kids from every background and culture. Our goal is to Make Learning Fun and we communicate that in a fun and interactive way. We spread smiles and inspire kids to ask questions about their surroundings.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

One of my first jobs after college was with a franchise science entertainment company. I loved working there and was promoted to Operations Manager in under 2 years. The franchise was sold and I was forced to find another job. After being hired as a retail toy store manager, I found myself engaging customers with my entertainment skills. I also found that I missed performing science shows. I came up with my own show that featured a toy from the store. Soon, the toy company hired me to perform in some of their stores. Then, I contacted some of my former clients with the franchise and Eric Energy was born. I performed in my spare time and it was a great side hustle. It wasn’t until 12 years later when I got the opportunity to go full time.

How did you build your audience on social media?

From the beginning, word of mouth has been and continues to be my best advertising, and social media has only helped speed that up. By consistantly posting photos and reviews, it is a great way to show people the result of your service. They can see the set up, the flexibility and the fun that is had at each event. When customers post their photos and comments, the reach becomes wider.

I also love to support other children’s entertainers online. Instead of being competitive, “liking” other posts not only helps other entertainers but also helps me reach new customers that may need my services in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ericenergy.com
• Instagram: @ericenergy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericenergyshow/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ericenergyshow
• Twitter: @ericenergyshow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericenergyshow

Image Credits
Todd Dring Photography (todddring.com)