Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Townsend
Hi Lynn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
TGBG stands for To God Be the Glory. It has been my motto and hash tag since mid-2011. It came about during a time in college where I felt I lost my way and those 4 letters helped me find another way. Between 2010 & 2011 I was a student-athlete at Kent State University, which shocked most people who knew me prior to college, even myself. I didn’t have much of a high school football career, but was determined that I was not done. As a walk-on I was dropped into a very high level and had to hit the ground running. I picked up on things quick but frequently doubted if I really could compete.
This doubt or fear is what I now believe was my demise, ultimately. Coaching staff changes are hard for walk-ons regardless, though. After my redshirt season a whole new staff came in and in came new agendas. My first and brief impression on them was just not enough for them to replace a kid on their recruiting board with me. After spring ball in 2011, there was a random issue with my “eligibility” and after the summer (I took an extra credit to maintain eligibility) they informed me that they were not going to bring me back. Of all low points in my life, I thought this was the lowest. I was in a great position to pursue my dream and it was gone.
I was heart-broken. I was depressed. I didn’t want to even go to school anymore but I knew I had to finish and use my degree for another career path. Eventually, I got tired of feeling sorry for myself and through #TGBG I built the courage and confidence to try again. No matter what happens, To God Be the Glory. I tried out for the team again and despite being one of the most impressive there my first impression outweighed my new one. I was not aware of transfer options so that’s where my collegiate football career ended. I dabbled in club rugby for a year and stumbled across something that would change my reality. Semi-Pro or Amateur football became my new escape and I’ve accomplished a few things through this medium, but I’m not done. Since 2013 I’ve been setting goals and trying to prove to myself that I can be the player I think I am. In addition to new life on the gridiron, I began my coaching career in 2016 and since have won 2 conference championships at the middle school level.
Ultimately, #TGBG healed me. It motivates me when I slack. It comforts me when I am stressed. It gives me reassurance when I’m worried or doubt myself. It empowers me. These are things I believe I was put on Earth to do for others. Since I’m so heavily involved in sports I wanted my brand to focus on athletics/athleisure or football more specifically. The “Top 10” design is, of course, inspired by ESPN, “The Worldwide Leader in Sports,” because it’s meant to be easily recognized by others who are involved or follow sports. I have a couple other variations which adhere to different audiences.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth whatsoever. Creating a brand is one thing, but creating a successful brand is another. I knew it would take a lot of work but I was still not aware of exactly how much. TGBG Brand has kind of been in auto-pilot up until very recently. I took a step back after my daughter was born to focus on the transition to fatherhood. But I made up in my mind that 2025 I would really dedicate to my brand. I’ve been more active on social media, engaging with others. I’ve had a few constructive conversations with marketing agencies to at least have an outline of what exactly I have to commit to. Because I can confidently say I’ve spent thousands of dollars than I’ve earned on this brand. At the end of the day, it’s not about the money. It’s a part of who I am. BUT I believe, as my circle tells me, that there should be some sort of profit for how hard I work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I am an Information Technology professional. Providing application support for a credit union based out of Cincinnati, OH. Tech was always fascinating to me even though my dream was to be an athlete. I majored in Digital Science at Kent State University (Geaux Flashes!), which helped me attain an internship and job right after I earned my degree. Although helping others in the tech space is fulfilling it isn’t as fulfilling as my seasonal occupation which is coaching football. Being around the game and a mentor to the youth is what truly drives me. I get to encourage and inspire young people who may think success isn’t in their cards that “where there is a will, there is a way”, as my grandmother always tells me. I am a living testimony to that.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I would love to collaborate with anyone who believes and practices God’s work, which is simply giving love, support, and uplifting EVERYONE. I’m also open to support of any kind! Follow @tgbgbrand on FB & IG! Visit tgbgbrand.com. Any monetary support would directly fund my newest mission to circumvent dropshipping 🙂
Pricing:
- Quality Tees – $30
- Quality Hoodies – $50
- Hats – $35
- Stickers – As low as $3
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tgbgbrand.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tgbgbrand
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tgbgbrand
