Meet Andres Tobon | Entrepreneur & Soccer Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andres Tobon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andres, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting Ekipstar was a journey driven by a combination of personal growth, a desire for a positive work environment, and a passion for the sports apparel industry. While working as a sales manager at a soccer store, I felt stuck and realized there was no room for further growth. The environment was negative and didn’t align with my values, which made me question my career path.

I began exploring various business opportunities, ranging from franchises and hair salons to a dry car wash and exotic car rentals. I was eager for a challenge and willing to consider any avenue that would allow me to grow. During this time, I focused on self-improvement and searched for my purpose, or ikigai, by reading books and reflecting on my goals.

A turning point came when my good friend Alfredo said, “You love what you do, you just don’t love where you are doing it.” This simple yet profound statement resonated deeply with me. I realized that my passion for sports and uniforms hadn’t waned; I just needed a new environment to thrive.

Inspired by this insight, I took a leap of faith and started working on Ekipstar. I wanted to create a company that reflected my values, offered exceptional products, and provided a positive and supportive work environment. Ekipstar allowed me to combine my expertise in design and sales with my passion for sports, resulting in a business that I am truly proud of.

What should our readers know about your business?
Tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about:

Ekipstar specializes in the customization and sale of high-quality sports uniforms, primarily for soccer but also for other sports. What sets us apart is our commitment to combining top-notch design, superior materials, and exceptional customer service.
We offer a personalized experience, ensuring that every team we work with gets uniforms that perfectly match their vision and needs. I’m particularly proud of the innovative designs and the advanced printing techniques we use, which ensure our products are both stylish and durable. Additionally, we have a great team of collaborators who care about each other and love what they do, which translates into the passion and dedication we bring to our work.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

My journey started back in 2003 with Torino, where I gained crucial experience in the uniform industry. This was further honed during my time at Soccer Locker, where I managed the Team Uniforms department and significantly boosted sales. Starting Ekipstar in 2018 was not easy; it involved navigating a highly competitive market and dealing with the logistical challenges of setting up a new business. The key to overcoming these challenges was persistence, continuous learning, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. I attended courses and workshops to sharpen my entrepreneurial skills, and I consistently sought feedback to improve our offerings.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of resilience and adaptability. The business landscape is constantly changing, and being able to pivot and adjust strategies is crucial. Another lesson is the importance of building strong relationships with both customers and suppliers. These relationships are the foundation of a successful business. Lastly, never underestimate the power of a dedicated team. Surrounding myself with talented and passionate individuals who care about each other and love what they do has been key to Ekipstar’s success.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that Ekipstar is more than just a business; it’s a labor of love and a testament to the power of dedication and innovation. Our story is one of continuous growth and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We are committed to providing athletes with uniforms that they can wear with pride, knowing that each piece is crafted with care and expertise. At Ekipstar, we believe in the importance of sports in bringing people together, and we aim to contribute to that by offering the best in sportswear customization.
Our team’s passion and strong sense of unity play a significant role in delivering the exceptional products and services we are known for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d take them to explore some of my favorite spots in the area. We’d start with a visit to South Pointe, spending the morning at the beach and enjoying a bike ride along the scenic paths.

In Downtown Doral, we’d have a delicious meal at Taikin. In Wynwood, we’d explore the vibrant street art at Wynwood Walls and dine at KYU. Coconut Grove would offer a relaxing walk through the charming streets, with a meal at one of its many great restaurants.

A visit to the Perez Art Museum would be followed by a boat ride around Key Biscayne and downtown Miami, ending with dinner at Sugar rooftop in Brickell. We’d also play soccer at Braza Soccer, ride bikes along South Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Alfredo Gonzalez, my best friend and right hand.

And my wife, Luisa Tobon.

Website: https://www.ekipstar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekipstar?igsh=cDNvcmprazltcDdy&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ekipstar-team-uniforms/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ekipstarcom/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ekipstarteamuniforms?si=-h9oFLnDk-XFzM9q