“I feel the best way to successfully run a thriving business is to have some experience in every position.”
South Lake Tahoe native Parker Alexander built and designed his apparel company, Tahoe Heartbeat, to creatively reflect and share his love for his home town. As a thriving entrepreneur, Parker has grown his business to include hats, beanies, hoodies, flannels, long sleeves, t-shirts, tank tops, and stickers, all with his recognizable heartbeat logo.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Parker Alexander!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
Well, to put it simply, I do it all! With the help of my wife Ali Clarke of course, we are a two man band, so I wear all the hats! It has been a learning process, and I’m still learning every day, but as of now: I handle design, marketing, sourcing, distribution, web design, product photography, social media, accounting, etc. I also do all the other things like designing tags and applying tags, building hat stands and delivering stands to stores, delivering and merchandising wholesale, designing co-brands, running events, forecasting, administrative duties, outreach, etc. I feel the best way to successfully run a thriving business is to have some experience in every position.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Honestly, as a growing and thriving brand, I have favorite moments all the time. My favorite thing is seeing our hard work paying off. Every new co-brand, new wholesale account, or new cool design… It all brings me so much joy!
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
#AllSmiles! And as my sweet Mother has always said “The best is yet to come” and its more true than ever!
Who is your role model?
I don’t specifically have one specific role model, I look up to many entrepreneurs. In the fashion industry, it is Daymond John, who started the clothing line Fubu by making hats in his garage, and now he is a known business man and investor on the show “Shark Tank”.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
I am born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, so this truly is my home. I lived in and out of Tahoe for ten ears in my 20s, and I truly believe the Tahoe Heartbeat logo came to me subconsciously to ensure I could live in Tahoe and sustain a quality life. There’s no place like home!
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I help out when I can, but for now time is limited, and im focused on growing our business full time so that when I do free up time, ill be able to make much more of an impact than I can now. The best it yet to come!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love life, and find joy in just about everything! I love social time with friends and family, I love sports, hitting the beach, camping, playing games, and everything outdoors!
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
Oh boy! Everywhere! I love Baldwin beach for chilling, Zephyr Cove for volleyball, Fallen Leaf for photo play days, and everywhere in between. This is a loaded question, all of South Lake rocks!