Hello! I'm
Eric Hodgdon

I'm Zoi's Dad, a 2x TEDx Speaker, Amazon Bestselling Author, Coach, Trainer and Resilient Leader

My Family And My Purpose

My Story...

Before I launched my own business, I was like so many others—stuck in the 9-5 grind. I had a stable career as an IT Leader in corporate America, thinking this was my path until retirement. But deep down, I knew I was building someone else’s dream instead of my own.

I started to envision a different kind of life - one where I had the freedom to be present for the moments that truly mattered.

So, I took the leap into entrepreneurship. But I had no vision. No roadmap. I just winged it… for 2 years.

And then, in 2014, everything changed.

I lost my daughter, Zoi to suicide.

That loss forced me to question everything. It made me realize that life is too short to keep putting off what matters and to enjoy the moments in life you can't get back.

I didn’t just want to build a business—I needed to do something meaningful. I needed to help others navigate their own setbacks, just like I was navigating mine.

That’s when I launched Resilience Leaders in 2016...

Starting a business while still working a full-time job? Yep,  it was terrifying... I didn’t have a roadmap, and fear nearly kept me stuck.

I chased shiny objects, compared myself to others, and struggled to stay focused.

I knew something had to change.

Then, in 2019, one of my mentors offered me an opportunity to work with him as a coach.

It was a chance to grow, so I took it. A few months later, he brought me on full-time - with the condition that I keep working on my own mission, too.

For a while, I tried to balance both. But the truth was, I was pouring everything into his business instead of mine. And then, in late 2022, the business shifted direction, and I was let go.

That moment could have broken me.

Instead, I made a decision.

On the drive home, I declared out loud: “I will only ever build my dream from here on out.

That was the moment The Grit Guy was born.

I chose to say yes to ME. And that decision changed everything.

Now, I help others do the same.

For the aspiring entrepreneur stuck in the 9-5, I help you create a clear vision and roadmap so you can finally build the business—and life—you actually want.

For business owners struggling to attract clients, I help you establish a powerful online presence through funnels, marketing systems, and Skool community-building.

For leaders facing setbacks, I coach you through the toughest moments, helping you develop the resilience and grit to get back up stronger than ever.

I know what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of your next move. But I also know what happens when you choose to commit to YOU.

Let's Walk Together...

Some Of The Setbacks I've Had To Overcome On My Journey

  • ​Four job layoffs
  • 9-5 Grind for 25 years
  • The Loss of Zoi
  • $75 in my bank account
  • A Divorce
  • ​Financial challenges
  • Entrepreneurial setbacks​
  • ​Pet loss
  • ​Daily "Life" struggles...
  • Business financial struggles
  • ​Four job layoffs
  • 9-5 Grind for 25 years
  • The Loss of Zoi
  • $75 in my bank account
  • A Divorce
  • ​Financial challenges
  • Entrepreneurial setbacks​
  • ​Pet loss
  • ​Daily "Life" struggles...
  • Business financial struggles

If Any Of This Resonates With you, We Should Talk...

Which one Best Describes you?

The Future
Entrepreneur

  • I want to create a vision and roadmap for my life.
  • I want to turn my skills into a business that gives me freedom of time and money.
  • I want to launch a Lifestyle Business & escape the 9-5 grind for good!

The Digital Business
Founder

  • I want to launch more programs, products or services to my audience.
  • I want consulting services for my marketing funnels, my online community or my main website.
  • I want someone else to do this for me so that I can keep my focus on what I do best.

The Resilient
Leader

  • I want to overcome setbacks & push forward with renewed clarity and strength.
  • I want to gain an unfair advantage of grit and resilience as an entrepreneur or a leader.
  • I want to develop skills to overcome any challenge I may face in the future.

Why I Do What I Do, And Where It Comes From...

NOTE: TEDx Talks Deal With Personal Experience of Suicide and Grief Recovery / Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity.

TEDx Youngstown, 2018

TEDx Youngstown, 2024

Acolades and Certifications

Acolades and Certifications

Some More Personal Stuff...

What is something we may not know about you? 

I was the very first success story for the popular workout program, P90X in 2004. 

What do you do to reset? 

I like a lot of alone time to "sharpen the saw" as they say and so I like to travel. 

What is one of your favorite books? 

The War Of Art - Steven Pressfield. 

What do you do when you're not working? 

I enjoy the ocean,  Maine's many hiking trails and watching Formula 1 racing.

What do you binge watch?  

I'm not really a binge-watcher of any series... although I do like LOTR, Marvel and Star Wars movies and shows. 

Have you written any books?  

Yes, in 2017 I self-published A Sherpa Named Zoi - How to walk through grief and live with intention. 

What is your favorite food? 

Seafood!  

what is your daily mantra?  

"Fall down seven times, get up eight."

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