Meet Tina Whiteford of i Tri Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Whiteford.

Let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Years ago my father found out he had cancer and needed a lot of treatment; because I’m only child it was up to me to make sure he was cared for during his battle with cancer. I was a marketing director for a company that didn’t feel it was necessary to do my job from a remote area like a hospital so I quiet. Needing find a job that would be okay with working from where I was with my dad I decided to start my own business. I had been a runner and triathlete for years and thought starting my own business that allowed me be in charge of where I worked was the best solution. I started off with two events which allowed me to be with my dad and pursue my business. A year later my father passed away, but I was glad I had made the decision I did because it gave me the time to be with my dad. After, I started adding events to my line little by little and now I have 10 events consisting of 2 runs and 8 triathlons.

I try to offer all I can to make events fun and safe, I try to give everyone the customer service I expect from other business. I answer emails within 4 to 24 hours, I answer all my emails so I know what was said, and I only have those help or volunteer that have the same goal in mind, let everyone have a great experience.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve been in business 8 years March 2018 and I would change a lot of things, but I wouldn’t change starting my own business. Some years have been harder than others to get registrations and it’s been hard finding reliable companies to work with to get what I needed for my events, but I think I’m closer to finding those businesses I can work with for the future.

Please tell us about i Tri Events, LLC.
I put on runs (one half marathon, 1 10k, 2 5k’s, and 2 1k’s. I put on 8 triathlons ranging from a 70.299 (it’s a 70.3, but because Ironman owns that label I can’t use it, so mine is a 70.299) and two super sprints, 5 sprints, and Olympic distances. I have one all kid’s splash and dash, one all ladies/girls event, and the other are open to ages 15 and up. My youngest is about 12 and my oldest in 81. I would like to think I offer a friendly environment for everyone and I like to offer different areas that are fun to be at. I have a the No Label triathlon that ends at the No Label Brewery, I have a up coming Rudolph Fun Run at CITYCENTRE that offers a ton for the kids while their parents are running like Santa and face painting. I have an event in Onalaska, Texas which allows everyone to come up and stay the weekend and my Oktoberfest Triathlon offers four breweries to enjoy after the event. I give out glasses for awards which allows you to use your award after the event and I try and some of my medals are bottle openers to be used later as well.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Trust different people. I one of the few women USA Triathlon, Level 2 Race Directors in Houston and I think because I’m a women the men felt I was easily persuaded to follow their direction and I did for awhile until I noticed those decisions were not right for my business, but good for everyone else.

I’ve always tried to be a strong women in a man’s world and have taught my two girls the same and I will always trust my judgement before others. I will succeed.

Pricing:

• Triathlons range from $50 to $80 depending on the age and distance
• Runs range from $30 to $45 depending on the distance, timed or non-timed
• Half Marathon ranges from $70 up depending on when you sign up

Contact Info:

• Address: Houston, Texas
• Website: www.itrievents.com
• Phone: 713-254-6870
• Email: tina@itrievents.net

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