Terris L. Thompson is the founder and operator of PTA, Pinnacle Training Academy LLC, the premier training facility of Berkeley County. PTA has personal trainers that specialize in athletic training, one on one training, group training, youth training, nutrition, and, of course, injury prevention and rehabilitation. A former collegiate athlete, Terris played football at Kentucky Wesleyan College while studying kinesiology. Also during college, he started working with youth fitness and development programs. That is where Terris realized his love for working with the next generation. He has had the pleasure of working with athletes and training clients of all ages for almost a decade now.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest son to Lawrence and Dana Thompson. I have two little brothers and a loving fiancé.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am former collegiate athlete. I played football at Kentucky Wesleyan College. While at KWC, I studied kinesiology. While in college I started working with youth fitness and development programs. That is where I realized my love for working with the next generation. I have had the pleasure of working with athletes and training clients of all ages for almost a decade now.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mr. Hibachi and Howard’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Four years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Stephen Baum. My dear friend who sadly passed away this past year. He moved to the area six years ago and set up a beautiful life for his widowed wife and young son. They love this area, and it’s been a great home to them.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have a dream to travel across the Mediterranean. If I was able to, that’s where I would go.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Game of Thrones
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice to anyone is to plan. If you have any aspirations or goals in life, you need to plan. Obviously, things will not always go according to plan. However, if you fail to plan, then plan to fail.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Getting married. I don’t really have or do bucket lists. I have a checklist. Getting married is next on the checklist.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
If I’m picking a band, then it would likely be Five Finger Death Punch.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’m not from the Lowcountry. However, I feel that Howard’s is intrinsically Berkeley County. It simply just feels like it’s always been here and always will be.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Deacon Jones, one of the greatest football players of all time. I’d love to have lunch with him at Mr. Hibachi and just talk about the game we love.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people. The individuals here truly love the area, and they treat each other with love and respect.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Expanding to the third rendition of PTA.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t listen to that much music, but I’m a pretty big fan of Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan. I primarily will listen to their podcast when I’m on the road.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Redonda Beach in Torrance, CA. I’ve never seen a more beautiful beach.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Hmm, I suppose September. It’s my birthday month, my parents anniversary month, my anniversary month, and my baby brother’s birthday month.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Not to be “that guy” but, Jesus Christ. He is the only thing that is perfect.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Everyone. It sounds like a cop out answer; however, every single client, every single person who inquires as to what we do here, and everyone who does what I do at a high level makes me want to up my game.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of garlic with a properly cooked steak
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Love. Respect.
