Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Evans.
Hi Joshua, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began doing a Forrest Gump impersonation while working for a local trolley tour company about seven years ago. While I had downtime between hopping on trolleys, I would sit on a bench in Chippewa square talking with people passing by. Through the interactions of guests on trolleys and both tourists and locals, while sitting in the square, I realized just how much people enjoy interacting with “Forrest Gump.”
Through some of the people I met through networking, I decided I should create a business where people could contact me to have Forrest at their events. My wife, Lauren, and I mulled over potential business names and ultimately decided on getting Gumped. Get Gumped has done everything from corporate events, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, marriage proposals, Christmas parties, a box of chocolate deliveries, and even runs in races.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building the business hasn’t been the easiest. Just as business was starting to really pick up and lots of dates we’re getting booked, Covid-19 hit. That was a major hit to people in many jobs, but people in tourism/live entertainment really took a hit. The business has really just started to pick back up some after a really long year.
And there’s really no knowing what will happen moving forward as we’re still dealing with the pandemic and its effects. I remain positive and it always brings so much joy to me when I’m able to put a smile on someone’s face.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known as Savannah’s local “Forrest Gump” impersonator. I have been doing a Forrest Gump impersonation for 7 years now. I love making people smile and laugh. To know that you have made someone’s vacation or wedding or event memorable by interacting with them is what motivates me. I completed a Walt Disney World college program while attending college and creating “magic” for people has always been a part of what I strive for forever since then. My goal is to create that moment for people in which they feel like they’re actually conversing with the “real” Forrest Gump.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.GetGumped.com
- Instagram: @GetGumped
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetGumped/
