I’m Teri Rehkopf, but you may also know me as Harriet Mussells Rehkopf from Jacksonville, FL, a city that’s as much a part of me as the passion I have for horses, survival prepping, and affiliate marketing strategies. You could say I was born with a bit of spark – they don’t call me a ‘Florida Firecracker’ for nothing!
I currently reside in Keystone Heights on 5 acres. I have a gorgeous barn but no horse to fill a stall. My 28 year old horse passed away from colic in September 2021. I didn’t want to get another horse – too much work at my age. I got an Anatolian Pyrenees, 95 pound dog named Emma in her place.
My journey takes me through the sunny fields of my youth and is characterized by a passion for horses that I developed as soon as I could walk. My heart belongs to these noble creatures, and it’s a fondness that has only grown stronger with the years, guiding my path both personally and professionally.
Through TeriRehkopf, my personal brand, I’ve synthesized a lifetime of horse-powered dreams into a platform where affiliate marketing strategies gallop alongside equine enthusiasm. Whether you’re here to learn about making strides in the world of marketing, or just to share in my equestrian adventures, I invite you to saddle up and join me for the ride.
Melding Passions: Equine Enthusiasm and Educational Pursuits
I remember vividly the feel of leather reins in my hands and the rhythm of hooves as a member of the Florida State University equestrian team. My tenure at FSU wasn’t just about clearing hurdles in the arena; it was also about striving for academic excellence. My personal growth was intertwined with every jump I took, both in the saddle and in the classroom.
The formative experiences with horses provided a guiding compass for my education. I reveled in the dual life of a student and equestrian, where discipline shaped my character. Juggling coursework with horseback riding taught me early on about balance and commitment – skills that would later prove invaluable in my professional ventures.
After my initial focus on Astronomy and Chemistry at the University of Tennessee at Nashville, I discovered my true calling was in the digital realm. Pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of North Florida opened a new frontier for me, where computing logic met the strategic thinking honed in the equestrian arena.
In the shifting sands of my educational path, I found a steadfast passion for technology that complemented my equestrian pursuits. Sharing this adventure, I aim to draw parallels between my academic journey and how it set the stage for a seamless transition to my passion for affiliate marketing strategies under the moniker TeriRehkopf.
Synthesizing Expertise: From IT Professional to Marketing Maven
I remember navigating the complexities of IT like it was yesterday. My tenure at Barnett Bank Technologies Division, and subsequent entities, sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills. As an AVP, Sr. Business Analyst, Systems Engineer II, Project Manager, and Computer Security Analyst, I grasped the critical nature of clear communication and precise management in the high-stakes world of finance technology.
The career I carved out in IT was more than just a series of roles; it’s where I mastered the art of making technology work for people, not the other way around. The leap from systems engineering to affiliate marketing may seem vast, but the bridge was constructed from the same foundational blocks: analyzing systems, identifying patterns, and troubleshooting for optimal performance.
As I deepened my involvement in affiliate marketing, I became astoundingly aware of the parallels between the two fields. Both required keen insight into processes and user experience, whether it’s a customer navigating a banking platform or a fellow entrepreneur learning marketing strategies from my brand, TeriRehkopf.
Joining Wealthy Affiliate marked a significant pivot in my professional life. Here was a community dedicated to growth, learning, and support – values that resonated deeply with me. I dove into the training headfirst, determined to excel. My rise to the top 50 in the ranks is a tribute to my tenacity, sure, but also to the underlying conviction that, with the right knowledge, anyone can succeed in this space.
I plan to keep this synergy alive by carrying my past experiences into every strategy I develop and every piece of advice I offer. Your journey through affiliate marketing doesn’t have to be a solo ride. With my guidance, built on a firm foundation of tech and tactics, success is not just an aspiration; it’s an achievable milestone.
Triumphs and Trials: A Journey Marked by Resilience
I have faced personal challenges with a spirit of resilience, a trait I attribute partly to my lifelong relationship with horses. Sharing these moments is essential, not for sympathy, but to illustrate the power of perseverance.
The biggest hurdle I overcame was when I suffered a broken arm that healed crookedly when I was 18. A bad car accident that caused me to miss my first semester of classes at FSU. This injury caused me to miss my chance at competitive swimming. I was really good at backstroke, but having a crooked arm meant no more backstroke.
It was an injury that could have completely sidelined me from my passions. Instead, it became a lesson in adaptability and resourcefulness. I found new ways to continue riding and training my horses and pushed on with my life.
Reflecting on these trials, I see a history of overcoming the odds, a quality that has infused every project I undertake. Whether facing down a recent breast cancer diagnosis or steering a business through rough waters, the same drive carries me through.
My triumphs, born from trials, have shaped who I am. I’m proud to share not just victories but also the times when life demanded more. It’s during these tough periods that we often find our truest allies and the greatest depths of our own strength.
Rounding the Final Turn: A Life Rich with Horses and Helping Others
In concluding my story, it’s clear that my life has been a rich tapestry with lessons, both in the paddock and the marketplace. I’ve found that the qualities found in the heart of an equestrian are akin to those required for success in business: patience, persistence, and an unyielding passion.
From the bittersweet moments with my late mare Rocki to the joyous strides alongside J.R. Khan, and my foster horse Panimetro, my equine partners have shaped not just my personal life but have also infused into my work a sense of discipline and a unique perspective.
Affiliate marketing is much like horse training—it’s about building trust and a strong relationship with your community. My dedication to this craft underscores my journey with horses. They taught me the value of hard work and the importance of authentic connections.
As I continue to gallop forward, I remain committed to empowering others through the sharing of knowledge in Wealthy Affiliate. The affiliation spreads my website’s outreach, providing my audience with valuable strategies and insights into making their online presence as strong and majestic as a thoroughbred.
I warmly invite you to join me in this pursuit of excellence—whether you’re a fellow horse or animal lover, sailboat person, an aspiring marketer, and currently a survival prepper, or simply seeking a bit of inspiration from the synergy between these worlds. Here’s to cherishing every moment and sprinting towards success, together.
Do you have these same or similar passions or interests? What interests do you have? Please let us know in the comments.