An Interview With Doug Noll
As a part of our series called “Making Something From Nothing”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Krystal Gillis, Founder and CEO of Tighties.
Krystal Gillis, the founder and CEO of Tighties™ orthopedic activewear, is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader. Krystal’s career trajectory has been a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial ventures and corporate experience from sales for a large payroll company to founding her first business in payroll software at the young age of 24. After successfully building and eventually selling her first venture, she transitioned to corporate roles in the medical devices sector, contributing her skills at Abbott and Stryker. In 2017, seeking a balance, she took on a consulting role, overseeing the launch of five companies, three products and a foundation before the inception of Tighties™ in 2022 during her work on a product launch for an orthopedic company in San Diego.
As the driving force behind Tighties™, Krystal is deeply involved in every aspect of the business from product development and project management to overseeing finances, sales and pipeline management. With a strong focus on health and wellness, she created Tighties™ for anyone committed to an active lifestyle.
Despite the challenges, Krystal finds gratification in the small wins that accumulate to move mountains. Her favorite aspect of the job lies in the daily decisions that contribute to the company’s success. A firm believer in the adage “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Krystal brings not only her expertise but also a compassionate and visionary approach to the business landscape.
With a strong educational foundation, Krystal earned her Bachelor of Arts from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She currently resides in San Diego, California.