Meet Eric

I grew up on a farm in Northwest Iowa where I learned the value of hard work and being responsible…for both my actions and the work that needed done.

After 1 year of college I joined the Navy with the goal of becoming a Navy SEAL. I wanted to do something HARD and serve my country in the process. In July of 2000 I achieved that goal and earned my trident as a Navy SEAL!

For nearly 12 years, I served my country, singularly focused on being the BEST Navy SEAL I could be. Mission success and being the best teammate were all that mattered. I wanted to make it a career. Due to injuries, the Navy would not allow it. So I had to make a new plan.

Since leaving the Navy, I’ve done whatever it takes to support my family. I’ve started businesses, worked for existing companies, and even worked at a large non-profit. I’ve worked in the firearms, fitness, manufacturing, and beverage industries (to name a few), and now work as a consultant and public speaker.

Along the way, I’ve had successes and failures, wins and losses, ups and downs. I’ve learned a lot along the way. It has NOT been linear.

The ability to learn is one of life’s most important skills. What worked in the SEAL Teams doesn’t always work in the private sector and what worked at one job or one industry might not work in another. But, there are some things that work EVERYWHERE. They transcend the battlefield and the boardroom.

Most of all, I have learned that I do NOT have it all figured out. I am first and foremost a student of whatever I am doing. This is an attitude I encourage others to adopt.

Now, my PURPOSE in life is simple: I want to use EVERYTHING I’ve been given, to help others…from my teammates at Defy to the organizations that hire me to speak. I strive to use knowledge, skills, and experiences to SERVE others and GLORIFY God in the process.

I am passionate about my FAITH, my FAMILY, and my COUNTRY. I want to be the best TEAMMATE I can be at work, stay FIT, and have FUN along the way. My time in the Navy taught me that life is short. So, I pursue FULFILLMENT and MEANING and this is how I try to do it…

Thank you for visiting my website. Check out my blog and media pages to learn more. If you are interested in what I’m doing, be sure to follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter.

God Bless!