Eric grew up in Sparks, Nevada. He started working at 14. During high school he worked at a plumbing & heating supply company, mostly on the shipping and receiving dock where he was allowed to drive a forklift. After high school Eric enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was trained as an avionics technician. He was stationed at March Air Force Base near Riverside, California, where he worked on bombers and aerial refueling aircraft. In that role he traveled to many places around the world in support of operational missions.
More importantly he met his wife Vicky who was also stationed at March AFB. They bought a small house and started a family while serving on active duty. During that time Eric also attended college and received his bachelor’s degree. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college.
After eight years on active duty, Eric began working for McDonnell Douglas as a technical writer responsible for avionics maintenance manuals for commercial aircraft. Eric worked at McDonnell Douglas for over six years. While working full time and with Vicky’s support he went to law school at night.
During a law school class on land use and zoning Eric realized that being a county or city attorney would allow him to be involved in issues that were not only interesting, but had a direct effect on a community and its residents. He calls this the “ground floor of democracy,” where elected officials are held accountable for decisions that affect their neighbors and local businesses.
After graduation Eric joined a law firm that represented local government agencies. He became an assistant city attorney working on issues such as planning, public works, and housing. He was appointed as the City Attorney for Perris, then also as the City Attorney for Hesperia, and also general counsel to the Palmdale Water District. Eric has broad experience in virtually every aspect of local government.
During this time Eric became a founding member of a new firm specializing in local governments. Today the firm is stronger than ever and has grown to employ nearly 100 people. Eric was part of the management team and oversaw the technology, medical insurance and 401(k) committees.
Several years ago with their children moving to different states, Eric and Vicky began searching for the perfect location for a permanent move and where they could be closer to their kids (and two young grandkids!) They found that perfect location here in Catawba County. Eric is running for County Commissioner because he wants to contribute to the community where we all live.
