About Erik

(born 15 January 1976 in Berlin, Germany) is an American businessman and entrepreneur. His expertise includes branding and identity, finance, business development, sales, internet marketing, and website development.

Stats

Early life and Education

Erik was born on 15 January 1976 in Berlin, Germany where his father, a PhD scientist of Microbiology and Chemistry (and Florida native) was conducting cancer research and mother, a primary school teacher and native of Austria. The second of three children, Erik, who was born , took his middle name later in life (though not legally changed). Six months after birth his family move back to the states where he spoke German until he was six years old where he attended pre-kindergarten and kindergarten at a private German school 'Die Deutsche Schule' in Washington D.C. Upon his entry into first grade, his family moved back to his father's native Central Florida where Erik attended Grace Lutheran School through the seventh grade. He played violin for twelve years until graduation, and several years of electric guitar. He graduated from Winter Haven High School.

In addition to his elder brother, who served 6 years in the US Army, Erik has a younger sister, an attorney who currently resides in Florida.

Growing up, his family lived in the country-side where his father farmed orange groves, and raised cattle. Erik spent much of his time working for his father, and riding, training, selling and trading horses. When fifteen years old he teamed up with a ranch hand and built and operated a single-event rodeo operation for team-penning on one of his father's properties. He spent much of his free time outdoors and water-skiing with his friends.

Upon graduating and prior to entry into university, Erik spent ten weeks at the German language Goethe Institute in Berlin, Germany. He completed his university studies in economics and marketing at Bethany College, in Lindsborg, Kansas where he spent much of his time reading the Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Forbes magazines. He studied piano for two years, and participated in the cross-country team for a year before shin splints forced early leave from the sport. He lifted weights with the football team on a daily basis.

Business related

Corporate Consulting:
Worked with information technology services and consulting firm EDS (Electronic Data Systems) for six years, including at the California State Medicaid account where he forecasted and budgeted $150 Million in annual business, similarly at the Chevron account $80 Million in business, then EDS West Region Headquarters forecasting $1.5 Billion in business. Thereafter, Erik moved to Business Development structuring complicated IT outsourcing deals in excess of $100 Million and 5 years in length. The last deal he worked was a 3Com contract that signed for $60 Million at 5 years length. Erik left EDS in January 2004.

Post EDS: Independent & The Roster
Erik trained in sales working with famous sales executive Chet Holmes. He also worked shortly with Jay Abraham "The World's Most Expensive Marketing Consultant". Erik applied his new-found sales and marketing skills to self-funded Internet business opportunities and has been through his team providing Web Marketing and Development Services since 2004. Between late 2004 and 2005 Erik profited significantly selling a trendy one-dollar product online that he imported from China. His development team at The Roster is comprised of three of the most highly skilled and sophisticated graphic design and branding experts in the U.S., four extremely talented programmers each with over 10+ years online development, and two marketing experts (both of which have managed multi-million-dollar annual advertising campaign spends).

Personal life

Erik is a bachelor, and enjoys hanging out with his bros. He welcomes the opportunity to spend time with a great woman.

Interests

Literature:
Erik's interests include reading non-fiction books of psychology, autobiography, and influence. He is a student of Robert Greene's books The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, and The 33 Strategies of War.

Non-Profits:
Erik has worked closely with:

CureBreastCancerInc, founded by Dr. Ernie Bodai, the creator of the United States Postal Service semi-postal first-class stamp "The Breast Cancer Research Stamp"

T.A.P.S., founded by Bonnie Carroll, the front line resource to families and loved ones of military men and women, providing ongoing emotional help, hope, and healing to all who are grieving the death of a loved one in military service to America.

Activities

Muay Thai kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Snowboarding... whenever I get the chance.

Surfing...

Favorite film genres are Action, Drama, Comedy, and Animation (Disney, Pixar, etc).

Music... rock, pop, rap, R&B, country, classical, orchestral, trance, and electronic dance.

Weight lifting... personal best bench press was in 1997 at 21 years old, pressed 295 pounds at a body weigh of 185 pounds.

Offroad motorcycles...

Horses...

Dreams

Write, sing and record a music album.

Write, direct, produce, and distribute a motion picture into wide-release status.