While in college, Erik started his career serving at-risk youth in Southwest Missouri as a director of an afterschool program and Youth Pastor. As a bi-vocational pastor, Erik also worked as the Human Resources Manager/Director of Operations for a digital security and surveillance company. While in this role, Erik gained valuable experience in employee relations, payroll, performance management, and policy and procedure development.

Over the last three years, Erik has served as a Human Resources Manager in the real estate industry, advancing his education as a SHRM-Certified HR Professional and returning to school to work on an MBA in Human Resources Management.

Erik and his wife, Melissa, enjoy watching all things Marvel and Star Wars with their two boys, Malachi and Isaiah, and their two puppies, Kylo and Ahsoka. In his free time, Erik is a competitive powerlifter and helps run a counseling office in east Kansas City with his wife.