Erik was raised in a military family, spending most of his childhood abroad living in Germany. After high school, he enlisted into the Army as a Human Resources Specialist where he went on to serve on active duty for 10 years, with assignments in Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, and two deployments to Baghdad, Iraq.

Being raised by parents who are both originally from Wisconsin, getting out into the great outdoors comes natural to Erik. Through that experience, he saw firsthand how powerful simple things like movement, shared struggle, and community can be—particularly for veterans and first responders navigating life after service. That impact is what led him to get involved as a peer activity leader (PAL).

As a PAL, Erik helps to bring people together through hiking, frisbee golf, and Pickleball, creating a space where members can connect, push themselves, and support one another. His approach is rooted in consistency, camaraderie, and making fitness accessible to anyone willing to show up.

Outside of being a PAL, Erik is heavily involved with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), a national organization that provides mentorship through small group activities for children and families that have lost a lost one, whether they were killed in combat, died from an illness or suicide. Erik can also be found riding his e-bike all across the Fort Collins area, and his rides will usually take him to breweries where live music is happening. Erik can go on and on about music of all genres, and also has quite the vinyl record collection, and loves attending record shows. He is also an avid Green Bay Packers fan and has been on the season ticket waiting list since 2013!