Eric is a graduate of Northwestern R-1 in Mendon, MO, and also graduated from the Brookfield Area Career Center in the summer of 1999.  He followed his career path by attending Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada, MO where he received his welding certificates in December 1999.  As he proceeded to follow his trade, he progressed as a journeyman welder in seven nuclear power facilities, fourteen ethanol plants, nine coal-fired power plants, six food process facilities, three major refineries, two pharmaceutical facilities, and two major breweries in the U.S in the past 18 years. Eric was also awarded the craftsmanship award at Palo Verde Nuclear plant in Arizona in 2011.