Erick was raised in Summerville, South Carolina, in the Charleston area. Erick’s father served for many years in the United States Air Force and in the USAF Reserves, retiring as a Master Sergeant. Erick’s mom and dad still live in the same house in Summerville where they raised their family.

 

Destined to be an entrepreneur, Erick started his first business selling greeting cards door-to-door at the age of 12. In high school, Erick became active in student government and served as the student liaison to the Dorchester County School Board and Superintendent. Under the mentorship of Summerville High School Coach John McKissick, the winningest football coach in the nation, Erick also participated in high school athletics. 

 

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Erick attended Trident Technical College (TTC) in North Charleston and pursued his passion for the performing arts by appearing in the renowned Spoleto Festival and the Piccolo Spoleto. After attending TTC, Erick continued to develop his stage experience, winning recognition in Shakespearean theater.

 

Erick's athletic and artistic passions came together, creating an opportunity to become a ballroom dance instructor. His work with a national organization brought him to Naples, where he met his beautiful wife Anita in 1992. A short time later, he fell in love with both the area and his future wife, Anita Ruiz. Erick and Anita have been married for 25 years.

 

Their son, Blake, was raised in Collier County's School System, attending Seagate Elementary, Gulfview Middle School, and Naples High School. Blake is now proudly serving our country in the United States Army.