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. In high school, Erick was very active in student government and served as the student liaison to the Dorchester County School Board and Superintendent. With great pride, Erick participated in high school athletics under the mentorship of Summerville High School Coach John McKissick, the winningest football coach in the nation.

 

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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 grow his performing arts expertise, winning recognition in Shakespearean theater.

 

With Erick's athletic skills his passion for the arts, he became a ballroom dance instructor. As an instructor for a national company, he had opportunity to teach in 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.

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Erick studied cosmetology and graduated from Lorenzo Walker Technical College, a division of Collier County Public Schools, before launching Salon Zenergy in partnership with his wife Anita. 

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