In 1994, Eric graduated magna cum laude from The Briarwood College for Mortuary Sciences with a degree in Mortuary Science and Business Administration after majoring in Biology and Psychology at Quinnipiac College. Upon completing an apprenticeship and significantly contributing to an increased bottom line and expanding business ventures, in 1995 Eric became executive secretary of the Greater Waterbury Funeral Directors Association and the C.O.O. of a multi-location funeral business encompassing three mortuary locations, a newly-developed crematory, monument business and vehicle/real estate holding company. Directly responsible for the above in addition to approximately six licensed professionals and 20 support employees, translated into an increased annual gross from just under $2M to over $3.5M for the entire enterprise after nearly eight years of service.

Success realized in such a volatile and unpredictable industry was related to Erics ability to uniquely market an abstract product through community visibility and developing strategic relationships with key individuals. This ability became a natural asset in the development of marketing and public education techniques related to retirement living.

Through involvement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in 2002, Eric was also involved as a founding member of The Northeasts Region Department of Homeland Security, National Disaster Medical Services (NDMS) division as an officer of The Region I Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT).