Eric grew up in South Carolina. He first learned his craft from his father, who was a forester with the South Carolina Forestry Commission. After graduating from Clemson in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Management, he began working for American Forest Management in Sumter, SC. Opportunities arose that led him to move into southeastern North Carolina in 1995. In NC, he first moved to Wilmington and lived there for a few years while his wife graduated from UNCW. Together, they moved inland to the Fayetteville area. He and his wife raised two children and are both very active in their local church.

Eric has been with American Forest Management for 33 years. He has experience with both institutional timberland investors as well as private landowners. He has worked on projects throughout the southeastern US, from the mountains to the coast. His passion is forest management, and he enjoys looking for and finding the value and potential attributes in every piece of land. Eric is a Registered Forester in NC and SC, a Licensed Real Estate Broker in NC, a certified Tree Farm inspector, a Commercial Pesticide Applicator, a member of the Society of American Foresters, and trained in SC as a Prescribed Fire Manager.

Why did you pursue a career in forestry?

My father was a forester. He taught me to respect the environment through walks in the woods and hunting. I understand the connection we all have to the forest, and I enjoy being a part of the forest. I enjoy utilizing the techniques to keep a forest healthy. Forestry keeps me connected to the land and the memory of my father.

What do you like the most about your role with AFM?

Meeting new landowners and learning about their woodlands. Each client has their own story to tell; each piece of land has its own unique history. I cannot think of another profession where you can learn about the history of the land around you while at the same time having the satisfaction of keeping that forest healthy for future generations.