I wrote my first line of HTML in 1996. That became the catalyst that led me to a career of building — websites first, then teams, a company, and the leaders running them.
I co-founded Focus Lab in 2010 and spent 15 years growing a branding agency, serving as both CEO and COO along the way. Today I lead Innovation at Focus Lab, coach entrepreneurs through Built on Purpose, and speak and write about leadership, faith, and what it actually looks like to lead well without losing yourself in the process.
Most of my work falls into a few buckets — and they overlap more than you'd think.
“Erik has a rare gift: he helps business owners see the forest and the trees. His insight, empathy, and strategic clarity make him an invaluable guide for leaders who want to build something meaningful without burning out in the process.”
At Focus Lab, I get to be all of these things at once. I co-founded the agency in 2010 and today I'm in an innovation role — part business strategist, part builder, part coach to our team. I'm helping us navigate a season of growth while building the tools and processes that will define our next chapter.
Through coaching, I work with founders and agency owners navigating the weight of leadership. The overwhelm, the isolation, the quiet doubts that creep in when no one's watching. I help leaders find clarity, confidence, and a way forward that doesn't require losing themselves in the process.
From the stage, I speak about technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the tension between building something great and staying grounded while you do it. I've given a TEDx talk on Goodness over Greatness and spoken at conferences and events across the country.
In writing, I think out loud. The blog is where I process what I'm learning about building, leading, faith, culture, and whatever else I can't stop thinking about.
I'm most active on LinkedIn, where I write about leadership, building, and the stuff most founders think about but rarely say out loud. I also share a mix of work and life on Instagram, and send occasional emails through my newsletter — tools, stories, and perspective for people who are building something that matters.
If you want to talk about coaching, speaking, collaboration, or something I haven't thought of yet — get in touch.
Goodness over Greatness
A different kind of leadership book — for founders and executives who want to grow their business without losing their livelihood. Rooted in real experience and timeless principles, this is your guide to leading with integrity, clarity, and peace.
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