Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Pirius.
Hi Eric, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Homer, a seaside town ringed by mountains, on the south-central coast of Alaska. In the early 70s, we lived in a converted log barn on 160 acres with no running water or electricity. I really did walk a mile to the bus stop, just me and the porcupines and a wolf once. With no TV or human neighbors, we were creative and resourceful. Those traits have carried me through life. Some of our family friends were the Kilchers of “Alaska The Last Frontier” on Discovery. They were true pioneers but spoiler alert, while we did subsistence fishing, hunting, and collecting coal off the beach at low tide for fuel, there are grocery stores if the moose you were hunting got away.
When I was 16, we moved back to Red Wing MN where I was born. We had running water and electricity. I played football and had a Chevy Nova that stalled, in February on my first date. I turned my academics around and got into Vassar College. Vassar was a far cry from Homer to be sure. Liz Murdoch went to Vassar while I was there; super nice person. I sold her some speakers once, I always chuckle when I think of that. I graduated with a degree in Cognitive Science with a focus on artificial intelligence which my dad says I have plenty of.
After graduating, I moved to Boston, got a high-tech job, and had road rage within a year or so. My buddy was in Japan and said to come over. So I did. A year turned into 10 years in Tokyo. I taught English for a few years, then learned Japanese, quit teaching, and got into the talent side of media there. I was a jack of all trades, I did modeling, acted in lots of TV ads and shows, and did improv. I also did a lot of voice work. I was in the original Resident Evil game which, to this day has a massive cult following as I learned a few years ago. It was a good living and a stream of unique experiences like hanging with Bill Clinton’s brother Roger on a sailboat in Tokyo Bay. Our host was a Yakuza who owned Pachinko Parlors and had a continual entourage of transsexuals who made up the rest of the guest list on the boat. To the more mundane, like when almost got fired for mixing up the words for housewife and prostitute while teaching at The Berlitz English School.
When living abroad, there comes a point where you stay or go and I came back to the US in 1999, mostly for family and mountain biking. I’ve been in Minneapolis for 20 years now, working in mortgage banking. Ann and I got married 7 years ago, with no kids and a cute dachshund named Tank. My wife has put her healthcare background and Harvard business degree to work in an assisted living business that we own and operate. We focus on innovative care for those with memory care needs.
I race bikes year around and continuously try to improve as a human. The tenacity and resolve I developed throughout life show up in my work and have served my clients well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s no such thing as a smooth road. There have been bumps from the beginning. The bumps shaped me. I’ve learned to expect the expected and view challenges as a chance for growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bell Bank?
We’re a privately held, 11-billion-dollar bank with arguably the best reputation for closing on time with no hassles in our market.
I don’t have kids, I have every app I need on a smartphone. Call me Friday night at 9:30 or Sunday am, I will answer and get u what you need immediately. Our portfolio products are unique and allow us to open doors whether it’s a multiunit investment property or 1% down with no mortgage insurance for a first-time homebuyer.
What makes you happy?
Getting stuff done. Being present. Because I need to achieve to feel happy and free. When I am truly present, the amount of good fortune in my life makes me grateful to the point of tears.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ericp.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epirius
