20 Under 40: Eric C. Peterson

Tell us about yourself and your family.

I live in Winchester with my wife, Brittany, and our four amazing children, Alli, Maci, Ryder and Brynli. I spend most of my free time attending West Central Cougar sporting events, coaching youth sports, volunteering for our school board and boosters, and doing anything hunting- or fishing-related.

How would someone meeting you for the first time would describe you? Why?

Approachable, I love having conversations with anyone willing to have one.

Tell us about someone or something that has influenced you, and why.

I have two people that have been the biggest influences in my life. My wife, Brittany, has been by my side and is the rock to our family. She has always supported my ideas, challenged me, and encouraged me to be my best even when I didn’t think I could achieve some big goals. My favorite thing to say is “the safest bet to make is to bet on yourself.” She has allowed that for me.

My Dad. He is the one that I have looked up to my entire life, from our daily phone calls, talking sales strategies, or hunting and fishing. Those are moments that I will always cherish. He is the reason that I stepped into the sales career and it’s pretty awesome to have a mentor I can call Dad.

What changes would you like to see in your community in the next 10 years, and how can they be brought to fruition?

 I would love to see our community grow, more businesses and more housing opportunities for families. As far as how we are going to get there, my best guess is we have to just keep our head down and keep working, we must stick together.

What do you consider the biggest challenge about your community?

Also growth, with being such a small community, business opportunities and housing are hard to come by, we only have so much room.

Which part of your personality do you think comes most from your family, and which feels distinctly your own?

My ability to talk to anyone, and that would be thanks to my mom. She isn’t afraid to start up a conversation, include others and always have a good time. That is true for me, too.

My joking personality, I own that one. I love to pester my kids, nieces and nephews, friends, and coworkers. Sometimes — well, most of the times — I am the biggest kid in the room.

What is something you’re passionate about?

Sports, especially youth sports. It is such a great way to give back to the community but also I have the opportunity to help mold young athletes and help shape them into young adults.

What was the moment you realized, “This is the kind of work I’m meant to be doing”?

My first sales call, I was hooked. I knew at that point there was no going back. Being out of shape, having bad knees and a family to raise, this was as close to competitive sports as I was going to get. There is competition, rivals, team goals, and if you practice hard enough, you can succeed.

How do you stay motivated on the days when the work feels heavy or thankless?

My family and friends are my biggest motivators. They are my everything. Sometimes one single conversation or phone call from my favorite people can help reset my mind and get me back on track.

What’s a small, practical thing everyone could do that you think would improve daily life for people here?

Just do your best and stay positive. It is a lot easier to lay down and take the negative path in life but if we work hard, stay positive, and take an interest in helping others we can improve our life and many others around us too.

If you could give one honest, unfiltered piece of advice to younger people in your community, what would it be and why?

Always bet on yourself, because you control the odds. You control the decisions, choices, and direction you can go. It may take longer than others, but this is your game so just play the game and always place the bet on you.