Name
Eric Becker
Company/Organization
- Whirlpool Corporation
- Sure Shot Homes, LLC
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
- At Whirlpool, we design, manufacture, distribute, and sell home appliances that make life at home easier for our consumers.
- At Sure Shot Homes, we buy, renovate, and rent or sell homes to residents or visitors of the Southwest Michigan region.
Age
35
Accomplishments
- Co-owner of Sure Shot Homes, LLC (est 2021)
- Certified Master Black Belt in Operational Excellence (Six Sigma)
- Board Member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Lake Michigan Region; Big Brother to Zay in the Benton Harbor area
- Earning the Evans Scholarship which paid for my undergrad education
- Dedicated husband and father
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I plan to have built my real estate business to where it provides financial freedom for both my family and my business partner’s family. I also plan to attain my MBA and strive to reach a Director level position at Whirlpool.
Education
- BSBA in Logistics Management & Marketing from The Ohio State University (05-09)
- Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Six Sigma Associates (2017)
Residence
Hagar Township, MI
Where were you born?
Forth Worth, TX
What was your first job?
I was 11-years old when I got my first job as a golf caddy at Moraine Country Club in Dayton, OH. I continued to caddy until I was almost 22.
Best advice you ever got?
I’ve received a lot of great advice over the years, some personal, some professional. One that spans across both arenas would be, “You get out of every opportunity what you’re willing to put into it.” I think this rings true in hobbies, work, and relationships.
Who inspires you most?
I get inspiration from a variety of people for differing aspects of my life. Overall, my family inspires me the most to be the best version of myself I can be.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I’m really into musical theater and enjoy singing. In high school I was part of 2 plays and sang in the men’s acapella choir. This really surprises most people because what they see is a truck-driving, camo-wearing, fish-catching, deer-hunting guy and I guess it’s a unique mix. The old saying holds true, “Never judge a book by its cover!”
What do you love to do in your downtime?
Number 1 is spending time with my wife (Charlotte) and my baby girl (Betsy). Then in no particular order, I’m an avid outdoorsman so I enjoy shooting my bow, fishing (all species), and hunting. I also enjoy home improvement projects, cooking and sharing what I make with the people I love, and when I have a lot of downtime, traveling both in the states and overseas. So far, I’ve been to 28 states and 13 countries with many more on my bucket list.
What book are you reading now?
- Storytelling with Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
- Baby Wise, Book Two by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam
Volunteer activity you love the most.
My favorite activity is spending time with my little brother Zay through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Other than that, I really enjoy mentoring veterans through ACP, building ramps for disabled people in the area through the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan, and volunteering through Whirlpool for various United Way needs as they arise.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I’ve always been raised to take care of those around me. My parents instilled in me at a young age the importance of caring for others and giving back to my community. I simply believe we’re here to help each other, so that’s what I do.
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
This is a tough one, but being able to be invisible would be pretty great. I’m an introvert by nature (which actually may be the most surprising thing about me) so being able to “disappear” would be helpful from time to time. Also, please see my comments around being an avid outdoorsman. Being invisible would definitely have its benefits in the woods!
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
I want to be remembered for what I did for others. Not only for the positive impact I made in the community in which I live, but for the financial security I provided for my family for generations to come.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
It’s humbling. I don’t do what I do for recognition. So, to be recognized out of a large pool of deserving candidates for doing what I’m passionate about and what makes me, me is pretty incredible. A certain level of pride comes with this honor, so I do want to thank the committee for selecting me as one of this year’s 40 under 40.
