Eric is a Managing Director at Lazear, leading the Tampa market and extending his expertise to business owners nationwide. He works with owners considering their succession and exit options, helping them align financial and personal goals to structure successful ownership transitions.

With more than 35 years of experience in commercial banking, Eric brings deep expertise in M&A financing and the entrepreneurial insight gained from founding—and later selling—his own business. Drawing on both perspectives, he helps business owners plan and execute transitions that preserve value and position their companies for continued success.

A Columbus, Ohio native and lifelong Buckeye fan, Eric graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a degree in finance and real estate. He earned his MBA from the University of South Florida and is an alumnus of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.