Erik worked as a vending machine maintenance professional for Pepsi and Crickler Vending in Batavia and Buffalo for 40 years. It was in 1989 that he decided to renovate an abandoned church in East Shelby and open the East Shelby Community Bible Church. The first service was held on Palm Sunday in 1990 with Erik serving as Pastor and Bible Teacher. Erik continues to serve his congregation by directing and accompanying the choir and teaching Bible Study every week.
Erik’s service extends beyond his congregation to his community as well. He spearheads large food donations at Thanksgiving and Christmas for local needy families, organizes Old Fashioned Days, and relishes in traveling to nursing homes in Genesee and Orleans Counties. For these and many other works in the community, Erik has awarded the 2017 Orleans Hub Outstanding Citizen award.