Public Speaking
Navy SEAL. Combat Veteran. Entrepreneur. Speaker.
Eric Frohardt is a Navy SEAL combat veteran with nearly 12-years of active duty service to our nation. While on active duty, he served on various SEAL Teams including the highly revered Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He deployed numerous times to hot spots around the world.
As a SEAL, Eric was trained in the use of various firearms, explosives, radio and computer communication devices, combat diving, high altitude parachuting, battlefield medicine, wilderness survival, climbing, mountaineering, hand-to-hand combat, and tactical driving. He was also a sniper! While on active duty he climbed El Capitan and (2) of the (7) Summits: Denali and Aconcagua as part of his lead climber training.
He was medically retired at the beginning of 2010 after being injured in combat as a SEAL Operator, Chief (E7) after being injured in combat. Upon leaving the Navy, Eric went on to start in indoor gun range and gun store in Denver, CO. He then stepped down from daily operations in order to become the CEO an international fitness organization with nearly 5,000 instructors in over 30 countries. After his time at StrongFirst, he served as the Director of Education and Training for the National Rifle Association, where he served and led over 115,000 NRA Certified Firearms Trainers nationwide. Since then, Eric has worked in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, and the energy sector. He recently took a role as Chief Standards Officer for Goldenrod Companies, an Omaha based real estate development and investment firm. Even though his new job is full-time, he still makes time for speaking events when able. He typically presents on Teamwork, Leadership, Operational Excellence and of course Culture.
Eric and his wife have been happily married for 21-years and they have 4 kids ranging from 12 to 20 years old. Being a good husband and father are his most important job descriptions these days. He volunteers for the Navy SEAL Foundation and is a board member for Global Partners in Hope. He is also active in the church and the local Omaha community. Most importantly, Eric is a believer and follower of Jesus!
He is not just a Navy SEAL combat veteran. His diverse background spans different industries and different roles. He’s been an entrepreneur, Director, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and Consultant across several industries. Throughout his career, he has build and led high-performing teams centered around People, Strategy, and Execution!
Eric will have your team on the edge of their seats as he shares real life stories of solving problems, facing challenges, overcoming fears, accomplishing dangerous missions and winning together as a Team. When time allows, Q&A is always a highlight!
JB | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
"I have had the opportunity to hear Eric speak in three different settings to executives and company employees. Each time he has captivated the room with the message about overcoming fear with courage. His stories are heartfelt and makes the hair on your arms stand up. His ability to relate that back to your organization makes a huge impact for employees. I would 100% recommend Eric to others!"
ART ZELIE | CEO OF HOSTING
“Eric is one of the most charismatic and truly gifted speakers I have had the opportunity to hear in my career. People leave his speeches with a combination of pride in our country and the inspiration to change themselves in a very meaningful way.”
TESTIMONIALS
ANDREW CAIN | VIA WEST
"He was great! I am not sure I even have words to describe the feeling after hearing him speak. From a sales/marketing perspective, he was very motivating and eye opening and shed some light on how we could approach difficult situation differently. I wish I could listen to him speak for many more hours. I highly recommend him to anyone."
MARC CRAWFORD | CEO CO-FOUNDER EDUCATIONAL MEASUERS
“We thoroughly enjoyed having Eric come speak to our company. He has a unique ability to connect with every person in the room while keeping them enthralled with his real-life stories. Eric is a gifted, authentic speaker and those that experienced his speech, still talk about the impact it had on them.”
ROBERT M. O’DEA | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, BUTTERFLY PAVILION
"You did a masterful job of weaving together insights on leadership development, teamwork and execution in the context of stories that had our entire team on the edge of their seats and hanging on your every word. Having sat through countless seminars, talks, and executive coaching sessions I can tell you it is infinitely more impactful to hear the perspective of someone who comes from a world where life and death hinge on the subjects of which he speaks. What you shared with our organization will have a positive impact for years to come. I cannot overstate the value of the lessons you shared and look forward to watching your contributions take root and blossom, not just at Butterfly Pavilion, but at the range of organizations lucky enough to hear your story and gain your insights."
JASON S HELLER | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/MANAGING PARTNER
“WOW - This is the first word that comes to mind after engaging Eric Frohardt to speak from the heart and share his vision of Leadership with our CRG Team. I had too many takeaways to mention, but the one that stands out to me as a Leader is ‘BE AVAILABLE & DON’T BELIEVE YOUR OWN HYPE!’ I would highly recommend Eric to any business Owner, Leader, Entrepreneur, with desire to grow a business and truly lead your people. Thanks again Eric!”
ANONYMOUS
"Eric’s story is inspiring out of the gate. But while man stories of military service leave you thinking ‘there’s no way I could do that,’ Eric describes his transition out of the military in a way that’s inspiring and actionable. He clearly had unique and incredible experiences in the military, but the steps he took to overcome obstacles at various points in his post-military career are things anyone can relate to and learn from. Eric leaves you thinking about how you can push yourself to the next level - whether it’s in your career, your personal life, or your health. And he also tells you how to do it - by going out there and taking the next step."
Troy J. - Leader of Agricultural Co-Op
"Eric’s experiences of growing up on a farm, becoming a Navy SEAL, succeeding as a Navy SEAL, and then succeeding in business are very applicable for any team. Our team loved his presentation and we got a TON out of it!"
Tom Martindale - President & Founder, Drips
"I’ve taken my team to the Super Bowl, Hawaii Off-sites, fancy dinners, and everything in between. Nothing has impacted our culture like our sessions with Eric. After three engagements with our leadership and sales teams - along with some team building events - his principles have become a part of our operating DNA. Our team still quotes him weekly. He’s the real deal!”