Eric was born on August 28th 1984 in Redding California to Martin and Valorie Smith. Soon after Eric was born Martin and Valorie returned to Reno in search of employment. When Eric was 3 years old, Martin started a business in Reno that would become The Flag Store, Sign & Banner. Martin's wife Valorie worked in the Gaming industry and supported the family while Martin was growing the business. The Flag Store would have a profound effect on Eric's life.

After a year in Reno, Martin and Valorie moved the family and the business to Sparks. Eric would attend Florence Drake Elementary.

Everyday Eric' s parents would pick him up and bring to The Flag Store. Although Eric was very young he would help with customers and of course he would also play and visit with other business owner families in the complex. Being raised in a small family business taught Eric work ethic, entrepreneurship, morality, community service and a sense of community. Literally being raised in a family business, Eric has learned firsthand how difficult things can get running a small family business. These life lessons have had a great impact on him. Seeing how over regulating or taxing a small business can have a devastating impact on a small business.

When Eric' s parents had their second child Jamie they felt it was time to purchase their first home. They decided to move to Silver Knolls off of Red Rock road, about 25 minutes North of Reno.

While attending O' Brien Middle School, Hug High School, and College, Eric continued to work at The Flag Store for his parents; learning all aspects of running a business.

After graduating from Hug High School, Eric continued is Education until he graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor' s Degree in Political Science and a Minor in U.S. History. Eric is also a graduate of the Washoe County Leadership program.

While attending college, Eric married his high school sweetheart Amber Nicora. The two purchased a home in Sparks shortly after getting married and currently live at the same home in Sparks.

Eric has become part owner of the family business, where he hears on a regular basis from life long customers, "I remember when you were this big".

The very nature of the family business, Flags, flagpoles, signs, banners and patriotic decorations has allowed him to see people and their families that make sacrifices to serve their country on a daily basis with some making the ultimate sacrifice.

Eric understands giving back to the community. The Flag Store has always supported many organizations such as Operation Yellow Ribbon, Veterans Guest House, Veterans Hospital, Nation Guard Family Assistance Fund, Nevada Patriot Fund, Viet Nam Veterans of America, Reno Rodeo, Nevada State Fair just to name a few.

In 2007 Eric was appointed by the Sparks City Council to be on the F.I.R.S.T. (Fairness In Reno Sparks Tax' s) Blue Ribbon Task Force to establish short and long term financial strategies for local government in Northern Nevada. Eric is also currently a member of Sparks Rotary and Executive Association of Reno.

Eric was raised with the family values of giving back and is a large part of the reason why he has decided to run for Assembly 32.

When Eric is not working he enjoys hunting, hiking, and fly fishing with his family and friends. Eric also enjoys cooking and good food.