Eric Thomas got his start in the industry as an apprentice for a commercial heating & air conditioning contractor in Virginia. From there, he received a bachelor’s degree in marketing
from Western Kentucky University. After graduation, he spent time working alongside the world’s largest home services franchisor doing digital marketing and website operations.

In 2020, he ventured off on his own to start Rival Digital – a digital marketing agency for HVAC contractors. Rival Digital specializes in helping business owners establish an online presence that produces a predictable lead flow, which allows contractors to generate more revenue, employ more people, and serve more customers.

Eric is the host of the Smart HVAC Marketing podcast – an award-winning podcast that provides practical tips for business growth from industry leaders. Additionally, he is a 2023 recipient of the ACHR News Top 40 Under 40.

Outside of his professional life, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and surfing.