EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration
University of St. Thomas; St. Paul, Minnesota
Bachelor of Science, Hotel and Restaurant Management
University of Wisconsin – Stout; Menomonie, Wisconsin
AFFILIATIONS
National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS)
National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS)
National Association of College and University Foodservices (NACUFS)
Professional Member
Foodservice Consultant’s Society International (FCSI)
Eric brings a rare combination of operational depth and design leadership to his role as Principal and member of the Rippe Ownership Team. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in restaurants, catering, corporate dining, and university foodservice, he approaches every project with a strong operator-focused perspective. Over his tenure at Rippe Associates, he has guided complex project teams with clarity and collaboration, delivering solutions that improve workflow and enhance the user experience.
He is deeply engaged in industry leadership and education. Eric was newly elected to the FCSI Americas Board of Trustees, contributing his perspective to the future of the profession. As a long-time mentor and instructor with Foodservice Design Bootcamp, he equips emerging and mid-career professionals with the practical tools of the craft. Eric is also a frequent speaker at conferences and industry events, sharing insights on foodservice design best practices, operational logic, and innovation.
Signature Projects
• Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL
• Parkway North High School | St. Louis, MO
• Wisconsin Veterans Home | King, WI
• Clarinda Correctional Facility | Clarinda, IA
• Minneapolis Public Service Building | Minneapolis, MN
• Quantico Club- United States Marine Corps | Quantico, VA
Based in Eagan, Minnesota, Eric enjoys life with his wife, daughter, and their pug, Munch. Outside of design, he is an active member of the Grand Ave Paranormal Society, exploring Minnesota’s historic, and occasionally haunted, locations. Whether teaching, designing, mentoring, or ghost-hunting, Eric brings curiosity, enthusiasm, and a passion for people to everything he does.