“Bravery isn’t never being afraid. It’s being brave in the face of fear.”
Awards
Crain’s Twenty in their 20’s
Michigan Chronicle Forty Under 40
Spirit of Detroit Award
Councilwoman Sheffield, Community Service Award
Karen Dumas Award
Eric Thomas is an entrepreneur, storyteller, social commentator, brand strategist, artist, and self-taught designer. His life is one that proves many things can be true at once and no one is defined by any one part of their identity. During his career he has worked with hundreds of businesses and organizations to help them develop their brands, connect to their markets, and grow in ways they did not know was possible. Known for his unique perspective, engaging communication style, and sharp sense of humor, Eric has made a name for himself as a speaker, writer, and adept networker.
His blog on LinkedIn has experienced tremendous success with over 3 million reads and been republished across the globe. As an entrepreneur, he and his business partner have built the unique "storytelling agency” Saga which has generated over 1.4 million dollars in revenue, servicing municipalities, museums, cultural institutions and national corporations. He’s proud that during Saga’s lifespan, over 60% of the vendors and employees have been people of color and women, proving that the pipeline issue in media is more about access and intention than lack of talent.
The growth of Saga and reach of his blog has turned a new page in his entrepreneurial journey. He’s rapidly become a sought after speaker, engaging audiences around the country on the topic storytelling, marketing, and business at TedXDetroit, The Digital Summit, the Industrial Design Society of America to name a few. Eric has also been honored to write for local, national, and international publications including Hour Magazine, The Detroit News, and Financial Times, with his work and commentary cited by the New York Times, The Economist and Adweek.
Speaking / Appearances
Eric has spoken in small classrooms, at major universities, and major stages. From Intimate small groups to 3,000 seat theaters, like TEDxDetroit, Eric brings energy and enthusiasm to every presentation.
MIT, The Spirit of Detroit
Detroit Regional Chamber, Digital Marketing Bootcamp
NPR, The Frame
Fox 2 Detroit, Various On Air Appearances
Digital Summit - Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, LA
IDSA - The Power of Storytelling
Why I Hate Detroit' writer: the walls are higher in the hood, Click on Detroit
Comcast ‘All Hands’ Meeting, Building your Personal Brand
American Black Journal | CBS
Writing
In a short two years, Eric Thomas has a few of the most read blogs on Linkedin for a combined readership of over 2.2 million people. He has also been republished by local, statewide, and national media.
From ‘why I hate Detroit’ to Why I stayed, Financial Times
Detroit Can Beat the Gentrification Game, Hour Magazine
Why I hate Detroit, Metro Times
Dear America, I'm not your excuse, State of Opportunity / Michigan Radio
Eric’s writings and speaking have been cited in some of the largest, most trusted publications in the world such as the New York Times and the Economist.
How Pepsi Got It So Wrong, AdWeek
In Detroit’s 2-Speed Recovery, Downtown Roars and Neighborhoods Sputter, New York Times
Detroit’s long road to recovery begins downtown, The Economist
Eric Thomas / Marcus Burrell, Crain's Detroit