Eric has been growing orchids for over 35 years under the greenhouse name of River Valley Orchids and specializes in South American Genera, with a focus on Brassia, Maxillaria and Phragmipedium. He has spoken internationally and across the United States. Eric has had culture chapters published by Guido Braem in his book on Paphiopedilum and in his book on Phragmipedium. He also has a feature article on Maxillaria in Orchid Digest and several of his Maxillaria photos published in Eric Christenson's book on Maxillaria. Eric has received over 125 awards from the American Orchid Society and has four orchids named after him, including two species from Ecuador. He is the current vice-president of the Miami Valley Orchid Society, the first vice-president of the Mid America Orchid Congress and chair of the Ohio Valley Orchid Fest. Eric's real job is as a registered landscape architect serving as the Interim Chief of Planning for Five Rivers MetroParks in Dayton, Ohio.