Lifestyle

Eric Oberembt Believes in Authenticity and Becoming The Human You Were Born To Be, Here’s Why

Published

3 years ago

November 6, 2022

Authenticity and becoming the person you were born to be are highly desirable traits. Most people want to be appreciated for who they are. They want to be supported in becoming the human they were born to be. This endeavor contributes to a holistic well-being that makes you happier. What’s more, authenticity makes you feel fulfilled and boosts your self-esteem.

Eric Oberembt says that everyone should strive to become the human they were born to be. Relentless is his belief; Eric hosts a podcast where he tells people to keep it real or GTFO.

Eric is an entrepreneur, author, business coach, and keynote speaker. He owns several businesses, including D&M Roofing and Siding, in Omaha, NE. He is also the co-founder of the nonprofit “Roofers in Recovery,” the author of two books about residential and commercial roofing, and co-founder of the National Vendor Network “Advanced Roofing Technologies.”

Eric owns the podcast dubbed “Be Authentic or GTFO.” He started the podcast to create a comfortable space where people can have authentic conversations.

Why authenticity

Eric says that if there’s one thing he is sick and tired of, it’s the ‘fake,’ ‘look at me,’ inspirational bullshit. We are a society with people who are accustomed to putting on masks. We make excuses, and some avoid taking action for the fear that things may not work. We may think it’s okay to put on masks and avoid taking action, but to Eric, such behavior doesn’t help you or others.

Eric believes in authenticity because of his life experiences. About 13 years ago, this entrepreneur was struggling with alcohol addiction. Eric always fought alcoholism. But after two failed marriages, he fell into the depths of addiction with no end in sight but jail or death. He started selling cocaine, and at the age of 28, he got arrested for a 4th offense DUI while narrowly dodging drug charges. Eric was looking at 1-5 years in prison. However, after going to a 30-day rehab facility, the judge showed him mercy and didn’t give him the maximum penalty.

While in rehab, Eric says that he experienced this ‘aha’ moment that helped him face reality. It hit him that normal people don’t need rehab. The second time he came face to face with the truth was after a relapse. He got a blow to the head that night, and when he got home the next day, he looked at himself in the mirror and realized that things had to change.

Becoming the human you were born to be

Eric says that becoming the human you were born to be and embracing authenticity helps you achieve success. There may be a talent or a trade that you’re pretty good at but have been postponing as a business venture. When you finally realize that this skill is something you’re good at, you can set up a business that outperforms competitors.

According to Eric, you’re more likely to pursue your passions, believe in yourself, and have confidence in your opinions when you choose to be authentic. So how do you become authentic?

To Eric, you become authentic by being honest with yourself and others. Be confident and comfortable in expressing your own opinion, and keep an open mind about other people’s opinions.

Authenticity requires you to be self-aware. You must be mindful of how your upbringing, home, and environment influence your behavior. This calls for you to ask yourself the tough questions: Are you happy? Does your job give you satisfaction? At what times do you feel like your best self?

You were meant for success

Eric says that if he could take the garbage that was his life and use it to help other humans become the best versions of themselves, then anyone can do it. His life journey taught him never to be afraid to say what he thinks or how he feels about any subject. Eric also learned that others out there need help becoming the human they were born to be. This realization enabled Eric to help hundreds of people through his podcast, coaching, and speaking events.

Curious for more? Connect with Eric via his socials:

Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, YouTube, Podcast

Lifestyle

Why Derik Fay Is Becoming a Case Study in Long-Haul Entrepreneurship

Published

15 hours ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneurship today is often framed in extremes — overnight exits or public flameouts. But a small cohort of operators is being studied for something far less viral: consistency. Among them, Derik Fay has quietly surfaced as a long-term figure whose name appears frequently across sectors, interviews, and editorial mentions — yet whose personal visibility remains relatively limited.

Fay’s career spans more than 20 years and includes work in private investment, business operations, and emerging entertainment ventures. Though many of his companies are not household names, the volume and duration of his activity have made him a subject of interest among business media outlets and founders who study entrepreneurial longevity over fame.

He was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1978, and while much of his early career remains undocumented publicly, recent profiles including recurring features in Forbes — have chronicled his current portfolio and leadership methods. These accounts often emphasize his pattern of working behind the scenes, embedding within businesses rather than leading from a distance. His style is often described by peers as “operational first, media last.”

Fay has also become recognizable for his consistency in leadership approach: focus on internal systems, low public profile, and long-term strategy over short-term visibility. At 46 years old, his posture in business remains one of longevity rather than disruption a contrast to many of the more heavily publicized entrepreneurs of the post-2010 era.

While Fay has never publicly confirmed his net worth, independent analysis based on documented real estate holdings, corporate exits, and investment activity suggests a conservative floor of $100 million, with several credible indicators placing the figure at well over $250 million. The exact number may remain private but the scale is increasingly difficult to overlook.

He is also involved in creative sectors, including film and media, and maintains a presence on social platforms, though not at the scale or tone of many personal-brand-driven CEOs. He lives with his long-term partner, Shandra Phillips, and is the father of two daughters — both occasionally referenced in interviews, though rarely centered.

While not an outspoken figure, Fay’s work continues to gain media attention. The reason may lie in the contrast he presents: in a climate of rapid rises and equally rapid burnout, his profile reflects something less dramatic but increasingly valuable — steadiness.

There are no viral speeches. No Twitter threads drawing blueprints. Just a track record that’s building its own momentum over time.

Whether that style becomes the norm for the next wave of founders is unknown. But it does offer something more enduring than buzz: a model of entrepreneurship where attention isn’t the currency — results are.