Eric has been in digital marketing since 2014, but his favorite part of the journey has always been helping local businesses get the attention they deserve. Back in California, he started a foodie channel called Bako Eats, which quickly grew to tens of thousands of followers and helped restaurants fill up overnight. Later in Texas, he launched Hey Fort Worth—same idea, same heart—and within months, it was drawing crowds and giving small spots a huge boost. Between these two channels alone, we’ve helped over 50 local businesses go viral in their 10 mile radius with a combined 10 million+ views across Instagram and TikTok.

Now, Eric and his family are in the Shoals, where Hey Shoals highlights the area’s hidden gems—the restaurants, food trucks, and local hangouts people need to know about. Locals often say, “I’ve lived here for years and never knew this place existed until you posted about it,” and that’s exactly the kind of impact Eric loves to make.

At its heart, Hey Shoals is about more than food videos—it’s about community: helping small businesses grow, sparking local conversations, and reminding everyone just how much there is to enjoy right here at home. When he’s not sharing local spots, Eric also runs 10 Mile Marketing, helping small businesses amplify their voices and dominate their local market.