When Eric Merchant delivered a promotional ball cap and bumper sticker to a prizewinner in Lake Saint Louis more than three decades ago, he never imagined it would shape the course of his life. “The broker said, ‘You should be in Real Estate,’” Eric recalls. That casual encounter in 1990 turned out to be the beginning of a 34-year career in the industry—one marked by consistency, adaptability, and a steady rise to the top.

Born in Chicago and raised just outside Washington, D.C., Eric’s journey has always blended ambition with a deep respect for hard work. “If I wanted something I was told to do work to earn the money to buy whatever it was that I wanted,” he says. That lesson, learned as the middle child in a family of three, would later fuel a relentless drive to succeed in real estate, where he’s remained a top producer for decades.

After spending time on the West Coast, Eric settled in the St. Louis area in 1988 and joined the real estate world in 1991. Just one year later, he earned “Rookie of the Year” at C-21 Lifestyles in Lake Saint Louis. “I was the top agent in 1993 at the same office,” he says. “And I was the top producer in whatever office I have been in for the rest of my career excepting two years while I was with BHHS Alliance.”

In his nearly quarter-century with Prudential Alliance—later BHHS Alliance—Eric’s accolades piled up. From the Chairman Circle award to the Henry J. Aydt Service Award, his name became synonymous with performance and professionalism.

Still, Eric sees himself as more than just a real estate agent. Today, he leads The Merchant Team at Trophy Properties and Auction as a Real Estate Consultant, offering expertise across a wide range of property types. “I do all categories of RE at a very high level... no one else does that,” he notes. “Residential, Commercial/Industrial, Recreational and Acreage.”

His bilingual fluency in Spanish—thanks to his mother, who was from Mexico—has also opened doors to serving a broader community. “I have a large Spanish speaking clientele,” he says. That connection, combined with a personal touch, has helped build trust with a diverse base of clients across Missouri and beyond.

While real estate remains his full-time career and passion, life outside the office is equally rich. Eric lives with his wife, Debbie, on a 293-acre farm north of Hermann, Missouri—a tranquil setting that grounds his otherwise fast-paced life. “I am only able to do what I do because of my wonderful wife Debbie Merchant,” Eric says. “She handles all the things that I cannot, because of my busy schedule.” Debbie manages everything from farm maintenance to the books for six different LLCs they’re involved in.

When not working, Eric retreats to the outdoors. “I like the outdoors… hunting, fishing and gathering mushrooms & other wild forage,” he says. A loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, he and Debbie also enjoy travel and exploring great restaurants.

As for what continues to drive him after more than three decades in the business? The answer is simple: solving problems. “Problem solving,” he states without hesitation when asked what he finds most fulfilling in his work.

He credits his longevity to being relentless, reliable, and putting others first. “I tell all of my team members the same thing… ‘Show up, try not to screw up, and put our client's needs before our own.’” 

With a career built “by the grace of God” and a guiding philosophy rooted in truth and putting his client's needs before your own, Eric Merchant’s story is one of steady growth, grounded faith, and unwavering commitment.  

As 2025 unfolds, his goals remain unchanged. “My goal this year is the same as every previous year, to do my best.” And with Eric, that’s always been more than enough.