Eric Schneider

Managing Director

What I do at Virtual:

I am a deeply integrated strategic partner with Virtual’s clients who drives clients towards achieving their short-term goals and long-term planning in an effort to realize their vision.

Years of experience:

New to Virtual, 22 years industry experience

Past employment:

Senior Vice President of Strategy and Communications at the Institute of Food Technologists, a global scientific institute focused on a safe, nutritious and sustainable food supply for everyone. Prior to IFT, I was focused on strategic planning, global growth, marketing and communications in high-tech and clean-tech sectors. I was one of the first employees of the Bluetooth SIG (hired by Virtual’s own Mike McCamon) and later served as the organization’s Managing Director for the APAC region. I later led global communications, strategic global initiatives, and partnerships for renewable energy leader, Acciona, while based in Madrid, Spain. I have also helped several consortiums/associations, early-stage renewable energy, and tech start-ups in strategic planning, marketing and communications roles, including APICS (now ASCM) and IFT.

Education:

BS, St. Edward’s University, Austin, Texas

I can’t live without:

Ice cream (I wish I could live without it – but I’ve tried, and I can’t)

Favorite client story:

Prior to my time at Virtual, I consulted for Sonnet where I worked very closely with founders of a start-up renewable energy investment firm on an 18-month engagement to help lead a Canadian initial public offering. The company had developed an extremely innovative and novel way to fund wind energy development in what was an otherwise unstable environment for investment. It was a very exciting time and an extraordinary learning experience to be directly involved in an IPO.

Hidden talent:

I can tap dance

What I do for fun:

I love being a dad, and all that it involves. My favorite time is spent with my son hiking in a national park, or throwing the football, or talking about life.

Important life lesson:

Practicing kindness, to yourself and to others, and experiencing joy are choices we make and are deserving of. They’re both necessary for a good life.

Key to success:

Listen. Ask questions. Learn from anyone who can teach you. Be kind. Find joy. Leave things better than you found them.

Favorite movie, book, food, music/band/song:

The answer to these change constantly. My friend Toya Wolfe just published her first novel to rave reviews, called Last Summer on State Street, and that’s my current favorite book.

Back to our Team