Eric Brown has spent his life on the Emerald Coast — born and raised in Fort Walton Beach and now managing one of its most recognizable landmarks, the Okaloosa Island Pier. As General Manager, his role stretches far beyond operations.

• It’s about stewardship, community, and making sure every visitor feels welcome on this “slice of paradise.”

His days begin long before most alarms go off, blending fitness, quiet time, and caffeine before sunrise walks on the pier. From customer service and social media to conservation partnerships and youth fishing events, Eric’s work is rooted in pride for the pier, the environment, and the people who show up to enjoy both.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

Born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, FL

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

General Manager of The Island Pier, AKA Okaloosa Island Pier

What’s your morning routine?

My normal routine is my alarm goes off at 2:30AM, first hour of the day is completely unplugged. No devices, quick gym session, and a sauna session then off to work. Oh, and can’t forget caffeine.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

I get to work typically around 4am. I walk the property checking for cleanliness and making notes of maintenance. Strike up conversation with local anglers to get a fishing report, and catch a sunrise.

Once my first walk through is done, I get down to the business side of things – checking numbers, comparing things to previous years. I check on my staff, and back them up accordingly and make sure we are giving the best customer service possible. Walking the pier, talking with guests, de-hooking remoras or other things kids catch, but a lot of remoras.

I then plan out our social media content/marketing for the day, which is something I have been working on and doing since 2020. Our page went from 7k followers to 69k and its growing daily. This year my goal is to break 100k followers on Facebook, which is that many more eyes on our slice of paradise.

I use my lunchtime typically to respond to emails, reviews, and order any product we may need as well as going to the bank. My day wraps, with a final walk through, checking on the property for cleanliness and other concerns and usually ends with a pretty decent sunset.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

Walk the pier and take in that sunrise

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

Excel, iPhone, Apple watch

Apple or Android?

APPLE.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

WHITE MONSTER….or Beam Me up Scotty from MAAS COFFE

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

Who in their right mind doesn’t love TOPS? I’ve been on a big Think Poke kick, but a Pub sub is like the best thing ever…

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Half Hitch Tackle

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Leaders don’t use the words “I” and “me”, they use WE and US

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Steady the course….it gets better….you are your own hero

How do you unwind after a long day?

A walk on Turkey Creek, and a glass of good bourbon

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Conservation is something I am passionate about. Steve Irwin was my role model growing up. Also, I’m a huge Professional Wrestling nerd and a closet Swiftie…. I’ll give the woman her flowers any day!

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

GULF COAST JAM and far as tradition, every year on New Year’s day, I go to an arcade because that’s what my Granddad and I used to do. He passed away on New Year’s, so it’s how I honor him.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

Book: THE LET THEM THEORY. Everyone should read it or listen to it on Audible.

Person: I would have to say my buddy Tom Little, AKA Papa Tom. He’s the kind of person that gets up everyday works his butt off, and no matter what the circumstance in life he will show up.

Hobby: I have been on a health journey for right at two years now and have lost over 210lbs. Walking, the gym, meal prepping has all been a pretty fun adventure. But anyone who knows me knows I am huge Bourbon collector.

Early bird or night owl?

EARLY BIRD

Most used emoji?

🙄

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

Yes, it really depends on the mood for the day from 90s/2000s rock for when I need some energy to Country and of course, the occasional Taylor Swift jam, favorite bands, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Creed are all on heavy rotation

Favorite motivational quote?

If you see someone without a smile today, give them yours – Dolly Parton

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

MIX

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Have a lot of patience and a lot of grace…..

Anything we missed that you want to add?

Something I am really proud of is the partnerships built with other entities, such as VISIT Destin-Fort Walton Beach, and specifically their Natural Resources team.

I am a conservationist, and I push the eco-tourism narrative pretty hard. We are more than just a pier you can fish off of. We contribute to multiple research programs from Tiger Sharks to Sea Turtles to Thrush Cowrie.

Being able to participate in even a small fashion on some of these projects is the absolute best job perk. This is so much more than just a pier. My staff and I put hours of blood, sweat and tears in to making this place a destination we can be proud of.

When we do partnership events such as the Take-A-Kid Fishing Day I started – that I pay for out of my own pocket by the way – it’s all worth it seeing these kids who have NO idea what they are doing pick up a hobby that very well may change their life. It’s humbling.

When the divers bring back all the debris from the clean up dive and Jessica Valek and I spend hours sorting, weighing and cataloging it, it’s a humbling experience like we did something good for our environment.

I am only good at my job cause of the people I have working for me, each one of my staff bring something to the table, and a couple of them with been with me for 5 years.

Lastly – contrary to popular belief…I am not a total prick. I have a business to run and unfortunately sometimes I have to be the bad guy. It’s just part of the gig where sometimes you have to enforce rules. Trust me, there are far more important things I can be doing with my time than telling you it’s time for you to go for the day. And, I WANT you to be here. You being a patron supports this small business.

Plus, to be able to say we try to make this a family friendly environment is a pretty humbling goal, and that’s what we set out to do in 2020, and we will continue to pursue that forever.