10/05/2026
Leadership Barry County Member Spotlight: Erik Anderson
Erik’s Leadership Barry County journey started because his wife, Lyric, encouraged him to give it a shot. With the support of his former boss, Shelby DeCamp, and Flexfab, he joined the cohort—and what started as a little encouragement turned into an experience that has continued to shape how he views leadership and community involvement. Since then, Flexfab has had an employee participate in the LBC cohort each year, and Steve Hester has also joined the LBC Advisory Board.
One experience that made a lasting impression was the LBC visit to Judge Mike Schipper’s courtroom. Erik admired the way Judge Schipper balanced authority, humor, common sense and respect, describing it as an expert demonstration of leadership and a level of humanity we should all strive for.
One of Erik’s biggest takeaways from LBC? Do the hard thing.
Don’t want to speak publicly? Do it.
Don’t want to get up early to run? Do it.
Don’t want to take on more responsibility? Do it.
LBC also reinforced for Erik the value of learning from different leadership styles and the people around us. Throughout his varied career, he has worked with all kinds of leaders—and has found something to learn from each of them, whether it was something to emulate or something to avoid. Tools like True Colors, CliftonStrengths and DiSC have further reinforced that we are all different, and there are often multiple ways to solve a problem and lead effectively.
Looking ahead, Erik hopes to continue participating in activities that benefit Barry County and to pass that example along to his children.
We’re grateful for leaders like Erik who continue to step outside their comfort zone, do the hard things, and invest in the community around them.
Thank you, Erik, for being part of Leadership Barry County!
