Erik Engebretson

 Erik Engebretson has been an entrepreneur his entire life. Starting at the ripe age of 16 he co-founded Joe’s Lawn Service - eventually Yard Excellence LLC, his first business. Over the six years that Erik owned and operated this business he was involved in just about every facet of it. In the beginning he and his business partner were laborers, truck drivers, maintenance men and customer service representatives. Eventually the business grew and they hired a crew who managed all the landscape work and they focused on scheduling, obtaining new customers, customer service and managing the finances. They grew the business and ultimately sold it towards the end of their college careers. This early business helped Erik learn many valuable lessons that are difficult to learn without being in the thick of operating a business. More so than all, the lesson was learned that you have to put in the work.
While in college, Erik and his business partner decided to get into real estate investing. He purchased his first home at the age of 18 by using the income from Yard Excellence to help qualify for a mortgage. Erik and his business partner owned and operated this home as a “house hack”. They were renting it out partially while living for free and attending Kennesaw State University. Erik graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in finance with a concentration in accounting.
After college Erik and his business partner sold their Yard Excellence LLC and used that money to found yet another company called Guild Dream Homes (GDH). GDH became a holding company for 4 rental units that Erik and his business partner owned but primarily was created to operate as a fix and flip business. Today Erik still owns 50% of the business and is the acting CFO. GDH owns and manages a rental portfolio of 50% traditional rentals and 50% extended stay rentals as well real estate projects.
At the same time GDH was being founded Erik began working for Wells Fargo Bank as a banker. After 10 months as a banker he decided that the 9-5 job didn’t work for him. After considering quitting his Job one of the mortgage bankers he had gotten to know recommended he join his team and become his “Junior”. This job was commission only and felt more like running your own business than a job.
Erik took the leap of faith and became a mortgage banker. After spending seven years with Wells Fargo home mortgage Erik left and joined Fairway Independent mortgage company/NorthPoint mortgage and has been there ever since. Being in the mortgage business has allowed Erik to see all the sides of real estate. From first time homebuyers and the financial planning that goes into buying a home all the way to the savvy investor that owns a large portfolio of investment properties.
After working in the mortgage business for around five years and helping grow GDH to a stable and profitable company Erik began to feel the entrepreneurial spirit again. This is when Erik and his wife founded EME real estate holdings LLC. This company owns and operates single-family rental properties with a mix of traditional and short-term rentals. Erik continues to own and operate this business as the CFO and his wife as the CEO/COO.
EME Companies was founded as the parent company of EME Real Estate holdings, EME consulting/outreach, and EME designs. Erik owns and operates this company as the CEO and president. He operates this company along with his wife, Lauren and his sister, Sarah. EME Companies is truly a family business. Personal life:The most important thing to Erik is his family. Erik “out kicked his coverage” and married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Lauren in 2012. He is the very proud father of Eadlyn Marie (2017) and Emry Michael (2020) for whom EME companies is named after. Erik also loves to spend as much time as possible with his nephew Carter, Godson Charleston and his sister Sarah as well as the rest of his family.
Erik is a lifelong learner, who always enjoys a great debate deep conversation or any time he is given the opportunity to do or learn something new. Lastly, as a constant competitor himself, Erik is an all-around sports fan. He loves to watch mostly college and professional sports especially football and golf. Go KSU Owls and Minnesota Vikings!