EPCOR Payments Conference – Spring 2019 is fast approaching, and we can’t wait! In anticipation of our conference, we reached out to some of our speakers to learn more about their background, as well as their personal lives.

Today, we’re getting to know Eric Foust from Zelle. In his early professional years, Eric started out in branch banking and moved through the different divisions over his first few years. Eventually, he found Treasury Management, which he credits as the beginning of his love for payments and banking for commercial companies. Eric spent a total of 12 years at PNC, with the last four focused on innovations within treasury management. He shared, “I was fortunate because this was between 2012 and 2016, right in the heart of the payment evolution. The definition of lucky is when opportunity intersects with preparation, and I was lucky enough to be part of the birth of Zelle under early warning. It’s been a wild ride and I never would have guessed I’d be where I am, but that’s part of the fun.”

Eric shared that always being open to new opportunity is what led him to his current role at Zelle. He explained, “For better or worse, I never set a five-year career plan for myself. I always liked the idea of pivoting depending on the opportunity. I also relied heavily on the people around me. I took great interest in the people I thought were successful and fostered a mentor/mentee relationship with them. I learned more from some of those relationships that, looking back on it now, makes me appreciate how much time people gave to me.”

When asked who is someone that inspires him, he chose his wife, Juli. Juli is a banking professional and Eric shares that she has to established herself as a leader by having a work ethic that is unmatched. He said, “When I think I’m working hard, all I have to do is look over at my wife on the couch and I quickly realize that when people say, ‘there’s always someone working harder than you,’ she’s the person working harder.”

Professionally, Eric shares that he is most excited and passionate about the opportunity to make an impact through financial technology. He further explained that we live in interesting times and we can make a difference in someone’s life (professionally or personally) by creating something new. In his opinion, preparation is the top issue facing the payments industry. He shared, “A lot of folks know that the payments industry is changing, but we need to make sure they are prepared for the changes.”

Personally, Eric is excited for adventure with his family! He is working toward a goal of traveling to all 50 states with his wife and daughter, Ella, before Ella graduates college. The kicker is that they must stay the night in each state to check it off the list. So far, they have marked off 10 states, so they have 40 to go. However, Ella is only eight, so they still have time!

Outside of work, Eric enjoys doing his own home improvement projects, including plumbing, electrical, tile, landscaping, etc. He says, “I do it all and it’s how I escape.” And, as mentioned previously, he loves spending time with his wife and daughter.

During his session, Developments in Real-Time Payments, Eric hopes attendees will understand, “Whatever your role, leave knowing that the payments industry is changing and the way you do business today will not be same way you do business in 5 years. Start preparing now. Understand the changes and start assessing how they can impact your business.”

You won’t want to miss Eric’s session, or dozens of others, at EPCOR Payments Conference – Spring 2019. Check out all our conference has to offer by visiting our conference website or register by clicking here. You can also reach out to Member Support with any questions at 800.500.0100 or via email at memserve@epcor.org.