Eric Steele — Founder of Epic Ultras | Founder of EJS Ventures LLC | Endurance Leader, Speaker, Builder
Eric Steele is a project and event operator, ultrarunner, trainer, public speaker, and digital entrepreneur whose career has been defined by execution, leadership under pressure, and long-term vision. For more than three decades, he has worked at the crossroads of endurance sports, business leadership, marketing strategy, and operational systems…transforming ideas into platforms, communities into movements, and digital properties into evolving ecosystems.
He is best known as the founder of Epic Ultras, an endurance brand launched in July of 2012, and as the founder of EJS Ventures LLC…a portfolio-driven holding company focused on building and managing digital ventures across SaaS, marketing, ecommerce, publishing, and consulting.
Forged through miles, leadership challenges, and real-world execution, Steele’s philosophy remains simple: move forward relentlessly, build with intention, and leave stronger leaders, stronger teams, and stronger systems behind you.
Epic Ultras — Ultramarathon Leadership, Community, and Endurance Culture
Epic Ultras has never been only about events…it represents a deeper philosophy grounded in resilience, courage, and shared transformation. Under Steele’s direction, Epic Ultras grew into a respected endurance events brand built on authentic runner experience, disciplined operations, and a tight-knit culture powered by volunteers, staff, and athletes willing to push beyond perceived limits.
The culture surrounding Epic Ultras was shaped through real miles, real adversity, and real relationships…where runners stepped onto start lines facing uncertainty and crossed finish lines changed by the experience. That same endurance mindset now fuels the evolution toward Epic Ultras 2.0…where ultrarunning lessons intersect with leadership development, business strategy, and personal transformation.
Ultrarunning Background — Athlete, Race Director, Organizer
Eric Steele entered ultrarunning in 1994 and quickly became immersed in every layer of the sport. By 1995 he had founded the Kansas Ultrarunners Society and directed his first ultramarathon, the FlatRock 50K…the oldest trail ultramarathon in Kansas still running today.
Across more than three decades, Steele has completed over seventy ultramarathons ranging from 50K distances to extreme endurance challenges exceeding 135 miles, including the Badwater 135 followed by a summit of Mount Whitney…a 146-mile effort considered one of the most demanding endurance feats on Earth. He has finished the Leadville Trail 100, executed multiple Grand Canyon crossings, and climbed numerous high-altitude peaks including repeated ascents of Pikes Peak.
His experience is not theoretical…it is earned mile by mile through heat, cold, logistics chaos, volunteer leadership, and the unpredictable realities that define ultrarunning at its core.
Business Leadership — Database Marketing, Operations, and Sales
Parallel to his endurance career, Steele built a strong foundation in business operations and marketing leadership. As a Database Marketing Analyst and Account Manager at Mail Marketing Plus, he directed national direct-mail campaigns for major brands including Bridgestone/Firestone, Midas International, and Carmerica…managing large-scale data analysis, segmentation, logistics, client strategy, and contract development while blending technical execution with persuasive communication.
Earlier experience in restaurant operations helped shape his leadership style from the ground up…working from entry-level roles into management where communication, accountability, service standards, and team culture drove daily success.
That blend of endurance discipline and operational business experience continues to define his approach today…building systems that scale, teams that perform, and strategies rooted in execution rather than theory.
Public Speaker — Trainer — Distinguished Toastmaster
Eric Steele is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)…Toastmasters International’s highest recognition for leadership and communication. Over the years he has delivered well over one hundred presentations to schools, civic organizations, running communities, and professional audiences…bringing a voice shaped by decades of real-world experience both on the trail and inside business leadership environments.
His speaking style blends authenticity, intensity, humor, and lived experience…challenging individuals and organizations to step into discomfort, lead with integrity, and pursue goals that demand growth.
Education, Discipline, and Personal Evolution
Though he left high school early, Steele later returned to education with focus and purpose…earning an Associate degree from Butler County Community College and graduating with High Honors from Friends University with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He later developed and taught original Internet Marketing coursework…reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and continuous evolution.
That journey reinforces a core belief: transformation happens when people choose growth over comfort.
EJS Ventures LLC — Digital Business Operator and Portfolio Builder
Beyond endurance sports, Steele operates EJS Ventures LLC, a digital holding company focused on launching and managing a growing ecosystem of online brands, tools, and services. EJS Ventures develops initiatives across SaaS platforms, marketing solutions, ecommerce ventures, publishing projects, and consulting engagements…with an emphasis on lean operations, automation, transparency, and scalable infrastructure.
Each venture operates independently while benefiting from shared systems designed for long-term stability and growth.
No Arrival — Philosophy of Endurance and Transformation
Later this year, Steele will release his upcoming book, No Arrival: A Journey of Endurance, Self-Discovery, and Transformation…a work exploring how endurance sports, leadership challenges, and life experiences reshape identity over time. The philosophy behind the title is simple…the journey itself changes you in ways the finish line never can.
That mindset continues to drive everything he builds…from ultrarunning events to business ventures to leadership development.
Builder, Operator, Founder
Eric Steele doesn’t chase titles…he builds infrastructure.
He doesn’t follow momentum…he creates systems.
He doesn’t wait for permission…he launches.
Across both Epic Ultras LLC and EJS Ventures LLC, his work blends endurance psychology, operational discipline, and entrepreneurial vision…creating platforms designed to evolve, expand, and inspire.
The journey isn’t over…it’s evolving.
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