Eric Steele — Founder of Epic Ultras | Founder of EJS Ventures LLC | Endurance Leader, Speaker, Storyteller
Eric Steele is a project and event manager, ultrarunner, trainer, public speaker, and business operator whose career has been built on relationships, inspired teams, and real-world results. For more than three decades, he has operated at the intersection of endurance sports, business leadership, marketing strategy, and operations management…turning ideas into engines, communities into movements, and digital assets into evolving ecosystems.
He is best known as the founder of Epic Ultras, an endurance brand established in July of 2012, and as the founder of EJS Ventures LLC…a portfolio-driven holding company focused on building and managing digital businesses across SaaS, marketing, ecommerce, publishing, and consulting.
Forged through miles, leadership, and real-world execution, Steele’s guiding principle is simple: move forward relentlessly, build what matters, and leave stronger leaders, stronger teams, and stronger systems in your wake.
Epic Ultras — Ultramarathon Leadership, Community, and Endurance Culture
Epic Ultras was never just about races. From the beginning, it represented a philosophy rooted in courage, resilience, and shared transformation. Under Steele’s leadership, Epic Ultras grew into a respected endurance events brand built around authentic runner experience, strong operations, and a tight-knit community fueled by volunteers, staff members, and athletes willing to push beyond perceived limits.
The culture surrounding Epic Ultras was forged through real miles, real challenges, and real relationships…where runners stood on starting lines facing fear and crossed finish lines discovering something deeper about themselves. That same endurance psychology continues to shape the evolving direction of Epic Ultras 2.0…where ultrarunning lessons collide with leadership development, business strategy, and personal transformation.
Ultrarunning Background — Athlete, Race Director, Organizer
Eric Steele entered ultrarunning in 1994 and quickly became deeply involved 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.
Over more than 30 years, Steele has finished more than 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 journey considered one of the toughest endurance feats on Earth. He has completed the Leadville Trail 100, executed multiple Grand Canyon crossings, and climbed numerous high-altitude peaks including repeated ascents of Pikes Peak.
His experience isn’t theoretical or academic…it’s earned mile by mile through heat, cold, logistics chaos, volunteer work, leadership pressure, 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 long track record 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 relations, and contract development while blending technical execution with persuasive communication.
Earlier roles in restaurant operations forged his leadership style from the ground up…working from busboy and dishwasher to management positions where communication, service, accountability, and team culture determined success daily.
That combination of endurance discipline and operational business experience continues to define his approach today…building systems that scale, teams that perform, and strategies grounded 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 groups…bringing a voice shaped by decades of experience both on the trail and inside business leadership roles.
His speaking style blends authenticity, intensity, humor, and real-world lessons…challenging individuals and teams 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 returned to education with focus and determination…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…demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and pushing beyond conventional expectations.
That journey reflects a central belief that growth doesn’t come from easy paths…it comes from stepping into challenges that force transformation.
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 projects across SaaS platforms, marketing solutions, ecommerce properties, publishing initiatives, and consulting engagements…with an emphasis on lean operations, automation, transparency, and scalable infrastructure.
Each venture operates with its own identity while benefiting from shared systems designed to support long-term growth and operational stability.
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 training.
Builder, Operator, Founder
Eric Steele doesn’t chase roles…he builds infrastructure.
He doesn’t follow trends…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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