As a dynamic and results-driven professional, Eric is a seasoned entrepreneur and brings a proven record of creative ideas and driving revenue growth. His experience encompasses innovative program development, strategic partnerships, and precise product road-mapping. Eric has a demonstrated ability to build strong networks with industry stakeholders, conducting comprehensive business reviews to identify and capitalize on new opportunities. His collaborative give-first approach delivers impactful business outcomes.

Prior to joining Furman’s Hill Institute, Eric Cooperman founded Bottle Titan, a technology start-up focused on quality control and provenance for the commercial alcohol beverage sector.

With a rich 24-year history in hospitality, Eric's leadership spans roles such as General Manager at Urban Wren in Greenville, South Carolina, and contributions to Union Square Hospitality Group in Washington DC. In these roles, he exhibited a keen strategic understanding of business operations, emphasizing excellence in service and customer satisfaction.

Eric spent nine years as the Corporate Director of Beverage at The Cliffs in North/South Carolina. In this influential role, he showcased leadership by overseeing comprehensive beverage operations across multiple private golf communities. Prior to this, Eric served as General Manager at Gran Cru Wine Shop in Orlando, Florida, contributing to the establishment's success over eight years through strategic business development.

Eric's expertise extends to prestigious designations, including an Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Specialist of Wine from The Society of Wine Educators, and certification as a Maître d’ through the ClubCorp Management Program. His commitment to mastering the intricacies of the beverage industry is further highlighted by firsthand winemaking knowledge gained from two harvests in Oregon. Complementing his roles in the beverage industry, Eric is a Michelin-trained chef, having garnered valuable experience at the three-starred restaurant "La Rive" in The Netherlands.

Eric holds a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University in Miami, Florida, complemented by a hospitality management degree from Florida International University. His dedication to continuous learning and professional growth is evident in his pursuit of the Master Sommelier Diploma.

Honors and Awards

• GVL Starts Pitch Competition Winner, Cohort 1, Greenville, SC
• Global Competition Winner, Ruinart International Wine Challenge, FR
• Wine Judge, Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival, Hilton Head, SC
• Judge, Chaîne des Rôtisseur’s Young Sommelier Competition, Atlanta, GA
• Guest Sommelier, Euphoria Wine & Food Festival, Greenville, SC
• Guest Sommelier, Charleston Wine & Food Festival, Charleston, SC
• Guest Sommelier, Highlands Wine & Food Festival, Highlands, NC
• Guest Sommelier, James Beard Foundation, Greenville, SC

Education

• Advanced Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
• Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Business Management, FIU
• Associate of Science, Culinary Arts, Johnson & Wales University