Erik has extensive business and marketing experience having worked in IT, Law Enforcement and as an licensed independent insurance agent with well-known companies like Aflac Insurance Company and others in business to business and personal lines. Erik started a business in self-defense training (Home Front Freedom LLC), so he has a firm understanding of small business needs and the challenges facing owners in running a successful small business. Erik has worked with the Carteret County Association of Realtors by volunteering and serving on the business partner committee. To add to his experiences Erik has served in the U. S. Coast Guard.

On the personal side Erik is devoted to his church and is a church photographer, an usher and sings in the choir with the church’s music ministry.


“I am very pleased and excited to join the ECWDB where I can bring my skills to help people and an opportunity to build meaningful solid relationships that will ultimately connect local small business with capable employees to create a more effective workforce and the success of their businesses,” comments Erik Heck.

Phillip Henry began martial arts in Morehead City when he was 12 and achieved his black belt while attending Barton College in Wilson, NC.  During his attendance at the college, he founded the self-defense club and by the time he graduated, owned Wilson’s only full-time martial arts school.  He also became the Tae Kwon Do instructor for the college PE program and earned many training certifications in the fitness industry.  Phillip later passed the school on to his assistant instructor and moved back to Morehead City to spread Grandmaster Dong’s system.  Master Henry has achieved the title of Master in three styles of Korean Martial Arts - Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, Ta Kyuk Do - and continues his education with Grandmaster Dong. In 2019, he received recognition from the World Martial Arts Grandmasters Federation for his “invlauable service to the martial arts” during a ceremony in Manassas, VA.Phillip has spent most of his life working with children.  During his years at Barton College, he volunteered as a tutor and mentor at the Eastern NC School for the Deaf in Wilson.  Summers were spent as a camp counselor for Easter Seals where he assisted participants in their daily routines and adapted physical activities to their needs.  Phillip also served seven years as a Guardian ad Litem with Wilson County where he was a voice in court for neglected and abused children. 

Mr. Henry found his martial arts school as a way to reach others and help them improve their lives.  While in Wilson, his program helped hundreds of children and adults improve physically, mentally and socially as well as being able to donate continuously to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital at VCU. 

The philosophy of helping others continues in Morehead City where the school has supported the Domestic Violence Shelter, Carteret County Partnership for Children, Children’s Hospital and a scholarship to Carteret Community College.  Phillip can also be found volunteering at the NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores as a scuba diving team leader with more than 1,000 hours of service.