Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Dillman.

Hi Eric, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From the age of eight, I have nurtured a passion for architecture and design. My academic journey led me to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where I studied Interior Design. Upon graduation, I secured a full-time position as an Interior Designer, thanks to my senior portfolio. Like any professional path, advancement required effort and initiative, which I found lacking in my early employment experiences. Consequently, I sought opportunities proactively.

Despite skepticism from a coworker, I created a social media page to showcase my work. Within two weeks, I acquired my first client through this platform. Since then, I have diversified my portfolio, working on residential, commercial, and retail projects, while consistently maintaining a robust online presence. Over time, my account evolved from a simple design showcase into a comprehensive brand.

In 2020, I realized the necessity of enhancing my social media strategy to ensure the brand’s longevity. Initially, my account featured only design-related content without any personal engagement. Although I was hesitant, I understood that personal involvement was crucial for growth. This led to the creation of the “Pro Series,” where professionals worldwide provided renovation advice for maximizing return on investment.

During the pandemic, I connected with Ward Schraeder from HGTV’s (now Magnolia Network’s) “Bargain Mansions” and proposed a Zoom interview for an IGTV show. His positive response and the success of that episode motivated me to produce more content. After two years of monthly episodes, I transitioned the series into a podcast in January 2022. In 2023, I expanded the podcast with a segment called “Off Topic,” where I discuss various interests, including country music, beyond design interviews.

As of 2024, the Pro Series Podcast boasts over 140 episodes, with “Off Topic” contributing an additional 60 episodes. It has been an honor to interview numerous HGTV and Netflix stars, and in February, I had the privilege of speaking with Merrill Hoge, which was a significant highlight. Engaging with these professionals and hearing their inspiring stories and advice has been incredibly rewarding. My hope is that these conversations resonate with and impact listeners who need to hear these valuable insights.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not always been smooth, and my relationship with social media is complex. Professionally, I am an active poster, but personally, I limit my posts to once or twice a year. I regard social media primarily as a marketing tool and do not see the necessity of sharing personal details. I exercise caution in what I post and ensure careful consideration of the content.

This cautious approach is partly due to a hacking incident in 2020, which was a distressing experience. It may seem trivial, but I had invested almost three years of effort into building my account, only to have it stolen. One day, while working from home, I received a threatening email demanding a ransom to regain access to my account. Despite my immediate attempts to log in, the hackers had swiftly altered the credentials.

My initial contact with Instagram proved futile as they lack live customer support and could not assist due to the changed email and account details. Faced with the dilemma of abandoning the account or seeking professional help, I chose the latter after extensive research and consultations with others who had faced similar issues. I hired a specialist who successfully restored my account within minutes. He also guided me on enhancing security settings before accepting payment, demonstrating a genuine commitment to helping others where Instagram had failed. His services have since been recommended by me to others in need.

This experience has heightened my awareness of the vulnerabilities of digital media. I avoid posting exterior photos or images with open blinds to prevent revealing my location. Although much location information can be publicly accessed, there is no need to voluntarily disclose it.

Additionally, while negative comments and direct messages are common, they do not affect me. I choose to ignore them and view them as contributions to my engagement metrics. In the realm of social media analytics, every comment counts as positive engagement, so I welcome them, knowing they ultimately benefit my account.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of the community I have cultivated through my social media journey. In the beginning, it was easy to focus on the numbers without truly understanding the impact my content had on viewers. Attending networking events and receiving positive feedback about my content and podcast made me realize the genuine appreciation people have for my work.

I must admit that much of my podcasting is driven by personal interest—I enjoy the process and often ask questions that intrigue me personally rather than catering solely to popular demand. Hearing that people enjoy and connect with specific episodes is immensely gratifying and validates the effort I put into it.

From an outsider’s perspective, podcasting might seem straightforward: turn on a microphone, invite a guest, and start recording. However, it involves much more behind the scenes. I am proud of my dedication to producing episodes consistently, twice a week, and I have no plans of stopping anytime soon. The hard work and commitment have been well worth it, and I am grateful for the community that supports and engages with my content.

How do you think about luck?
I believe that luck favors those who are diligent and maintain a positive mindset. Approaching my creative work with optimism has significantly contributed to securing high-profile guests. Confidence in my work and maintaining the right energy are crucial; people can sense these qualities and determine whether they want to collaborate. I strive to embody these traits in every episode and booking, ensuring that my enthusiasm and professionalism are always evident.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pro-series-with-eric-dillman/id1602623222
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericdillmandesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricDillmanDesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76611816/admin/dashboard/
• Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fericdillmandzn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVAMJUG5XvDNESxDWxLg0NA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericdillmandesigns?lang=en