For most FarmHouse members, the fraternity experience begins the day they join the chapter, but for Eric Thurber (Nebraska 89), his FarmHouse experience began as a young child growing up in Roca, Nebraska, just south of Lincoln. 

Eric’s father, Tom Thurber (Nebraska 60), a veterinarian and Master Builder, is a long-time Nebraska FH Association board member, former chapter advisor, a past Foundation Trustee and a dedicated FH volunteer. Well known for their hospitality, the Thurber family hosts the Nebraska chapter at their home each fall for the chapter’s annual retreat, and regularly welcomes FarmHouse brothers to their home, staying as connected as possible to the Fraternity. 

Many of Eric’s memories involve his family spending time with other FH alumni and their families—attending county fairs, reunions, football tailgates or vacationing together. When Eric joined the chapter as a freshman, FarmHouse already felt like home. 

Several childhood family friends became fraternity brothers as well as his brother, Lee Thurber (Nebraska 91), and future brother-in-law, Paul Rohlfing (Nebraska 83).

 Eric credits FarmHouse along with the people he surrounded himself with for his personal development. The men in FarmHouse encouraged him to think bigger and broader than his life growing up in rural Nebraska. 

Following college, Eric earned his law degree from Harvard Law School and then started working on Wall Street in New York City. He has served as a financial advisor to wealthy families since 1995 when he began his career at Montgomery Securities in the private client department and subsequently for various investment firms. 

After leaving Wall Street, Eric co-founded and is managing director for Three Bridge Wealth Advisors, a private multi-family office located in Silicon Valley that provides comprehensive wealth advisory services to first-generation wealth creators—entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. 

Eric believes strongly in a value-based approach to wealth planning, advising clients with an integrated approach that spans investment consulting, estate planning, philanthropic planning, risk management and expert relationship management. He has over 25 years of experience with investment manager due diligence, portfolio construction, asset allocation and alternative investment analysis.

He holds a certified investment management analyst (CIMA) designation administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with the Wharton School and is an associate at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.

A committed industry and thought leader, Eric is a member of the inaugural JP Morgan RIA Advisory Council and often quoted in financial publications and media outlets. Eric lives in San Francisco, California, and is passionate about fitness, global travel and experiencing unique adventures.  

In 2018, Eric joined the Foundation’s Board, following in the footsteps of his dad and brother as Trustees and they are the first in FarmHouse to have multiple family members serve as Trustees. Eric has been the investment committee chair since his board term began, providing guidance and expertise for the Foundation’s investment portfolios. In November 2023, Eric became the Foundation’s Chairman for a two-year term. With a deep commitment to FarmHouse, this is why Eric serves as the newest Foundation Chairman…  

What contributions has FarmHouse made in your life?

FarmHouse has always been in my life. My dad, Tom, has been involved with the Fraternity since he was in college and probably knows most of the Nebraska FH alumni. When I arrived at college, FarmHouse was the first time I experienced trying to be exceptional and working to be the best you could be was not only encouraged, it was celebrated. So much of my grounding and personal development happened in the Fraternity. Through my FH experience, I realized the possibility for future success, both in college and life, with the opportunity to achieve something bigger and better. My FH brothers inspired me to pursue graduate education at Harvard, and then the confidence to take on Wall Street and do what I’ve done since. 

What are the lifelong relationships you’ve had because of FarmHouse?

Several of the men in my chapter, who have become my dearest friends, I have known since I was little because they are sons of my dad’s FarmHouse brothers. They have become some of my dearest friends and Fraternity brothers. Other chapter brothers are important friends in my life today, as well. Several of my family members are FH men, including two nephews. What’s neat to see is that many of my friends’ sons are FH undergraduates today. It’s an extraordinary thing to see these lifelong friendships develop intergenerationally. 

Why do you serve as a Foundation Trustee? 

FarmHouse was instrumental in my development as a young person and I believe it was critical to being accepted to Harvard Law School. The leadership and exceptionalism I witnessed within the men of my chapter who were older mentors transformed and molded me as a person, which eventually led me to become a Foundation Trustee. FarmHouse has helped me in my career and personal development even to this day. I am involved as a Trustee to provide more impact to this organization and help other undergraduate members have the same kind of life-changing experience I had as an undergraduate and continue to have as an alumnus.

What is your experience as a Trustee? 

Serving as a Trustee has been an opportunity to remain engaged with FarmHouse by staying connected with alumni and networking with members who value FarmHouse like me. The other Trustees are people I respect immensely and they are involved because they want to make a difference. They come with the best intentions to serve, support and help grow FarmHouse through their efforts with the Foundation. It’s been an exceptional opportunity to re-engage with the organization that has given me so much and that I care a great deal about.

Why do you serve as Foundation Chairman?

I believe it is important that FarmHouse continues to provide an exceptional experience and have a significant impact on young men for generations. I want to do my part to help ensure its success. To help lead the Foundation as its Chairman is truly an honor. I find it immensely rewarding to work with other FarmHouse alumni and see the way they care and give humbly of their time and treasure.

What about FarmHouse makes you proud? 

I am most proud of the FarmHouse values, knowing the exceptional quality of the men and seeing the impact the Fraternity has had on them. I saw that for myself, members of my family, and my friends—in their development, successes, and the way they live their lives. I strongly believe the principles and values of FarmHouse have been consistent over decades and how the Fraternity has been able to build men into leaders, develop professional careers and impact their communities. It also makes me proud to witness alumni giving back to ensure future generations have every opportunity to succeed. 

What does it mean to coach and mentor others?

I have had a wonderful experience mentoring several FarmHouse students, including some who have interned for my company. These young men have spent a year as interns on our team learning how to invest responsibly, understanding and respecting the complexities of offering sound and secure financial advice to highly-successful individuals, and becoming analysts on our team. Currently, we have a FH young man working with us. It has been an opportunity to connect, guide and help them grow in both their knowledge and values. Internships like these help them get farther along in their lives and gain early experience to get a leg up on the competition. It has been immensely gratifying and enriching to see how the experience helps them in their careers, increases their knowledge base and figure out where they’re going in their lives. At the same time, they’ve taught me what’s going on with young people and how they live today. It’s been a wonderful two-way path of learning.  

How has generosity and service to others impacted your life?

When you give of your time and treasure, you often get just as much in return. The time I have spent as a Trustee, with other alumni, and mentoring FH young men has been life-enhancing. Being a part of programs like Conclave and the Power of 7 Seminar, I always come away with a renewed sense of optimism that investing in FarmHouse is always worthwhile. 

Do you believe fraternities are still important today?

Fraternities may be more important than ever to help young people be successful. Today, we need well-rounded, developed young professionals who are grounded in values, fundamental beliefs and relevant life skills. Fraternities, particularly FarmHouse, build a foundation around values that empower young men to be confident and successful in life. So many young people are stuck with their phones in hand, tethered to technology, and maybe not as social as other generations. But, ultimately, we live in a world where we commune together and learn from each other. More studies about living longer and staying healthy are around having a strong community of people in your life. FarmHouse provides that much-needed community and sense of belonging.   

What should donors know about the Foundation? 

The Foundation exists to support the educational programs of the Fraternity, which enables FarmHouse men to have exceptional learning experiences. For example, the FH Leadership Institute offers chapter officers an opportunity to come together to learn from each other, how to lead their chapters and define and develop their roles. The Foundation provides much-needed academic scholarships, housing grants, and study-abroad opportunities. Plus, it helps to fund research on the positive impact and value of fraternities today. Most importantly, the Foundation helps to provide significant financial support to the Fraternity to invest in the important educational work they do. One-third of the Fraternity’s budget is from Foundation grants due largely in part to the generosity of our donors. The Foundation has a solid financial footing and is continuing to see incredible support from alumni and friends. But we can’t stop now in our fundraising efforts to grow the resources needed for the Fraternity to be successful with its educational priorities and to impact more young men now and for the future. 

Why should someone invest in the Foundation? 

I believe giving to the Foundation is an investment in the future of the Fraternity—for the development of young men, in the educational experiences we can provide and ensuring the Fraternity is there for the next generation of leaders. These learning opportunities and growing experiences are needed more than ever for young people today.

Your family is the first to have three members as current or past Foundation Trustees. What does that mean to you?

One thing our father instilled in us is the importance of serving and how much he gave of his time and effort to FarmHouse because of how much he cared, how much he got in return and how his life was so enriched by the relationships he created along the way. This was a big reason my brother, Lee, and I found it to be important to be involved and we were honored when we were asked to join the Board. It’s a very unique opportunity and we’re all very grateful to serve an organization that has given so much to us.