The Bell Oaks Foundation

At Bell Oaks, a deep sense of community is reflected in our work and how we conduct ourselves professionally. Equally as important as finding balance in our profession, is understanding our responsibility to personally make a difference.

Following the tragic and sudden death of one of our own, the firm established the Bell Oaks Foundation in 2000 in memory of Eric Eshleman. Eric was a consultant with Bell Oaks who died of a heart disease called Marfan’s syndrome—a heritable disorder of the body’s connective tissue that affects many organ systems. Today, it is one of the most misdiagnosed causes of death in hospital emergency rooms.

Manifestations of Marfan’s syndrome include scoliosis, abnormally shaped chest, loose jointedness, extremely tall stature and nearsightedness—Eric was born with the disease but didn’t know it. In September 2000, he was taken to the hospital complaining of stabbing pains in his back and stomach, but was discharged after being diagnosed with food poisoning. A week later, he died of an aortic dissection. At just 28 years old, Eric was survived by wife, Britt, who three months later gave birth to their son, Eric II.

In honor of Eric and his contributions, the vision of the Bell Oaks Foundation is Building Careers of Success, Encouraging Lives of Significance. Its mission: to invest in local communities by providing opportunities for the Bell Oaks family to serve with purpose and stewardship. Placing our best efforts in more than just careers, the Foundation executes volunteer projects throughout the year and promotes activities that encourage meaningful relationships.