Grab & Go Goods #008

Just Show Up

This phrase has become part of Eric Thomas’ identity in Columbus. At Grab and Go Goods, his faith and discipline shape the way he meets people and approaches each day.

For Eric, those words guide his work, his health journey, and his leadership in the community. Each morning begins with intention as he centers himself on the day in front of him and trusting God with what lies ahead. The foundation of that mindset rests in Matthew 6:34:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

That scripture guides his pace, conversations, and decisions, keeping his attention on the assignment in front of him.

A woman once moved into senior living after walking through a difficult stretch, and when she stepped inside her new place, it was fully furnished. The living room was arranged, the bedroom prepared, and everything set in order. She called Eric that evening with gratitude and a desire to repay him. He assured her that everything had already been taken care of.

In that exchange, his philosophy became visible. Showing up means responding when there is a need and trusting that provision follows obedience.

Grab and Go Goods sits along Gardner Boulevard with vehicles lined out front and furniture rotating through the building as opportunity presents itself. Some cars belong to Eric and others are consignment, and inside the inventory shifts with season and supply.

Trust and familiarity have developed through the daily conversations that take place there. Eric greets customers by name, listens to their stories, and forms relationships that continue well beyond a purchase. Over the years he has sold apparel, insurance, cars, furniture, and even watermelons, yet the consistent theme remains service.

Business gives him the setting. Character gives it meaning.

His path into entrepreneurship developed through steady work and earned credibility. Before opening his own doors, Eric built a reputation in manufacturing and automotive sales, eventually rising to the top position among multiple locations. Customers valued his honesty and reliability, and his relationships strengthened through consistency.

When that chapter concluded, he and his wife sought direction together through prayer and conversation, confident that another assignment was unfolding. In 2021 he opened his own furniture business with savings built patiently over time. The early days required determination, selling from his vehicle and home while establishing a foundation piece by piece. Momentum grew through commitment, and the community he had served for years stepped forward with support.

A significant health journey reshaped his understanding of strength and stewardship. After years of managing diabetes while remaining active, he faced heart failure and underwent surgery for a heart pump in early 2023. Recovery required extended hospital care and focused rehabilitation, with progress measured through discipline and resolve.

Standing progressed into walking, and walking developed into renewed endurance through consistent training. The focus he once applied to sales goals redirected toward caring for his body and embracing the gift of continued life. Today he trains several times a week and speaks openly about wellness, encouraging men and families in Columbus to pursue regular care and long-term health.

From that experience grew the Eric Thomas Open Heart Foundation and an annual Heart Walk and Health Fair that gathers physicians, transplant representatives, fitness instructors, and families in one place. The event combines education with testimony and awareness with practical resources. Participation continues to expand as members of the community come together to learn and support one another.

Nellie Griffin, who has known Eric and attended the Heart Walk, described what she experienced that day:

“There is real hope and a future after heart issues. At the Heart Walk, I saw the strength of this community show up for one another. Eric’s faith in God—our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—reminds people that with Him, all things are possible. Eric carries a strength that refuses to be defeated.”

Her words reflect what many in Columbus have observed. The Heart Walk expresses resilience in action and faith demonstrated publicly. It reflects a man who endured a demanding medical journey and returned with sharpened clarity about his calling. That strength carries forward into everyday life, shaping both a growing annual gathering and the daily work that defines him.

Mentorship flows naturally from that calling. Students visit the lot to observe how business operates in real time, learning how preparation, communication, and steady effort translate into results. Eric encourages them to create a plan and commit to consistent action, often reminding them that preparation prevents poor performance.

His niece Tyrianna Frison now explores her own ventures under his guidance, building confidence through direct experience. He believes young people develop best when given opportunity, responsibility, and a steady example beside them.

When something comes full circle, Eric lights up and says, “Lord, what do you have next?” The question carries excitement and trust, the confidence that every finished chapter opens the door to another opportunity to serve. That forward movement has shaped his work, his recovery, and his leadership in Columbus.

In a community built on familiarity and consistency, Eric has become known for steady engagement and disciplined faith. He rises with intention, steps into his day, and invests in whoever stands before him. Matthew 6:34 continues to guide his path, keeping his focus anchored in today while trusting God with tomorrow.

Eric believes that when you just show up, God meets you there. That belief has carried him through business, recovery, and service, and in Columbus it has become a reminder that obedience practiced daily creates impact that endures.