There are some people who just seem to be everywhere in a city.

Not because they have to be.

But because they care enough to show up.

That’s Eric.

When Eric Lesniak joined me on Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast, this wasn’t just a conversation about business or development. It was about connection, community, and what really drives a city forward.

Because behind every new business, every event, and every bit of growth, there are people building relationships that make it all possible.

If you’ve spent any time in Manchester, you’ve probably seen Eric.

Maybe at an event.

Maybe stopping into a local business.

Maybe walking downtown and checking in with people along the way.

Because on Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast, what really stood out to me is that Eric doesn’t just hold a title.

He shows up.

And that makes all the difference.

Eric’s role with the City of Manchester is all about connection.

He works between the city and the business community, helping people navigate what it takes to open, grow, and succeed here.

But what I loved most is how personal that work really is.

He’s not walking into places to inspect.

He’s not there to sell anything.

He’s there to help.

To connect people to the right resources.

To make things feel a little less overwhelming.

And over time, that’s turned him into someone business owners trust.

Before stepping into this role, Eric spent nearly 20 years with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

That’s where he built relationships.

That’s where he got to know the business community.

And that’s where he realized how much he enjoyed being part of something bigger than himself.

Eventually, he made the move into the city role.

And honestly, it sounds like exactly where he’s supposed to be.

One of the things I really wanted to understand was what makes Manchester different.

And Eric’s answer was simple.

It’s the people.

Yes, the city is growing.

Yes, there’s energy.

Yes, there’s development.

But underneath all of that is something more important.

People who care.

People who support each other.

People who want to see local businesses succeed.

And you can feel that.

Eric shared a story that really stuck with me.

He had been following the growth of Dave’s Hot Chicken and saw the potential for it to come to Manchester.

So he reached out.

And followed up.

And stayed persistent.

Eventually, that turned into real conversations.

And now, that location is not just open, but thriving.

That kind of effort doesn’t always get seen.

But it matters.

What impressed me just as much as his work is everything Eric does outside of it.

He’s deeply involved in the community.

Little League.

CYO basketball.

The Salvation Army.

The St. Patrick’s Parade.

And when he talks about it, it’s not about recognition.

It’s about giving back.

He spoke openly about his childhood and understanding what it feels like to struggle.

And now, he uses his time and energy to help others however he can.

That kind of perspective stays with you.

As much as Eric gives to the city, it’s clear that his family comes first.

The way he talks about his wife Kristen and his son Jaden says everything.

And hearing Jaden’s story was incredibly powerful.

A difficult start.

Uncertainty.

Fear.

And now, a healthy, thriving young boy.

When I asked what he hopes his son takes from him, his answer was simple.

Give back.

Help others.

Make a difference without needing recognition.

That says it all.

One of my favorite parts of this episode of Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast was hearing about Eric’s walks.

What started as something small turned into something bigger.

He invited a few people.

And suddenly, dozens showed up.

Now it’s another way he connects people to the city.

To businesses.

To each other.

And honestly, that’s exactly who he is.

He sees potential.

And he builds on it.

This episode of Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast reminded me that cities are not built by buildings alone.

They’re built by people.

By relationships.

By the ones who show up, over and over again.

Eric Lesniak is one of those people.

And Manchester is better because of it.

Watch and listen to my full conversation with Eric Lesniak and hear how connection, community, and consistency are helping shape Manchester’s future.

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ABOUT CAROL ERICKSON

Carol Erickson has owned Red Arrow Diner since 1987 -- four locations across New Hampshire, open 24/7. She started Beyond the Plate to tell the real stories behind the people who make New England's food and hospitality scene what it is. Not just what's on the menu. What's behind it.

Red Arrow Diner: redarrowdiner.com  |  @redarrow24diner