Eilers attended the University of Iowa, earning a marketing degree in 1984. He continued his education at the University of St. Thomas, where he was awarded an MBA in finance. Eilers recently served as CEO of a manufacturing enterprise, and has founded entrepreneurial ventures in the financial services, distribution, and technology sectors. Corporate experience includes an executive leadership role at Herman Miller, Inc. Outside endeavors include serving on the regional board at Bankers Trust, Iowa’s largest privately-owned bank, as well as Essential Instruction, a non-profit ministry focused on serving youth at the Iowa State Training School.