Why Ever?
Ever is our vision of what a family office can be.
We believe that this life and this planet are part of a vast, unfolding mystery. We are here briefly, in a series of moments, ever-adapting and ever-changing.
Ever is our way of thinking about the work we do and the world we want to build. It is our commitment to steward resources with care, to allocate capital responsibly with audacity and humility, and to build a not-so-distant future in which we thrive together. This vision is predicated on being in reciprocal relationship with all beings, the planet, and beyond.
Our north star is staying curious while building towards a more interdependent world, and having fun while doing it.
We ask ourselves: what if it's not forever, or never, but simply, ever?
Our History
Our resources come from a lineage valuing cities, the built and natural environment, history, arts and culture.
Previously, we cleaned up old gas station sites, remediated soil (before it was cool!) and restored and maintained classic apartment buildings. We also failed at various experimental media projects along the way.
In recent years, our vision has evolved to a broader ecosystem approach, with an impact investment arm and a dynamic philanthropic arm.
Today, we steward historic buildings, unique land projects and a very special theater in a building dedicated to all arts.
Meet the individuals behind our mission-driven work.
Erica Berger
Erica manages the organization's strategic vision and portfolio of buildings, teams, and investments. She founded the impact investment arm of the business in 2020 after angel investing and building media projects for the better part of the previous decade. Alongside Peter, she manages deal flow for Ever's investments as well as stewarding the thesis and overall vision.
As a fifth generation Chicagoan, Erica was raised an urbanist with a core belief that art connects people and place. Erica's father, the late Bob Berger, bought the Fine Arts Building in 2005, and since 2021 she has continued furthering his efforts to restore the timeless building and foster a thriving community. In 2025, she received a Preservation Excellence Award for restoration work. As a plaque above the door at the Fine Arts Building so aptly says, "art alone endures."
Before taking over the family business and guiding it toward an ecosystems approach, Erica worked as a journalist, media executive (recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30), entrepreneur, and community leader (Sandbox Network, La Calaca Village, NPR Generation Listen). Driven by connection with people and nature, a passion for storytelling, and a commitment to service, she approaches her work with both seriousness and grounded levity. Erica still enjoys writing, hosting, and moderating. Her 25-year yoga and meditation practice remains foundational to how she approaches life.
She acknowledges and thanks those who came before her, ancestors and beyond, for guiding her to this path.
erica8berger.com
Peter Hughes
Peter manages Ever's investment strategy and process, stewarding capital across early-stage funds and select direct investments. He is also the founder and Principal at Evolve Investing LLC, a registered investment adviser serving primarily conscious entrepreneurs.
His 20+ years in finance include roles in investment banking and hedge fund management. He has been investing in early-stage companies since 2015 as both an angel investor and a Principal at Charge Ventures, a pre-seed venture capital fund. Guided by connection to people and place as well as a commitment to service, Peter brings clear thinking, institutional rigor, and values-aligned partnership to the work.
evolveinvesting.co
We share our expertise and learnings at conferences around the world.
Our workshop centers around the consciousness of money, and how artists, activists, and entrepreneurs can evolve their relationship to resources for a better self and better world.
Our thesis is rooted in the idea that the desire to make money is not at odds with true creation. Feeling empowered to make money, and to decide how to spend it and support others, can indeed change the world. If more creatives felt good about money, what solutions might be brought forth?
Each session is distinct based on the participants, but the takeaway is always the same: an increased awareness of attitudes about money and resources both individually and in the group, as well as a feeling of curiosity and amplified confidence.
If you’re interested in having us present and lead this workshop at your event, reach out.
