The gentleman was either exaggerating or combining information about different types of Embraers.

For example: The Embraer Legacy, which is essentially a small ERJ, is a popular aircraft in the private jet and charter field. It does have a transcontinental range, and I would personally be very happy to take that flight.
Here's the website from one of the companies that uses this aircraft, including pictures and the layout:
http://www.internationalaircharter.c...aer-legacy.php

The 50-seat ERJ 145 used by airlines has a much shorter range than a Legacy, even when empty. Airline charters operated by a United Express carrier would not be able to fly transcontinental without a fuel stop. Even virtually empty, the longest range airline-configured ERJ is going to peak at a bit over 2000 miles. That's farther than the longest flight this aircraft will fly on an airline route, but not by much.

I suspect this gentleman was attempting to impress you with the capabilities of his aircraft since pilots of smaller jets get tired of hearing them ridiculed, but in doing so he stretched reality.