Tom is an experienced professional with over 20 years of expertise in providing strategic planning, business development, interim management, and technical advisory services to private equity firms, portfolio companies, and public and private enterprises. He has been involved in more than 30 transactions, including mergers and acquisitions at the enterprise level.
Tom is recognized for his ability to solve complex business problems by aligning technology with business and operations. As a former C-Level leader, he brings invaluable perspective to his management advice, particularly in maximizing enterprise value, preparing owners for liquidity events, transferring ownership, and navigating complex transactions.
Tom’s approach involves creating productive sales and service teams, developing new business lines, and building strong client relationships, which ultimately drive enterprise value. He has extensive knowledge in telecommunications, systems integration, software development, and network management, which he leverages to support private equity and operating companies to drive growth.
Before coming to Schneider Downs, Tom was a managing partner at his firm and supported international work assignments in Spain, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica.
B.S.—Business Administration and Computer Information Systems, North Carolina Weseleyan
M.S.—Telecommunications, Johns Hopkins University
U.S. Airforce Veteran
Do you have a hobby/personal passion?
I enjoy helping develop young athletes. I’ve coached wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse. It is awesome to watch young people grow in their technical skills and field IQ, play at their highest level, and progress.
What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never underestimate anyone, and never quit.
Who is your role model?
My grandmother was selfless and always happy.
What was your childhood dream?
To compete in a Supercross against Roger De Coster or Bob Hannah.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your college self?
Give more appreciation to the humanities – not just math, the sciences and sports.
People would be surprised to know that I…
I spent time in Ethiopia working for the IMF.
What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
I’ve had a fantastic career as a business owner, professional consultant, Fortune 500 executive, and private equity portfolio CEO, spending significant time working internationally.
What was your first job?
Bailing hay and cutting wood for a farmer.
Do you have a “motto”? (spoken or unspoken)
Time kills all deals!
When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?
Spending time with my family.
Do you have advice for young professionals?
Don’t let perfection be the enemy of the good, take risks, and lift everyone around you.
Big Problem: Time Consuming Billing Process.
Big Thinking: Utilize Robotic Process Automation To Reduce Manual Input Time By 75%.
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Schneider Downs is a Top 60 independent Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm providing accounting, tax, audit and business advisory services to public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations and global companies. We also offer Internal Audit; Technology Consulting; Software Solutions; Personal Financial Services; Retirement Plan Solutions and Corporate Finance Services. Schneider Downs is the 13th largest accounting firm in the Mid-Atlantic region and serves individuals and companies in Pennsylvania (PA), Ohio (OH), West Virginia (WV), New York (NY), Maryland (MD), and additional states in the United States with offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Columbus, OH, and McLean, VA.
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