What makes you excited to start work each day?
People and building relationships. I am very lucky to work with a team of very wonderful people that appreciate me, support me, and make me feel valued.
Up until today, what’s the most important accomplishment of your career?
Developing and mentoring people. It’s always a combination of people you inherited and people you hired. Regardless of circumstance, you need to create an environment for people to feel comfortable and grow both professionally and personally. Helping people advance their careers and unlock their potential is an incredible feeling and is much more rewarding than completing a project or implementing a new product or service.
What inspired you to enter the technology field?
My passion for technology is directly linked to being an early Apple evangelist in the 1980s. I absolutely fell in love with the synergy that was created between people and technology and the user experience concept that apple created. My passion has only grown over the years and being able to connect business goals and objectives to technology solutions is awesome.
What would you be doing if you hadn’t gone into technology consulting?
Coaching soccer. I was fortunate to be able to play D1 college soccer, but unfortunately was seriously injured my freshman year, cutting my playing career short. I was lucky enough to find an incredible outlet in coaching during my recovery, which connected my love of my sport, teaching, relationship building, and competition. I have coached at the high school and select club levels and was approached multiple times to take the next step.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Because of my love for soccer, I spend a lot of time watching, coaching, and occasionally trying to play with the ‘old’ guys. I also love to fish, camp, cook, and garden. But most importantly, I love spending time with my family.
What part of Trissential’s core values do you connect with best and why?
Earned Trust. The focus on succeeding as a team just rings true to my values and priorities.
Why did you choose to join Trissential?
I’ve been lucky to be a friend of Trissential from the very early days. I met Keith while I was in a leadership role at [Manufacturing Client] and purchased services early on. During the years our personal relationship continued and eventually had the opportunity to join the firm, first as a consultant and more recently in a delivery and leadership role within the Business Solutions space.Â
“I’m happy to have Thom on the Business Solutions leadership team as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and plays a key role in helping us develop our foundation for scalable growth.”
Diane Prentis, Head of Business Solutions
How would you describe Trissential in five words or less?
Midwest Nice – I have always been able to relate to the ‘Midwest’s nice’ origins of Trissential and its people.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Get involved! Being a consultant entails wearing two jerseys – your company’s and your client’s. Make sure to connect with both as there are incredible opportunities and relationships to be had if you’re engaged.Â
Want a glimpse into other Trissential Essentialists? Find more employee spotlights here
