About Tom & Tracy

I consult in business. But I’ve found that success in most parts of life concern personal attitudes and skills as well. So I address those issues also.

Business background:

45 years in management, from small businesses to Fortune 500 firms

12 startups in both product and service fields, all went to #1 in their sectors

Originator of 6 patents and 3 new applications

Engineering in mechanical, electrical and pharmaceutical fields

Directed marketing in all of my businesses

Personal information

I spend my time working with people I like and respect, doing research on the many subjects that interest me, and writing for this site and a number of other outlets. I take time for the people and activities that I love.

Why I Moved From Startups To Consulting

One evening a few years ago I was taken to the hospital with severe chest pains. For what seemed an endless time I thought I was going to die. I’ve really loved my life, and I was sad that I wasn’t going to have more time with my beloved wife Vikki, and disappointed that I wouldn’t see my grandchildren grow up.

But even as I was losing consciousness, I was REALLY angry that I had spent my whole life in the scramble of business, and I hadn’t left anything behind that said, “Here are some useful principles that I’ve learned; things work better this way.”

During a scary night filled with blood tests, chest xrays and EKGs I decided to retire from my life as a high-tech CEO. I promised my Maker that I would make my experience and learning available to whoever had the desire for it. And I believe that keeping promises is a good thing.

Now I’m sharing my knowledge with people who want to learn what I know, without having to spend a lifetime learning it.

P.S. Oh, yeah, the chest pain thing? Not my heart after all. Just the stress of running a growth company coupled with a bad diet. I’ve reformed. After all, we’ve got seven grandchildren and I want to see how they turn out!

Note: Our newest grandchild, a boy, was born after this picture was taken. He’ll be in the next one.

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I work with people and small business owners to learn how to work more effectively and efficiently, both in their business and in their lives.

Business background:

21 years in sales, 10 of those in marketing and advertising

Several startups, online and off, in fields from education to financial planning to consulting

Sales, marketing, advertising, and education fields

Designed marketing plans in numerous industries

Personal information

I spend my time helping people build their business, encouraging the pursuit of small business enterprise, and hanging out with my family.  My passions are promoting entrepreneurism, personal productivity, and writing.

Why I Moved From Corporate America To Consulting

As you have read above, my father had his share of life experiences.  Well, after losing him way too early it became clear to me that while I have always known our time on earth is limited, there truly are no guarantees.  My Dad was a healthy man, the one in our family expected to outlive many.  Then, one day, POW!  A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer changed all our lives forever.

I worked through all the traditional stages of grief…and during that time I began to ask myself what I wanted.  How I would feel if I had been lying in that hospital bed when the diagnosis was delivered.  Would I be comfortable with how I had spent my time?

It was then that I realized, I wasn’t fulfilling my life’s purpose.  And if I wasn’t fulfilling it now, then when?  I committed then and there to take the already build consulting business and build it into the business it was meant to be.

So, here I am, loving life and helping others to love their lives.  I an thrilled every day to get up and start my work.  I am excited at the start of a new day.  I know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet.  To have a dream and not be sure of how to go about fulfilling it.  My mission?  To help others realize the same freedom I have been able to enjoy.

BTW, my Dad passed away 7 1/2 weeks after his initial diagnosis.  While it was a short time, he packed a lot into those weeks.  He traveled to Mexico to undergo treatments not available here, he shared many personal stories with his family, he built his legacy to a level any man would be proud to have.  This one’s to you Dad!

These are my girls, taken this spring.  21 and 13…not too shabby, huh?