Tom was raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, but felt an internal tug to be adventuring and exploring the great outdoors. After high school, the mountains called, and Tom answered. He shook off his Midwestern roots and headed west, planting new seeds in Crested Butte, CO.

His new life adventure not only allowed him the opportunity to fulfill his passion for the mountainous peeks, but it also united him with his greatest love, Esperanza, his four-legged furry companion.

Balancing mountain life with academics, Tom graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies in 2013 from Fort Lewis College.  He appreciates the opportunity to have this area of study, helping him become a more well-rounded and environmentally consciousness individual.

After graduation, Tom wore many entrepreneurial hats, even starting a live glass blowing business in downtown Durango, CO., where tourists and locals could watch custom glass be blown to order. He enjoys the challenge of creating from scratch and building with his hands.

Tom is a master woods craftsman, and has built many unique furniture pieces for happy clientele. After purchasing his home in Bayfield, Colorado he built a woodshop and successfully converted a Sprinter Van into a recreation vehicle that was then used to travel throughout the United States and Mexico. Tom’s experience with wood working, plumbing, electrical systems, construction jobs and education from Solar Energy International helped him build a comfortable sustainable traveling paradise on wheels.

In his most recent venture, Tom successfully took on the role of General Manager at the flagship Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store in Durango.   This position afforded him the opportunity to be a favorite fan to each customer walking through the door.  (And, his Chocolate connection has also made him a favorite fan within his own family during the holiday gift giving season too!)

Speaking of family, Tom is the favorite youngest brother of two older sisters who look up to him (literally and figuratively.)  He appreciates his relationship with these two amazing role models, and contributes his witty sense of humor and much of who is he is today to his eldest sister Michelle.  Tom is also the proud father of not just his beloved Esperanza, but her fur-brother, Bode as well.

In April 2019, a new adventure called Tom and his fur-babies, only this time it was to the desert in southwestern Utah. While the remarkable landscape captured his eye, the undiscovered trails and vast opportunities captured his soul. His genuine passion for people can be felt in every smile he gives and every conversation he shares.

Tom is grateful to be a part of the American Heritage team, and he looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of all he encounters.