He was a corporate pilot with TRW for nine years before he entered the company's management training program where he held a sales position as Marketing Director in the jet engine parts repair division. When TRW sold his division in 1985, Tom started his own parts repair business, Component Repair Technologies. Today CRT employs 200 people who are experienced in aerospace manufacturing and aircraft overhaul and repair.

Tom credits his Ohio University education and the mentorship of Francis Fuller, Director of the Aviation program from 1963-85, for much of his success in live. "The most gratifying element of starting a small company is to hire people and watch them grow as they take on increasing responsibilities and take over the day to day management of the company. I think part of my willingness to share and delegate responsibility comes from my time at Ohio University, when at 19 years old, I was give the opportunity to fly as captain on the university's aircraft. The trust that Francis Fuller placed in me taught me that if you place your trust in subordinates and give them proper direction they will reward you with performances that exceed your expectations." He received an AA in 1970 and a BSED in 1971 from Ohio University and an MBA in 1985 from Baldwin Wallace College.

Tom has been an enthusiastic leader at Ohio University and great friend to the Aviation Program. His leadership in the Aviation Hangar Project led to the establishment of the Francis Fuller Aviation Training Facility. He initiated and was instrumental in building the David Hoover Memorial Scholarship that benefits majors in aviation.

Tom serves on the Aviation Advisory Board, the Russ College Board of Visitors and is co-chair of the Advancement Committee. He is a member of the Ohio University Trustees Academy. In 1997 he was awarded the Ohio University Medal of Merit by the Ohio University Alumni Association.

Tom and his wife Betsy reside in Willoughby, Ohio and have two daughters, Michelle and Rebecca.

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