
"Who says capitalism must be as it's practiced?" Tom asks. He doesn't, and he's shown it since founding Tom's of Maine in 1970. Under his leadership, the Kennebunk-based company produces natural, personal care products in a caring, creative work environment. Both ethics and entrepreneurship account for Tom's success, as he explains in The Soul of a Business and Seven Intentions of Values-Centered Leadership. After publishing his two books, Tom founded the Saltwater Institute to help executives create profitable, values-centered enterprises. Tom's commitment to values reflects an education unlike your typical CEO. After graduating from Trinity College with a B.A. in English, he went to Harvard Divinity School where he completed an M.A. in Theology. A deeply spiritual man, he's active in the Episcopal Church, besides contributing time to the Deans Council for Harvard Divinity School and the Advisory Council for the Study of Values in Public Life. He's received numerous honors, including a National Caring Award, for his financial contributions to preserve the rainforest and improve life for underprivileged groups. This takes a bite out of profits, but Tom's goal is to make capitalism "accountable to its community, people, and environment." Always aware of higher ends, Tom knows there's more to business than the bottom line.
|