 If diversified business experience and leadership qualities are desirable attributes of an impactful SCORE mentor, Tom Drouin offers a wealth of both to his clients and the Fox Valley chapter. Leadership came to Tom at an early age. Born in Scranton, PA, Tom grew up near Springfield, MA and by age 12 was pursuing the necessary credentials for recognition as an Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America, the highest attainable rank of the BSA. An Eagle Scout must successfully earn 21 merit badges, demonstrate troop leadership, head a community service project, all with a commitment to duty. Tom continued as an active Scout for nearly 50 years, highlighted by his two sons attaining Eagle Scout status as well during their teens under his tutelage. Tom was awarded a degree from Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Secondary Education with a minor in History. In December, 1969 Tom drew #5 in the first Military Selective Service draft, and shortly thereafter enrolled in an OCS program of the U.S. Army. After Personnel Management School, Tom had the fascinating experience of serving as an administrative aide reporting to senior Army brass on sensitive military base evaluations. Leaving the military in 1972, Tom was visiting his parents in Montreal when he met his future wife Kathleen on a blind date. That night, after their initial date, Kathleen told herself that she had met the boy she was going to marry. Their union is now in its 42nd year. After marriage, Tom and Kathleen resided in Montreal, and Tom started his business/sales career with Domtar traveling the U.S. as his sales territory. After 6 years in Montreal, Tom joined Boise Cascade and relocated to Portland, OR. Shortly after the move, a union labor strike shook the company, and salaried personnel took over all front and back room operations and running the paper mills to keep the company in business. Tom looks back on that experience as an important phase in his development as a decision maker and leader within the company. Tom went on to serve 32 years with Boise Cascade in a variety of increasingly challenging and responsible Sales, Marketing, Business Leadership and Product Development positions. His last 10 years or so, Boise Cascade asked Tom to head up development of "non-core" products and businesses, identifying new market opportunities and launching new businesses, allowing him to develop entrepreneurial skills he generously shares today with his SCORE clients. Link to remainder of profile: Tom Drouin Profile Additional Info |
