Age: 38
Occupation: President, Thompson Truck & Trailers
What was your first job?
I worked the cash register at the Jacks department store on 16th Avenue.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
To treat employees like the make a difference and they will. Also, if you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
What do you consider your greatest professional achievement(s)?
Becoming an ATD Dealer candidate graduate, International Truck Parts Advisory board co-chair, International Truck Dealer Council member and an International Truck Service Advisory board member.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you?Outside of work I am not the dress clothes type of person. I like to put my work clothes on and get my hands dirty. I grew up as a mechanic and still enjoy doing mechanical work today.
What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
How important math is in life! it is used every day and something I didn’t focus on enough in school.
How do you ensure a balance between work and your personal life?
I try to find things that take my mind off work and completely on something else. I am working on realizing what email, for example, is important at night and what can wait until the next day.
What is the biggest issue facing the Corridor?
The shortage of skilled trade labor. Technicians, plumbers, electricians, etc. are hard employees to come by and you can make amazing money! Most companies in the Corridor, including us, will pay for training and schooling while you are earning a paycheck.
What do you want to accomplish by the time you are 50?
I want to be much further along on or complete the purchase of the business from my dad.
Who are your local mentors?
My dad, Dennis Thompson, and Steve Lounsberry, president of Katalyst Systems Impact.
