Tom Matthesen (Fin'85)
President/Director at Thrive Farmers International
Why did you decide to come to Leeds?
As a Denver native, the University of Colorado Boulder was always towards the top of my list. Seeing both of my brothers attended Ƶ, I knew it was a special place. While I gave strong consideration to various schools in California, they simply could not match what Ƶ offered—an elite business school surrounded by a beautiful campus offering ample opportunities for social growth.
Any particular professors or mentors that influenced you while you were at Leeds?
Dr. Bowen was one of my favorite professors at Leeds. He stands out because he not only gave great insight on the curriculum, but he spent time educating on us “real world” issues and best practices. For example, in the final class of the semester, he took the time to teach us about how to behave in the working world, including what to wear, how to speak and how to manage your peer group. This has always stuck with me.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
Upon graduation from Leeds, I started my career by moving to Atlanta where I have lived since graduation. I began working for SunTrust Bank and then moved on to GE Capital and others where I held several executive positions. Along the way, I got to serve as a turnaround agent, fixing broken divisions and ultimately selling them off to other large companies. After one particular sale, I made the decision to start my own finance company that finally threw me into my true passion of entrepreneurship. I had the opportunity to help write the business plan, raise capital and devise a strategy for what became I served as Chairman of the Board for the first three years and then came on full-time to run the company as President two years ago. In the course of my career, I have had the privilege of serving on corporate boards and have also spent a lot of my time serving in the non-profit arena, including Georgia State University, Robinson School of Business. I also served as Chairman of a private school for 7 years helping transform the school from a struggling organization to a growing, profitable school with a brand new campus. My biggest achievement, though, is being a husband of 32 years to my wife Rhonda (Poli Sci ’85) and a father to three amazing kids (27, 24, 20).
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
Carve your own path. Don’t let the existing path or circumstances define where you are going, who you are or who you want to be.
We hear you and your wife met at Ƶ Boulder. Tell us the story!
My wife and I met in Kittredge Commons on our first day on campus as new freshman! Her parents had just dropped her off after having driven across the country from South Carolina and I was checking out the sites of Kittredge with my roommate and best friend from high school. I noticed a beautiful girl sitting by the pond and after taking three loops around the pond, I finally mustered the courage to say hello. We talked for a long time and I asked her if we could eat together in the dining hall. That night, we watched a movie on the lawn outside her dorm, which I guess counts as our official first date! We have been together since that first meeting over 36 years ago. We had the pleasure of experiencing Ƶ together all four years and got married right after graduation in 1985. We treasured our time at Ƶ and we loved showing our kids the spot where we met all those years ago. Ƶ is forever in our hearts!
To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be in an upcoming alumni newsletter, email LeedsSuccess@colorado.edu.
February 2018