It took one man to tell me when I was around 16 years old, “there’s something so good about you TJ, you’re going to do amazing things.” Until then, I’d never heard anyone tell me I was good. I’d never heard any man tell me I could be special.
I grew up in South Alabama, a simple country boy with big dreams. My Dad was a drug addict, alcoholic, abusive person who I learned to forgive and I learned to love. But I was given no chance to make it in this world.
Tommy’s journey is one of overcoming the odds to achieve tremendous success. At a young age, he realized that taking ownership of his circumstances could be achieved through education. While juggling two jobs to help his single mother pay the power bill, Tommy earned a scholarship to Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). There, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Finance and a minor in Psychology.
Years later, Tommy returned to AUM to experience a full-circle moment. In 2017, he was named “Business Alumni of the Year”, and the following year, he was honored as one of AUM’s “Top 50 Most Influential Alumni.”
These accolades were the result of a career in wealth management spanning decades. Recognized as a top financial advisor, Tommy consistently ranked among the Top 1,000 Financial Advisors in the U.S. by Barron’s and Forbes. In 2013, he was named #1 in the State of Alabama by Barron’s Top 100.
With over 30 years of experience helping clients plan for their financial goals, Tommy’s passion for helping others has remained a constant. His ability to connect deeply with people—drawing from his own life experiences—has allowed him to mentor and empower individuals across the nation, from student-athletes to high-level business leaders.
“Now I look up and I’m out of the world I came from, it’d be selfish for me to say too bad for you guys that are still in it.
I have a heart to go back in and say: there’s a way out!”
Tommy’s commitment to helping others started on the football field. Hesitant to take on the role of youth football coach for the Cahaba Heights Knights in Birmingham, Alabama, Tommy decided to give it a shot. At one practice session, a child said, “Don’t expect much from us, mister, because we’re a bunch of losers.” That moment was pivotal. Tommy knew his life principles could transform these kids—and they did. His team went on to win three consecutive Alabama State Championships.
Tommy later transitioned to high school football, where he coached for seven years and won three state championships with Briarwood Christian High School. Building on his success in coaching, he founded “The Knights”, a youth mentorship program in 1998 that trained and guided over 100 athletes. Many went on to excel in college and professional sports. Among his proudest moments were seeing two of his Knights face off in the 2009 Super Bowl and another achieve a career-high ranking of World No. 11 in Women’s Tennis Doubles.
Tommy’s journey also ventured into music. In 2010, he founded First Note Entertainment (FNE), a multi-genre record label that achieved over 175 consecutive sold-out shows and launched artists into the Billboard Top 20. Songs from FNE have been featured on The Today Show, World of Dance, American Idol, The Voice, Grey’s Anatomy, and other popular TV shows.
So far, Tommy’s journey has taken him through many unique chapters—but none as important as this one: helping others find their true potential. Whether through keynote speeches, mentorship, or transformative programs, Tommy is dedicated to changing lives with principles and processes that he has lived and continues to teach.
“What I teach got me to where I am today versus leaving me where I was yesterday. I got out. It’s a philosophy, it’s ‘a way’ but not ‘the only way’.
It’s a 30 day process of simple steps and life principles and how you perceive it is what you’ll receive out of it.
Now I’ve left Wall Street to spend more time going out to coach, motivate, teach and inspire others.”
Today, Tommy regularly speaks to businesses, schools, churches, and organizations across the country. His bold, heartfelt insights and life principles empower individuals and teams to unlock their full potential, sparking growth, leadership, and lasting transformation.
