What if your childhood filled with constant relocations could shape you into a successful entrepreneur? Join us as we chat with Tom Lewis, the President and Founder of TW Lewis Company, who shares his incredible journey from being a Navy brat to leading a thriving home-building business. Tom opens up about his early life, the challenges of moving frequently, and how his education in mechanical engineering and business laid the foundation for his career. He discusses the importance of gaining diverse experiences and the role continuous learning played in his success. Tom also touches on the rewarding work of his foundation, aimed at supporting children and families in need, and underlines the significance of vision, persistence, and giving back to the community.
In the second half of our conversation, Tom dives into valuable business insights and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. He recounts a significant failure in his Denver home-building business that taught him crucial lessons about market knowledge and risk management. Tom emphasizes the necessity of taking calculated risks and the importance of understanding one’s own limitations and talents. We also explore a broader perspective on personal legacy, purpose, and happiness, drawing inspiration from exceptional athletes and principles from his book “Solid Ground.” Learn about the impactful initiatives of the TW Lewis Foundation and how applying business principles can enhance nonprofit operations. Don’t miss out on Tom’s profound experiences and advice that could help shape your own path to success.
Episode Highlights
- Tom Lewis’s Entrepreneurial Journey: Tom Lewis, the President and Founder of TW Lewis Company, shares his remarkable journey from growing up as a Navy brat to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the home-building industry. He details the challenges and lessons learned from frequently moving during his childhood, his education in mechanical engineering, and his decision to pursue an MBA. Tom’s diverse experiences and relentless pursuit of knowledge were crucial in shaping his career and founding his own company.
- Lessons in Resilience and Risk Management: In a candid discussion about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, Tom reflects on a significant failure he experienced while running a home-building business in Denver. This failure taught him invaluable lessons about market knowledge and the importance of taking calculated risks. Tom emphasizes the need for resilience, learning from mistakes, and understanding one’s own strengths and limitations. He shares that his willingness to embrace new experiences and learn from failures set the foundation for his later success.
- Philanthropy and Building a Legacy: Tom Lewis talks about his dedication to philanthropy through the T.W. Lewis Foundation, which focuses on supporting children and families in need. He discusses the foundation’s mission, the importance of partnerships with nonprofits, and how business principles can be applied to enhance the effectiveness of charitable organizations. Tom highlights that his philanthropic efforts are a key part of his legacy, driven by a clear vision and commitment to making a positive impact.
- Insights on Purpose and Happiness: Drawing from his book “Solid Ground,” Tom explores themes of purpose, wisdom, meaning, and happiness. He shares his belief that happiness comes from loving others, being grateful, and living a moral life. Tom provides practical advice on how to find fulfillment both personally and professionally, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and continuous growth. He also reflects on the lessons learned from observing the dedication and hard work of exceptional athletes like LeBron James and Michael Jordan.
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Connect with Tom here:
Website: https://www.twlewis.com/philanthropy.php
Book: Solid Ground
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About Tom:
Tom Lewis is an award-winning businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 1991, T.W. Lewis Company is best known for its outstanding quality and customer service in the homebuilding industry. Among its numerous industry awards are the America’s Best Builder Award in 1998 and the National Housing Quality Gold Award in 2009. In 2013 Tom received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Professional Builder Magazine and the National Housing Quality Award Committee and was named the first inductee into the National Housing Quality Hall of Fame. In 2000, Tom and his wife, Jan, formed T.W. Lewis Foundation that supports higher education, children and families in need, youth education and a variety of other local and national non-profits. T.W. Lewis Foundation has provided over 200 college scholarships to outstanding students to attend some of America’s best universities. In 2015, Tom and Jan founded the Lewis Honors College at the University of Kentucky. In 2020, Tom published Solid Ground – A Foundation for Winning in Work and Life. This award-winning book shatters the popular myths in today’s culture about how to create a successful life and career. Solid Ground addresses and explains the real principles and habits that lead to both success and happiness. Tom received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a former Chairman of the Arizona Chapter of Young President’s Organization and is currently engaged in a wide range of local and national philanthropy through T.W. Lewis Foundation. Tom and Jan live in Paradise Valley, Arizona and have three adult sons and five grandchildren.
