Tom grew up in a port city in New Brunswick, Canada, where he developed a love for the outdoors, especially water sports like snorkeling, boating, and fishing. After earning his education he worked as a high school science teacher and Pathfinder Director in Toronto before moving to Tanzania to teach Agriculture and manage a farm at Parane Secondary School. He returned to Canada to take a position as Treasurer of the Newfoundland SDA Conference while also working as the Educational Director and MV Director. After another professorship at the University of Eastern Africa, Tom settled down at Andrews University's Agriculture department where he currently serves as chair, professor, and farm manager.