Tom graduated from Augustana University with an undergraduate degree in business administration. He took additional coursework in accounting at Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah. Tom began his career in 1990 at Fidelity Investments, and for the past 27 years, has been at RBC Wealth Management in Sioux Falls serving as a financial advisor and also branch director. He has passed the Series 7, 9, 10, 63 and 65 security exams, and serves clients in over 40 states. Tom is also a member of the RBC Wealth Management Private Client Group President's Council.

Tom previously served on the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and currently is a board member and past chair for the Washington Pavilion Board of Trustees. Tom is married to Kim Wadsworth, who served as superintendent for the South Dakota School for the Deaf. Together they have three grown children.