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 25 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 is also insurance licensed and serves clients in 35 states.

Tom served on the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and is presently serving as chair for the Washington Pavilion Board of Trustees. Tom is married to Kim Wadsworth, who serves as superintendent of the South Dakota School for the Deaf, and together they have three grown children.