Meet Our Founder
Tom Schmidt: Your Ally In Battle
When you meet Tom, you’re meeting a leader shaped by a crucible of personal challenge, by numerous individual & team achievements, and driven by a passion for helping others succeed.
In the very beginning, Tom’s character was shaped by the U.S. Army and, in particular, by a course he took @ the Infantry Pathfinder school, 1st Cavalry Division. Hence, the name. This was a grueling experience that branded on Tom the vision, courage and confidence he brings to Pathfinder Advisory today. That same foundation fueled a highly successful 30-year career in the staffing industry, where he rose from a local technical recruiter in the mid 1990s to a global sales leader and North American brand leader, with enviable opportunities to elevate iconic brands @ ManpowerGroup, Volt Information Sciences & Recruit Holdings.
From managing P&Ls of almost $500 million, to something as simple as holding a security clearance as the FSO for MPG, Tom’s learned so much in his career. His US and global experience spans 4 continents, supporting every major industry, and it is this experience that he offers to every great organization looking to move to What’s Next. Having personally walked the halls of over 20% of the Fortune 1000, and supported or led sales engagements in another ~5000 companies of all sizes, Tom doesn’t just understand business—he knows what makes it tick, from the way they buy to the art and science of value.
For Tom, founding Pathfinder Advisory was a natural next step—a chance to channel his earned expertise into a humble proposal to guide business leaders, in staffing or otherwise, through their toughest battles. That is his offer to you.
On a personal note, Tom’s business success has always been strengthened by his personal blessings, formed in the fire of great necessity and fueled by his inspiring family obligations. These priceless gifts now includes 5 kind, smart and hard working kids (now grown), and 3 beautiful grandkids – so far (Camila, Sofia, and Judah). In addition to family and business, Tom loves fishing, shooting, golf, movies, books on philosophy/faith, the Washington Redskins (yep, I said it), and the Baltimore Orioles.
